On the agenda

1. 1Call to Order - Roll Call▶ 0:00
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   ↳You arrived here from a search for “Mobilize Reinvestment” — transcript expanded below

   Strategic Planning Session

   discussed

   City Manager Debbie Manz led a strategic planning session reviewing the status of the City's eight strategic priorities adopted in 2016 and updated in 2017. Discussion covered mobilizing reinvestment, increasing property tax revenue, annexation, residential housing programs, CDBG funding shifts from county to state, problem motels on US-19, and marketing the city. No formal votes were taken; council provided direction to staff on priorities including aggressive enforcement against extended-stay motels and exploring outside marketing firms.

   • direction:Council directed staff to add community-engagement programs (e.g., Paint Your Heart Out style) under the 'develop a community mindset' strategy. (none)
   • direction:Council directed staff to develop an aggressive plan with the city attorney to address extended-stay motels on US-19, including chronic nuisance ordinance enforcement. (none)
   • direction:Council expressed support for applying directly to the state for CDBG funds rather than continuing as a county sub-recipient, with in-house staff administering the program. (none)

   📍Bellevue and 19📍Isher Lane and Van Doren📍Marine Parkway and Grand Boulevard📍Marine Parkway and U.S. Highway 19📍School Drive🏢Hacienda🏢International Association of Shopping Centers🏢Rasmussen Hotel🏢Royal Palm Inn🏢Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation🏢Travel Inn🏢Urban Land Institute👤Brian👤Chief Bogart👤Debbie Manz👤Elaine Smith👤George Romanoski👤Mario👤Mr. Biles👤Mr. Gibbs👤Mr. Iazzoni👤Mrs. Fierce#Business Appreciation Event (April 17)#Chronic Nuisance Ordinance#Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)#Davis-Bacon#Leadership Pasco#Main Street Landings Project#Mobilize Reinvestment#Operation Clean Sheets#Paint Your Heart Out program#Pasco County annexation#Recreation and Aquatic Center#Residential Rental Inspection Program#SIMS Park Improvement Project (Orange Lake Project)#Strategic Plan#VA Outpatient Facility project

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   [00:00:21] The first and only item on our agenda is the strategic planning session. [00:00:25] Ms. Manz, take it away. [00:00:26] Thank you, Mr. Mayor. [00:00:28] The strategic plan is the tool that we rely on so that we can continue to be relevant [00:00:38] and responsive to the needs of the community and it contributes to the organizational stability [00:00:44] and growth. [00:00:48] From a governance perspective, the strategic plan is important because it allows the City [00:00:54] Council to set the goals and the objectives, to guide the organization, and it also provides [00:01:01] clear direction to the City Manager and to the Department Heads for program implementation [00:01:08] and management. [00:01:10] And I'm hoping this goes forward. [00:01:12] No? [00:01:13] Yes. [00:01:14] Bingo. [00:01:15] Thanks, Brian, for being my backup. [00:01:19] The process of strategic planning is never the same in any place, but its protocols are [00:01:28] very similar and the process consists of looking at the current internal and external environment, [00:01:38] formulating organizational objectives and goals, and developing action items by which [00:01:43] to implement and evaluate the strategic plan. [00:01:47] As you can see from the brief history that I've provided on the slide, it was started [00:01:54] in June of 2016 to develop a strategic plan for the City. [00:02:01] It was updated a year later. [00:02:05] It's now time to verify the appropriateness of the plan contents as well as the value [00:02:14] and feasibility perspectives of it so that we're prepared in respect to the onset of [00:02:22] the budget session to know where your funding priorities lie. [00:02:31] In terms of how we're updating the strategic plan, there were three elements that I thought [00:02:37] were important to reflect upon. [00:02:41] The first is appropriateness, and that begs the question, is the strategy still consistent [00:02:47] with the organizational mission, values and operating principles, value, will the action [00:02:55] items contribute to meeting agreed-upon goals, and then lastly, feasibility. [00:03:01] Are the goals practical given our personnel and financial resources? [00:03:10] This is kind of hard to read for me. [00:03:17] She itemizes the eight strategies that you identified as important to the City when we [00:03:26] first sat down. [00:03:29] Is there any way to make that bigger? [00:03:31] No? [00:03:32] Okay, that's all right. [00:03:34] The eight strategies were mobilize reinvestment, increase real property tax revenue, develop [00:03:43] a community mindset, improve the image of the City, develop partnerships, communicate [00:03:49] effectively, continue community policing improvements, and also invest in infrastructure. [00:03:59] What I have done since the time that these were originally adopted is we've created a [00:04:06] bit of an Excel spreadsheet and that was attached to your agenda item, which identifies by color [00:04:18] the status of implementation of the various action items. [00:04:29] Green means, in short, you're either completed or on target for completion and we do not [00:04:35] see any major challenges to completion. [00:04:39] Yellow means that we've got some concerns regarding completing our target based on challenges, [00:04:45] barriers, or outside influences. [00:04:50] And red means that we're stopped, we're not likely to be completed, there are major challenges [00:04:55] to completion that are not expected to be overcome. [00:05:02] And we'll start with mobilize investment, reinvestment, which was the first one of the [00:05:15] strategies that you originally identified and what you meant, as I recall from when [00:05:21] we talked about mobilizing reinvestment, was to play an active role in the mobilization [00:05:28] of reinvestment on the part of private property owners. [00:05:32] We talked about identifying key projects, facilitate permitting process to enable investment, [00:05:39] and partner to catalyze investment. [00:05:44] There are some areas where we have already implemented our key projects and there are [00:05:57] some that are in process and there's one which is no longer a goal of the city. [00:06:09] Where there have been significant milestones achieved include the Hacienda, the first phase [00:06:15] of the parking study, improvements to the Recreation and Aquatic Center, phase two of [00:06:22] SIMS, Park Improvement Project, which is the Orange Lake Project, and the Main Street Landings [00:06:29] Project. [00:06:31] Not yet included in the CIP, but something that you've identified as a key project is [00:06:37] the pedestrian overpass at Marine Parkway and U.S. Highway 19, which we consider to [00:06:44] be an in-process project. [00:06:48] The privately driven and yet city-sponsored project that is identified in red is the VA [00:06:58] project and that relates to the land assembly at Marine Parkway and Grand Boulevard. [00:07:06] The city has been advised in writing that we are no longer in the running to house the [00:07:12] outpatient facility for the VA. [00:07:16] We have now moved on to start to strategize on a new direction for the redevelopment of [00:07:22] that brownfield property. [00:07:25] Maximized development of vacant lots in the downtown area is yellow. [00:07:31] The HACI, I'm sorry, pardon me, in terms of facilitating the permitting process, we [00:07:39] have reviewed our internal processes for improvement. [00:07:44] We have developed written reference tools to assist property owners through the permitting [00:07:48] process, although they are only in draft stage at this point. [00:07:55] And although we haven't hired someone to serve as an ombudsman for the city to usher developers [00:08:05] and property owners through the required permitting process, we do engage quite fully, Mrs. Fierce, [00:08:14] Mr. Iazzoni, and myself in helping people through the process. [00:08:21] In terms of partnering to catalyze development, we do actively seek development partners and [00:08:28] focus beyond the downtown area. [00:08:31] We are devoting greater attention to current business community and maintaining communication [00:08:36] channels with other levels of government. [00:08:40] In that respect, we have joined the International Association of Shopping Centers and Mario [00:08:48] and I will be attending an upcoming meeting in which we hope to recruit some retailers [00:08:53] to the city. [00:08:55] We are working with the Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation. [00:09:00] We are conducting a business appreciation event, and I think the invitations went out [00:09:04] today or tomorrow morning. [00:09:07] And we do conduct regular meetings with governmental officials at the county and state levels. [00:09:14] When is that event? [00:09:17] The event is April 17th, I believe, and it has been determined based on some input from [00:09:27] some of the downtown property owners that it would be more appropriate to conduct a [00:09:32] breakfast meeting rather than a lunch meeting since many of them have commitments to their [00:09:37] retail establishments at lunch. [00:09:41] And so we've rescheduled that to occur at 8 o'clock in the morning at the Recreation [00:09:46] and Aquatic Center. [00:09:50] We're hoping 8 to 9.30. [00:09:54] And that's what we're planning for. [00:09:56] And we have a guest that will have a short presentation at the luncheon. [00:10:02] Breakfast. [00:10:03] At the breakfast. [00:10:04] Mr. Gibbs? [00:10:05] No. [00:10:06] At the breakfast. [00:10:07] Oh, thank you. [00:10:08] At the breakfast. [00:10:09] At the breakfast. [00:10:14] The next slide that I have for you hones in on the... [00:10:22] Did I go too far? [00:10:23] Let me see. [00:10:24] I can't read anything. [00:10:25] Yeah, that's it. [00:10:26] Yes, increased real property tax revenue, and this relates to both the residential and [00:10:38] the commercial properties in the city. [00:10:42] And once the strategy was put in place, the objectives that were identified were to expand [00:10:48] the tax base, increase taxable value of residential properties, and increase taxable value of [00:10:56] commercial properties. [00:11:03] In terms of expanding the tax base, we are in the first stage of an annexation assessment [00:11:12] and strategy analysis. [00:11:15] We will be prepared after a recommendation is advanced to the city council to articulate [00:11:22] fully the value of annexation as well as to enter into mutual consent with Pasco County [00:11:29] as is appropriate on the annexing of the enclaves in the city and other areas which [00:11:41] either even out the boundaries of the city or include commercial properties on U.S. 19 [00:11:49] that are currently considered within the city boundaries. [00:11:55] In terms of increasing taxable value of residential properties, our plan is to upgrade the residential [00:12:04] housing stock by implementing programs to support citizens and neighborhoods. [00:12:09] In that respect, we just worked with the Urban Land Institute to perform a residential needs [00:12:17] assessment, and we are expecting to have the conclusion of their findings presented [00:12:25] to us within the next two weeks. [00:12:30] The other item that was identified as an action item is to implement the residential rental [00:12:37] inspection program with the transference of that program into the fire department. [00:12:44] We have made up for much speed. [00:12:46] We are now inspecting rental properties one time per year. [00:12:52] In process is assessing existing housing programs and inspection services to identify strengths [00:12:59] and gaps in coverage, establish an infill housing program, which we have started as [00:13:07] we lien properties for amounts of indebtedness to the city. [00:13:12] We have started to foreclose on the lien indebtedness so that at some point we will [00:13:19] have properties by which to develop. [00:13:23] Our plan is additionally to implement a neighborhood reinvestment program. [00:13:27] Can the county help us with that? [00:13:34] That's an interesting question. [00:13:36] And I'm going to say that. [00:13:37] Go ahead. [00:13:38] You did those houses, George Romanoski did those houses on School Drive. [00:13:41] He did. [00:13:45] And there are some, let me go back. [00:13:51] The funding that George Romanoski relied on to advance those projects was community development [00:13:59] block grant funds. [00:14:01] The city is not in a particularly good position as it relates to the receipt of community [00:14:08] development block grant funds from the county. [00:14:12] And the reason for that is because of the way the funding formula is calculated by the [00:14:21] county. [00:14:22] What I've recommended to you is that when our current agreement lapses with the county [00:14:31] as a sub-recipient, that we apply directly to the state for funding of community development [00:14:39] block grant projects. [00:14:41] And that puts us in a much better position than we are with the county because they look [00:14:47] at factors such as the age of our housing stock, the demographics of our residents, [00:14:55] and we would be considered very favorably by them. [00:15:00] in terms of an appropriation by which to work on, [00:15:04] to implement projects like Romanoli did. [00:15:09] We have one year left in the program. [00:15:13] It's the federal fiscal year. [00:15:15] So, first, it's October? [00:15:18] Right. [00:15:18] And typically... [00:15:20] It would come along with our budget then. [00:15:23] Yes. [00:15:23] 18 or 19? [00:15:24] 19. [00:15:25] So basically a year and a half then. [00:15:27] But we receive approximately $185,000 [00:15:34] from the county annually by which to implement [00:15:38] eligible community development block grant projects. [00:15:42] And it's likely we will receive between $400,000 [00:15:47] and $600,000 annually by applying to the state. [00:15:51] How difficult is that gonna be to get approved [00:15:54] going directly to the state? [00:15:56] Is it... [00:15:57] There are other cities in the area that do it. [00:16:00] Dade City does it. [00:16:02] The most difficult part is not getting the money. [00:16:05] It's administering the projects. [00:16:09] The management's difficult [00:16:11] because all of the federal requirements [00:16:14] of using federal dollars are, of course, attached to it. [00:16:19] So you have to follow Davis-Bowman and... [00:16:20] So we're ready to do that properly, though? [00:16:22] We are. [00:16:23] And then what's the county gonna think about us [00:16:24] bypassing them going directly to the state? [00:16:26] Have you had any talks with Mr. Biles or anything about it? [00:16:28] We have spoke to Mr. Biles about it [00:16:30] and he understands the city's position and isn't... [00:16:35] The county may not get exactly what they currently receive [00:16:42] but it shouldn't be a huge difference [00:16:45] in the amount that their funding appropriation [00:16:49] will be reduced. [00:16:51] Would there be additional staff [00:16:52] to put this program together? [00:16:55] We would need a staff person to administer the program, yes. [00:17:01] Would it behoove us to contract with the county [00:17:06] since they're already doing it? [00:17:11] I don't know. [00:17:14] I know that their current staff [00:17:16] couldn't take on the scale of the project [00:17:21] that we would have. [00:17:22] It just seemed like they already have that in motion. [00:17:25] And we feel like we're gonna shortfall [00:17:27] the way they're handling it right now. [00:17:28] So based on that, I would prefer, personally, [00:17:31] to have our own in-staff person doing it. [00:17:33] If we're gonna bypass the county [00:17:33] and go straight to the state, [00:17:35] I don't really personally see the need [00:17:36] to use the county staff to help us [00:17:39] when we're bypassing them to get more funding. [00:17:41] I'd rather have somebody in-house here, personally. [00:17:43] I just, you know, look at both sides [00:17:45] before I make a decision. [00:17:46] And there's been a lot of recent change [00:17:50] in the county staff, also, as a result of the fact [00:17:55] that Mr. Romanoli has resigned from the county. [00:18:00] And I don't know, I don't have a relationship currently [00:18:06] with the new director. [00:18:08] So I'm uncertain as to his areas of specialty. [00:18:14] Ms. Vance, if I could just interject. [00:18:15] And I appreciate that we're going over this, [00:18:17] and I'm having some thoughts, processes, [00:18:20] processing that's coming out. [00:18:21] Okay. [00:18:22] So you were, what we're talking about right now [00:18:24] is the upgrading the residential housing stock [00:18:26] by implementing programs to support citizens [00:18:29] and neighborhoods. [00:18:29] I think that was where we were kind of. [00:18:30] Yes. [00:18:31] So we are also looking to facilitate [00:18:34] permitting process to enable investments [00:18:37] and continue to provide consultation, [00:18:40] assistance to property owners [00:18:41] desiring to make improvements. [00:18:43] And also looking to implement a residential, [00:18:49] excuse me, rental inspection program. [00:18:52] One of the other things on the other page [00:18:54] was talking about establishing a, [00:19:03] you know, working with our community. [00:19:05] And so I think that in addition to everything [00:19:08] that we just discussed, to tie in with our community, [00:19:13] helping them to create that sense of self [00:19:18] and the sense that they belong to the community, et cetera. [00:19:22] There were several programs many years ago [00:19:25] that the county participated, [00:19:27] I mean, that the city participated in. [00:19:29] And actually somebody mentioned something [00:19:31] in social media recently. [00:19:33] I don't know what the current thing is, [00:19:38] but it was called Paint Your Heart Out. [00:19:39] And I think that Elaine Smith was part of that program. [00:19:43] I know my husband was part of the program too. [00:19:45] And it really connected the community, [00:19:49] especially with, I don't remember if it was Rotary Clubs [00:19:53] or if it was Leadership Pasco. [00:19:54] I'm not sure who the driving force was on that. [00:19:56] Because the Seven Springs was involved in it. [00:20:01] Yeah, yeah. [00:20:02] And that really made some incredible improvements [00:20:05] in our community. [00:20:07] Connecting the citizens to the city, pride of ownership. [00:20:11] It ties in now that we have [00:20:13] our residential grant program as well. [00:20:17] So I think that kind of putting all those pieces together. [00:20:20] So not just relying on county or state or federal, [00:20:23] but creating some kind of bootstrap or groundswell. [00:20:28] Okay, I'm understanding the point that you're making. [00:20:31] And I'll add that to action items [00:20:35] under develop a community mindset. [00:20:39] I hope I'm not getting too far ahead. [00:20:41] But just two things I'd like to point out regarding this. [00:20:42] We've done a good job, I think, [00:20:44] on implementing a lot of our ideas. [00:20:47] This ties into increased real property tax revenue, [00:20:49] both residential and commercial. [00:20:52] It's addressed here, but I know we've taken strides. [00:20:55] But I think we need a better plan. [00:20:57] And I'm not sure what that plan is. [00:20:59] But addressed efficient standards of motels, [00:21:02] used car dealerships along US 19. [00:21:05] We still have a serious, serious, serious issue. [00:21:07] We're not gonna clean up 19 [00:21:09] until we address these extended stay motels. [00:21:12] That's my opinion. [00:21:12] I've been very outspoken about that since I've been up here. [00:21:16] I really would like to sit down or have staff sit down, [00:21:20] sit down with our attorney, [00:21:21] figure out an aggressive plan to go after these motels. [00:21:25] I mean, when we had two murder suspects [00:21:28] arrested in two of our motels within our city limits [00:21:31] after they committed a capital murder, [00:21:33] to me, that's very alarming. [00:21:35] And that happened the roadway in, [00:21:37] and I think the Royal Palm Inn, I wanna say is the other one. [00:21:39] I'm not sure, so don't quote me on that. [00:21:40] But I remember it was two of our hotels. [00:21:43] So that leads me to believe [00:21:44] that there's some really, really bad people out there [00:21:46] that have contacts with people [00:21:48] that are staying at these motels [00:21:50] and feel safe going there [00:21:51] after they've committed huge crimes. [00:21:52] We had a murder at the Rasmussen Hotel [00:21:55] that still has yet to be solved. [00:21:58] A resident that's not in the city limits, [00:22:00] but that lives in the condos along Marine Parkway [00:22:06] behind the Rasmussen Hotel [00:22:08] has seen my name in the paper regarding Van Buren, [00:22:11] or Van Doren and Van Buren. [00:22:12] What is it, is that the right? [00:22:14] Isher Lane. [00:22:15] Isher Lane and Van, sorry, and Van Doren. [00:22:18] Reached out to me and she brought this to my attention. [00:22:20] I called Ms. Manns. [00:22:21] Our police department went to the Rasmussen Hotel [00:22:23] 30 times in October. [00:22:25] Ms. Manns looked it up. [00:22:27] That was accurate. [00:22:28] So that makes me question, [00:22:29] where is our chronic nuisance ordinance? [00:22:31] Why are we not implementing that? [00:22:32] I know we've had some staff issues at the police department [00:22:36] and I'm not pointing all the blame at just them, [00:22:38] but we passed these ordinances. [00:22:41] It worked for the travel in, [00:22:43] or the, I'm getting these motels, [00:22:45] is that it, travel in at Bellevue in 19? [00:22:47] We were able to shut that down for six months [00:22:49] and it's still not a place I would let anybody [00:22:51] that I know stay based on what I see [00:22:54] outside on a regular basis, [00:22:56] but it's a lot better than it used to be. [00:22:57] Chief and I pulled up there in the undercover. [00:22:59] Remember when there was six prostitutes [00:23:00] outside the outbuilding that came right up to us [00:23:03] right after you started your job and I got elected [00:23:05] and it was just mind boggling. [00:23:07] It's like 30 yards from my front door, [00:23:10] but we still have a serious, serious issue [00:23:12] and I just really think we need to sit down, [00:23:16] come up with a plan, [00:23:17] see what other cities have done around the state [00:23:19] to combat these extended stay motels [00:23:21] because everything around them, [00:23:23] it brings the property values down. [00:23:25] It really does. [00:23:26] They did a real nice job on that, [00:23:28] was the old paint place out on 19. [00:23:32] They've dressed up the front of it, [00:23:33] but why would you go there and take your business there? [00:23:35] Yeah, absolutely. [00:23:36] We're so close to all these other things [00:23:38] and Operation Clean Sheets was a great step [00:23:42] in the right direction. [00:23:43] It really opened up your eyes [00:23:44] as to what these motels are like, [00:23:47] the people that are staying there. [00:23:48] Unfortunately, there's families that are down on their luck [00:23:51] and it's more of a social issue [00:23:56] as far as them not being able to... [00:23:59] This man's met with families [00:24:00] that were paying $1,000 a month to stay in these motels [00:24:03] and they have kids and they're like, [00:24:05] why in the world would you pay $1,000 a month [00:24:07] to stay in this motel? [00:24:08] Cable's included. [00:24:09] There's no first and last month's deposit. [00:24:11] There's no security deposit. [00:24:12] Mom or dad may have a felony on their record, [00:24:14] can't find another place to rent from [00:24:17] and it's a horrible, vicious cycle [00:24:19] because we have families with kids living in these motels [00:24:22] next to drug dealers and prostitutes. [00:24:23] The police chief, Chief Bogart's seen it. [00:24:26] Ms. Manza's seen it. [00:24:27] And what chance are we giving these kids [00:24:29] growing up in that environment? [00:24:30] There has to be a way for us to work with other resources [00:24:34] to get families like that out of these motels [00:24:36] and go after the owners of these motels [00:24:38] that are just turning a blind eye and collecting rent [00:24:41] and have no regard for the community at all whatsoever. [00:24:43] Operation Clean Sheets, once again, [00:24:45] was a really, really positive step in the right direction [00:24:47] but I just really think we need to be more aggressive [00:24:50] and meet with our legal counsel [00:24:52] and see what options we have [00:24:54] because they attract crime, they attract criminals [00:24:59] and they bring the property values down [00:25:00] to the surrounding businesses [00:25:02] and I just don't see us cleaning up our stretch of 19 [00:25:06] while we have these businesses in operation [00:25:08] the way they're currently operating. [00:25:10] That's number one. [00:25:12] And then it's touched on here [00:25:14] and I know a lot of the candidates for city council [00:25:17] have brought this up [00:25:18] but the more and more I've been thinking about [00:25:20] over the last few months [00:25:21] and seeing the positive changes [00:25:25] we've been able to implement in our city, [00:25:28] it says, this is under the commercial properties [00:25:31] but produce a marketing package. [00:25:33] I've had a conversation with Ms. Manns. [00:25:35] I really think we need to consider budgeting [00:25:38] a pretty good chunk of money [00:25:40] to an outside marketing company to market our city better [00:25:43] and I hear over and over again, [00:25:45] I didn't know you guys had that, [00:25:46] I didn't know that was happening [00:25:48] and not just to just surrounding areas, [00:25:49] Trinity and places, maybe outside the state, [00:25:52] maybe the people moving here from the Northeast, [00:25:54] from New Jersey, from Michigan, [00:25:55] from Ohio, Northern states and Northeast states, [00:25:58] when they're looking for a place [00:25:59] and looking for a downtown atmosphere [00:26:01] that they've heard about us. [00:26:02] I don't know the best way to do that. [00:26:04] Marketing isn't my specialty [00:26:05] but I really, really think we need to look into budgeting [00:26:08] some serious money to market our city better [00:26:10] and help us differentiate the city of Newport Country [00:26:13] from all of West Pasco. [00:26:14] Not that we're not willing to work with all of West Pasco [00:26:18] but separate ourselves as a city from our city limits in [00:26:21] and market that and see what we can get done [00:26:24] because I just, I hear over at Leadership Pasco last year, [00:26:27] they're all here walking downtown. [00:26:28] Boy, I didn't know that. [00:26:29] I didn't know this was happening. [00:26:30] I didn't know you built a beef up right here. [00:26:31] I didn't know Main Street was, you know. [00:26:33] I talked to people over and over again [00:26:35] and they just don't have no idea what's happening here [00:26:38] and you know, just having somebody, [00:26:40] one person in staff to do social media [00:26:42] is a good step in the right direction [00:26:44] but I really think we need to look into budgeting [00:26:47] to contract with a really, really experienced [00:26:49] marketing firm and come up with a game plan [00:26:51] to market our city better. [00:26:52] Those are the two big things that stick out to me [00:26:53] on this one. [00:26:54] Well, I've been talking marketing for a couple years now [00:26:57] and the only problem that I have [00:26:58] when you go to an outside firm is they come [00:27:01] and they sell you their wares. [00:27:02] You know, the big guys come, the big marketers [00:27:04] but after they sell you the wares [00:27:06] then some secretary to death starts doing it, you know. [00:27:10] And so you've got, you might have hired, [00:27:13] lack of a better number, a $100,000 person [00:27:16] but you're getting a $40,000 worker, you know. [00:27:18] And so, you know, I think us looking at a true marketer [00:27:21] and bringing that person in, [00:27:23] Bill used to call it communications, [00:27:25] I called it marketing but it's the same type of thing [00:27:27] and it needs to work with all departments [00:27:29] and I'm totally, you know, I've been asking for that. [00:27:32] If it's an in-house person, just so we all know [00:27:34] that's networked to more than just, you know, [00:27:36] running some ads in the Suncoast News, you know. [00:27:38] It needs to be someone with a tremendous amount [00:27:40] of experience and a game plan, in my opinion. [00:27:43] We really have an advantage because [00:27:46] we are a main street city and we belong to Visit Florida. [00:27:51] I just came from, I feel like I was on an odyssey trip [00:27:53] but coming through Tampa airport, you know, [00:27:58] what is on the doors of those people movers, [00:28:00] what are on the, you know, on their jumbotrons, [00:28:05] for lack of a better word. [00:28:07] The beaches of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. [00:28:10] They had another one that was just, you know, [00:28:12] just great looking pictures and one of them [00:28:15] was Ybor City and the cigar. [00:28:18] And I'm looking and I'm thinking, [00:28:20] any one of the pictures that we could produce for this, [00:28:23] people are looking for, you know, we don't have beaches [00:28:27] so we can't advertise that but what we do have [00:28:29] is we have a historic downtown. [00:28:31] We have a city that has a very rich history [00:28:33] that no one knows about and when you start talking [00:28:36] to people about it, they're excited [00:28:38] and they'll say similar things. [00:28:39] I didn't know that that was in Florida. [00:28:43] The tourist development money. [00:28:45] Go along with that money, that idea right there. [00:28:47] At the tourist development board meeting, [00:28:49] they ask me every month, just started with the new director [00:28:52] of speaking and this first month, of course, [00:28:54] I talked about Chasco. [00:28:56] This month I talk about ecotourism [00:28:59] and that's what we are, besides the historic downtown, [00:29:01] we're ecotourism. [00:29:03] You know, with the river and the gulf right there, [00:29:04] that's why you should be in this town. [00:29:06] You know, and so we're trying to develop that [00:29:09] and trying to develop the county [00:29:10] because the county is really different. [00:29:12] I say within five or seven miles of the gulf [00:29:15] and then the rest of the county goes another 30 miles. [00:29:18] So the only thing that we really do have [00:29:20] all the way across is ecotourism. [00:29:22] You know, as far as we have it on the east, [00:29:24] we have it in the central and then the west. [00:29:26] Well, the point I was making is all of those advertising [00:29:30] had the logo of Visit Florida and I was sitting there [00:29:32] thinking there is absolutely no reason [00:29:34] why we cannot participate in that. [00:29:36] I know there's funding for out-of-county advertising. [00:29:39] This is clearly out-of-county advertising [00:29:41] and it's Tampa Bay. [00:29:42] And I gotta tell you, you know, [00:29:44] people think that people don't have money. [00:29:46] I mean, I cannot tell you. [00:29:49] There are people traveling by the millions [00:29:52] and are coming through our next door, [00:29:56] right at Tampa Airport. [00:29:57] And so we need to, we really need to, [00:30:00] plunge into that. And as I said, between Visit Florida and the tourist development money, [00:30:04] we should be able to have no problem with that. As a matter of fact, I took a phone [00:30:07] number of the people that were advertising the Tampa Bay Cigar, and I thought, I want [00:30:13] to connect with them and find out who, how, when. Because especially now that we're on [00:30:20] track with the Hacienda Hotel, and we have our theater, we've got it. It's nothing that [00:30:28] we have to invent. We have it. We just need to let people know that we have it. [00:30:32] Ms. Mance, if you could get us some options on doing that, both include the possibility [00:30:37] of bringing in an outside firm or finding somebody that would be appropriate to do the [00:30:44] marketing in-house. Yes, I'll do that, and I appreciate all of [00:30:49] your input, and I understand the direction. And if I may, just real quick, back to the [00:30:53] motels. I'm not trying to point a finger at our police department. They're our front [00:30:56] line, but I'm sure Chief Bogart would much rather have his officers patrolling our city [00:31:01] streets and our neighborhoods rather than going to these motels. So the problem is much [00:31:06] higher than just being able to police our way out of it, just like with Leisureland [00:31:10] and Van Doren. The resources we're using going to these run-down motels that are harboring [00:31:15] criminals, it's not Chief Bogart's job to shut the motel down, but we need to come up [00:31:20] with a game plan, once again, as a city, to make these people that own these motels understand [00:31:26] this is not okay. We're not okay with this anymore. We are going to put a stop to the [00:31:30] way you run your motel. We need to do it. Obviously, we need to have legal counsel make [00:31:34] sure we're doing everything within the confines of the law, but I just think we need to send [00:31:37] a very, very clear message to these motel owners that you're not going to be able to [00:31:41] operate and rent to people turning a blind eye, not doing any kind of background checks, [00:31:46] repeatedly running to people you know have caused problems. And I just want to clear [00:31:50] that up, that it's not the police department's fault by any means. Like I said, it's just [00:31:55] very wearing on our resources. It just has a very negative domino effect in the surrounding [00:32:01] area, and we have much more things, better things, in my opinion, our police officers [00:32:05] could be doing than going to the same motel over and over again. [00:32:08] But it hampers commercial growth. [00:32:10] Absolutely. I mean, who would want to open a business next to one of those? Not me. [00:32:15] And I think that it actually points to the idea, especially with the information that [00:32:21] we're receiving from the Sheriff's Department about human sex trafficking, it's a very nefarious, [00:32:27] there's no other word for it, that's taking place in these places. It's not just simple [00:32:33] stuff. I really do think it has very deep roots, and I agree with you, Jeff, we need [00:32:38] to root it out and get it taken care of, because this is far-reaching and has a tremendous [00:32:43] impact on the image of our city. [00:32:46] They're not motels, in my opinion. They are run-down apartments working under the umbrella [00:32:55] of calling themselves a motel. It's not a motel. We don't have people stopping by on [00:32:59] their way down south to stay at these places. These are extended-stay places where people [00:33:04] are living on a regular basis. [00:33:05] I think Metropolitan Ministries might be able to help with some, too, with those families. [00:33:10] I just personally, I'll say it one more time, I don't see us cleaning up the 19th Corridor [00:33:14] with them there. I just don't. [00:33:17] Agreed. [00:33:18] Next. [00:33:19] Okay, Mr. Mayor. We are still honing in on the strategy of increasing real property tax [00:33:26] revenue, and the objective that I haven't talked about yet is increasing taxable value [00:33:36] of commercial properties, and the Deputy Mayor has led his way into some of our goals, and [00:33:43] that is addressing the substandard businesses currently in operation. Without questions, [00:33:49] the motels are one of them, which is why we initiated the Operation Clean Sheet Program [00:33:57] with various departments of the city, but also, as the Deputy Mayor indicated, we have [00:34:02] tools that we're not currently employing in full force, and we need to make that a priority. [00:34:11] In respect to diversifying the business mix within the city, we believe we're on target, [00:34:16] and that's happening, and we also think that additional businesses are being recruited [00:34:26] to the city, and much of that is the result of some of the incentives and the many development [00:34:33] agreements and the recruitment strategy employed by our Economic Development Department. [00:34:39] Before you leave, one, just as a point, you also mentioned the used car dealerships, and [00:34:46] I know we have talked about it previously, and getting some control over how many million [00:34:53] cars they put on a quarter acre lot. [00:34:56] There are a number of conditions which we need to address as it relates to the presence [00:35:06] of the used car dealerships on U.S. 19, and I will make it a priority to get that ordinance [00:35:13] drafted. [00:35:14] And please, when we met with the county commissioners, they already have a plan, from what I understand, [00:35:20] for addressing used car dealerships in their jurisdiction of the U.S. 19 corridor. [00:35:24] Maybe we can work with them and look at their plan and see what they're doing, because a [00:35:28] dirt field with 100 cars on it, to me, is not a car dealership. [00:35:32] And no public parking, and no landscaping, and we have, at this point, looked at the [00:35:39] county model, and we do feel that some additional work might be warranted, so we will do that, [00:35:46] and I will bring it back to you for a reading. [00:35:49] We'll move on with that, Mr. Mayor. [00:35:53] To develop a community mindset, which really was an objective, or a strategy, pardon me, [00:36:04] set forth by you, talking about instilling pride in the community, and a community mindset [00:36:13] among our residents, and in that regard, we talked about clear messaging and roles and [00:36:22] contributions from community groups, and setting the tone for community pride by investing [00:36:29] in our own infrastructure and delivering high-quality customer service. [00:36:36] Some of the goals and action items are well underway. [00:36:45] We continue to publish the city newsletter. [00:36:47] We are implementing the Wayfinders Signage Project. [00:36:51] We are in the process of upgrading and maintaining municipal facilities. [00:36:58] The thing that we haven't done yet is something that you brought up already in the conversation, [00:37:03] and that's about marketing, and I will be prepared to have some options available for [00:37:11] you at the time that we start to consider our budget for the next fiscal year on how [00:37:17] we can either fund a marketing position or a marketing campaign on the part of a private company. [00:37:27] I just want to interject something here. [00:37:29] You talk about community pride and investing in our infrastructure. [00:37:34] I have gotten more compliments about the work on the streets than I have got about anything [00:37:39] in four years. [00:37:40] It's visual. [00:37:41] People see it. [00:37:42] It is definitely visual. [00:37:44] It's the main streets, you know. [00:37:47] Congress and Madison and stuff, you know. [00:37:50] I'm glad to hear your favorable comments. [00:37:52] I guess it's nice to be able to run into a few people and them not howling me right off [00:37:57] the bat with a problem, but to thank me. [00:38:00] It's fun to be able to tout such an aggressive capital improvement project budget. [00:38:05] You didn't get complaints from the shop that was upset because he was shut down because [00:38:09] they were paving the street right in front of his place. [00:38:13] I got it. [00:38:15] Well, you've got things that don't even apply to the city, so you're the lucky guy. [00:38:22] That was one of our businesses that somehow missed all the notes on when the paving was [00:38:30] going on and didn't notice until the grinding machine was right in front of his store. [00:38:37] It's amazing how much better it's looking, and people do notice. [00:38:42] We haven't even spent the first $1.7 million yet. [00:38:46] That's right. [00:38:47] We have not. [00:38:49] The next strategy is to improve the image of the city. [00:38:53] When you advanced that particular strategy as a goal, what you were meaning was to upgrade [00:39:05] the image of the city by consistently delivering both high-quality municipal services and [00:39:11] enhancing the quality of life, as well as developing a brand image that reflects the city. [00:39:19] The scope and size of the branding campaign requires some resources that we don't currently [00:39:27] have, and so that we consider to be sort of in progress. [00:39:33] In respect to delivering high-quality municipal services, we have established a customer service [00:39:42] program for input on our customers. [00:39:47] It has not, though, been fully implemented at this time. [00:39:52] We continue to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified individuals for employment [00:39:59] with the city, and we have created visually, or in the process of creating visually attractive [00:40:06] gateways into the downtown and on the city on major roads. [00:40:11] In respect to enhancing the quality of life, our objective was to foster the revitalization [00:40:20] and preservation of older areas of the city, and to develop and redevelop new areas, amenities, [00:40:26] and services. [00:40:28] In respect to enhancing the quality of life, the action items are to conduct family-friendly [00:40:36] events, to conduct a library space analysis to determine the future needs of the library, [00:40:46] to implement phase one of the James E. Gray Preserve Expansion Project, and both of those [00:40:51] things are currently in play. [00:40:57] We also identified opportunities for community education, and we wanted to seek additional [00:41:16] funds to support the Housing Rehabilitation Program, and that is one of the reasons that [00:41:23] we're looking to the state for our Community Development Block Grant funds rather than [00:41:28] the county, and target older areas of the city with redevelopment opportunities, and [00:41:36] that is an action item which is being addressed through the update of the Community Redevelopment [00:41:45] Authority Plan. [00:41:47] We also are looking at ways to increase the efficiency of our code enforcement actions, [00:41:56] and as I understand it from Chief Bogart, once we get the Tyler system activated and [00:42:05] we've gone live with our first payroll now, so we've gotten through the financials, we [00:42:11] should, or our expectation is that we will have the code requirements updated and ready [00:42:23] for their use in July of this year. [00:42:25] Before we leave that little section, is there other places that we can continually look [00:42:31] for money for the Gray Preserve? [00:42:35] Yes. [00:42:36] Some of the sources are the same that we've relied on, but there are certainly grant opportunities [00:42:42] that we can look to to help implement the planned improvements there, both phase one [00:42:47] and phase two. [00:42:48] I think that we could go knock on their door at least once a year, places we probably haven't [00:42:55] even knocked on. [00:42:56] I'd say, you know, you fit, but we didn't even know about you. [00:43:02] Yes, we will do so. [00:43:07] Just mark that down. [00:43:10] I think some of phase one, two can be implemented with our own staff. [00:43:17] Portions of the project will be. [00:43:20] At least there's more money to do other things too that way. [00:43:23] Right. [00:43:25] To a certain extent, we've got that latitude, but we do have an approved project budget [00:43:30] which we need to comply with in order to be eligible for the grant funds. [00:43:36] The next strategy is develop partnerships, and that means developing partnerships that [00:43:49] can be structured in a way that are either going to result in service improvement to [00:43:54] the city or a cost savings. [00:43:59] And the action items that have been implemented are to implement and perform needs and opportunities [00:44:09] analysis. [00:44:11] We have partnered with the school board and school district officials and principals to [00:44:17] share facilities and resources. [00:44:19] That's largely through our recreation department. [00:44:23] And I do conduct regular meetings with the county administrator, and we all have been [00:44:30] very active in trying to strengthen our relationship with the Pasco County commissioners. [00:44:37] I think we have too. [00:44:39] And both with the commission and Portage City Council, Mr. Bella Thomas and I were at the [00:44:45] ribbon cutting for the Whiskey Joes grand opening. [00:44:50] A ribbon cutting, and one of the things I brought up when we were asked to speak is [00:44:54] at the MPO, we're really trying to fast track the underpass. [00:45:00] Walkway on the north side of the u.s. 19 bridge in the poetry and I spoke about that at the ribbon-cutting about it's just a [00:45:06] Really good example of how the city new poetry poetry in the county can work on a project together [00:45:11] And I just talked about the fact that you know, that's [00:45:15] Porridge is the county's waterfront. I mean you have Sands Beach Club and it's very small area in Hudson [00:45:19] But other than that for retail and restaurants, that is our county waterfront. That's where John's passed. We have the historic downtown [00:45:25] So I think if that project is done right and we continue to work well with the commissioners and with poetry on that project [00:45:31] And get it done, right? [00:45:32] I know a lot of people live on the water in New Port Richey [00:45:35] That would love to hop in their golf cart and go under the bridge and come to our downtown [00:45:39] I know a lot of people that live in [00:45:41] Downtown New Bridge have golf carts that would love to be able to go under that [00:45:45] Us-19 bridge to the waterfront and eat dinner. I think it's really gonna [00:45:49] Connect our two downtown's that's pretty much our downtown for lack of better description [00:45:54] but projects like that, I think are really really positive with with just [00:45:59] Being on the same page [00:46:00] I know the county kind of pulled some punches with local option gas tax and some low blows in the past [00:46:05] But you know, I think having that meeting with the commissioners was a very positive thing [00:46:10] They're they're doing the same thing with the East Pasco municipalities as well [00:46:14] That's something I'd like to continue doing but for the I would I mean [00:46:18] Correct me if you don't agree, but I just think right now [00:46:20] We're pretty much working together as the best I can remember since I've been on council and particularly getting the New Port Richey folks [00:46:27] on the same page and [00:46:30] For us to be able to help them and it helps it helps us both [00:46:34] I [00:46:35] Dealt for quite a few years with Tarpon Springs and they always had problems [00:46:40] Looking downtown for the sponge exchange and that's in one city [00:46:43] So for us to take two cities in a county and start I think we've made more progress than they do and inside one city [00:46:50] And then absolutely and then just one more quick comment regarding schools. I just commend principal Jones and Gulf Middle School [00:46:56] They have we you know, we I came to lunch last week with the students and their student council [00:47:03] They all broke up and went with our different department heads in the city [00:47:07] And I went around and at lunch and spoke to each table each student that was there individually and [00:47:12] Asked them, you know what they enjoyed most about it [00:47:14] I'll tell you these kids had an absolute blast and getting kids like that engaged on the level that we did [00:47:20] I think the second project we've done, you know, I tease not always the most exciting part [00:47:25] but I mean to me it's not but Brian had a couple kids and he put their names on the on the [00:47:31] the [00:47:32] Projection screens and in Sims Park and they thought they were movie stars. It was the coolest thing [00:47:36] So the kids get a lot out of it and I think it helps them just become better citizens [00:47:41] So Jason's just done a really really great job as a our our staff as far as engaging them [00:47:46] I'd like to see more things like that both with rich elementary. There's Marlowe's on the city limits [00:47:52] Is it Marlowe Ritchie Marlowe and Gulf High School as well be great, but Gulf Middle School's really stepped up and it's [00:47:58] It's been great on both sides [00:48:01] Miss Mads, you've missed there's one area that [00:48:06] Jumps out in this partnership collaboration situation [00:48:11] I know you talked about the real estate community. That's fine, but I don't see any mention of [00:48:18] HCA the Marine District [00:48:22] Taking the schools and bridging them into the career academies. That's over at Gulf High [00:48:29] To do something in that zone going to Applicant Insights and [00:48:34] Doing just a big [00:48:36] Dog and pony in the Marine District. It just it it it's glaring that it's not in here [00:48:43] When it was a a major [00:48:47] Advalorum tax base and [00:48:50] It's kind of like out of sight out of mind. They've got the [00:48:54] Psychiatric, you know, I just saw where Florida Hospital bought out [00:48:59] HCA's position over in Dade City [00:49:02] Look like you're going to come in and do some do some additional investment there. So [00:49:07] whatever it is is to circle that along with the neighborhood next to it Jasmine Heights and [00:49:13] Make that a quadrant from Gulf Drive over [00:49:17] I [00:49:18] Think that that will refocus and kind of figure out what the next step is over there [00:49:23] I like your idea about Applicant Insight as well [00:49:25] They employ in the last time I toured at over 120 employees [00:49:28] Right here in our downtown and there's a lot of kids that don't go to college right out of high school [00:49:31] That'll tell you how they're doing it because obviously if they're successful [00:49:35] We really don't need to reinvent the wheel. I don't believe and if they tell you why they're there [00:49:41] They're your best ambassadors because we can talk to we're blue in the face and people just [00:49:46] Are have heard us for a long time [00:49:49] so that you know that bridging with the Career Academy the [00:49:53] Closing down of Ridgewood and the students transferring over and then whatever they're going to make Ridgewood [00:49:59] making those along with [00:50:01] Marchman just outside of the area. So I believe a [00:50:05] Focus into that will in conjunction with the real estate. It's like a three or four tier [00:50:12] or prong approach over there [00:50:16] I [00:50:21] Was gonna say I think one of the things that we're missing is the faith-based community [00:50:26] Now smile faith being one of them, you know [00:50:29] They have the health care national marketing is there is there for-profit arm and then there's smile faith. Is there not for nonprofit? [00:50:37] The city of New Port Richey has been collaborative with somebody cares a group that we've worked with in the past as well [00:50:42] And we talked recently I think someone just made a comment what what's going on [00:50:48] well [00:50:50] Prayer helps. I think that it's amazing what that particular group somebody cares [00:50:56] they may be the people and the smile faith folks that can help us bridge the gap with what we were just talking about with [00:51:02] the housing situation because [00:51:05] They they work with Metropolitan Ministries and some other organizations. So I think that would be [00:51:10] A [00:51:11] Thing that we really need to include in our [00:51:14] Collaborations, I appreciate your input very much [00:51:17] That's why this is an active document and you have now [00:51:21] Just as you have in the past have an opportunity to add to it or to delete from it. I don't though [00:51:28] Want it to go unnoticed that we do have active links with HCA and with applicant insight [00:51:34] I spoke to Lee Massengill last on Good Friday. I met with applicant insight last month [00:51:42] And I stay very connected to what they're doing because they're very important to the future of the city [00:51:49] Up in insight. Did they recruit from our high schools or I don't know what their recruitment strategy is, but I can find that out [00:51:57] Mm-hmm [00:52:02] With that being said we can move on to communicate effectively [00:52:12] And [00:52:14] when that [00:52:15] Strategy was advanced by you what you said specifically was you wanted to expand and improve the city's efforts? [00:52:22] to communicate with the public about operations [00:52:26] About services and about programs and [00:52:31] In that regard there was talk about using additional community platforms to include [00:52:38] digital media and [00:52:41] at this point it's been [00:52:44] reported to me by the [00:52:47] Technology services division of the city that we are using more electronic social media and video content [00:52:56] he and [00:52:59] We are also working on [00:53:02] Launching a new website. Our expectation is that that will be launched within three weeks [00:53:08] the city sites are mobile friendly and [00:53:12] We will be updating the websites [00:53:14] regularly [00:53:16] with new information [00:53:18] And we have designated [00:53:20] Judy Myers as our public information officer at the and make sure it's all the city websites. I [00:53:27] Of course, I don't have good reception here. So I can't check the main one [00:53:31] But last time I went to the library site, it was not mobile friendly. Okay [00:53:37] Probably need to check all of them. They're gonna be all in one site now rather than individual sites that that'll help a lot because [00:53:45] more and more people are using these things to [00:53:48] Serve no, we just real quick with my business. You're absolutely right and we spend a lot of money where franchises under stick come [00:54:00] Through this rather than a tablet a computer anything else everything is on the mobile phone. So you we have to get get that going [00:54:07] Keep that on them [00:54:10] I [00:54:11] Say regularly the Library of Congress in the size of a cigarette pack in my lifetime [00:54:17] So I have a truth to it [00:54:20] The next strategy is continued community policing improvements [00:54:25] to improve the public perception of crime [00:54:29] and [00:54:31] in that regard [00:54:32] We have identified goals as being promote community engaged based policing [00:54:38] partner with the county and state enforcement [00:54:40] Partner with the county and state enforcement agencies at to compel timely compliance with city ordinances [00:54:48] increase our anti-prostitution strategies [00:54:52] address the proliferation of drug activity [00:54:56] in the community [00:54:58] Increase our police presence in the downtown and in sims park during peak activity times [00:55:05] promote a see [00:55:06] Something say something culture throughout the community [00:55:10] And collaborate with provider agencies to reduce homeless population issues [00:55:17] In respect to anti-prostitution [00:55:21] and drug enforcement [00:55:23] We have made great strides in respect to implementing the action items [00:55:29] the one of the [00:55:31] tactics that we have employed in [00:55:34] Anti-prostitution [00:55:36] Is we mail warning notices to registered vehicle owners when drivers are observed interacting [00:55:44] With known prostitutes in the area for prostitution or illegal drug [00:55:49] Activity and we send that to their home address [00:55:53] I love that one [00:55:56] We also collaborate with business owners to curtail prostitution by encouraging business owners and managers to report [00:56:03] prostitution activity [00:56:06] And we have increased the volume and type of prostitution suppression enforcement strategies [00:56:13] In respect to drug enforcement [00:56:16] we have [00:56:17] Increased both the volume and the type of drug trafficking enforcement strategies [00:56:23] we have [00:56:25] Increased our use of complicated information [00:56:34] Information [00:56:35] And as I remember from my last discussion with the chief [00:56:39] We were also doing some more trash pulls than we we do normally [00:56:43] And that's been very helpful to us [00:56:48] In the green category, which is we think we're on track we noted [00:56:54] continue educational anti-drug programs presented in local schools [00:56:59] And we'd like to start doing so to community groups [00:57:03] And we have expanded the use of the police department's website [00:57:08] and social media to [00:57:11] inform the public on enforcement results [00:57:14] And promote the confidential tip line usage [00:57:18] I'd like to see [00:57:20] The chief's digital sign out there more often with his little [00:57:26] Make me smile comments [00:57:29] I wish it were prettier. I wish it were more aesthetically pleasing. I just [00:57:34] That's just my point. I love the all the stories, but I just don't like they are. I don't know we need to find it [00:57:40] Make it prettier [00:57:42] um [00:57:44] Pardon you want me to read usually it's a problem when you're reading it [00:57:47] um [00:57:48] I just want to uh insert the thought occurs to me with all that we are doing and and what we are [00:57:55] That we have the website [00:57:57] social media all of that [00:57:59] Do we have any kind of a welcoming packet for new residents? [00:58:03] i'm thinking it would be awesome if we could collaborate with the chamber of commerce with the main street program and [00:58:08] Maybe even our board of realtors to to to be able to [00:58:12] Hand out to people when they come in to our city [00:58:15] at some point and i'm not sure what the process is for you know when people buy a house whatever but [00:58:20] You know that would that would [00:58:22] Resemble to a degree some kind of a you know, welcome wagon idea [00:58:25] Just just that they they can connect with [00:58:29] So they know where what that brick building is on on main street that we have the library that we have all of all that [00:58:35] we have [00:58:36] We don't currently [00:58:38] I think for people that are whoever's part of our city. Yes your renters as well visitors and business owners [00:58:44] And mr. Riazoni is working on that project now to draft because I know the chamber of commerce the vestibule of that [00:58:53] Building is awash with information [00:58:56] Um that people need to know about and so even if we're able to share that information they they would you know [00:59:02] They have their guides that are available to people when they walk into that [00:59:06] Perhaps they would allow us to have some of those. I'm certain they would yeah because I think that would be [00:59:11] Important for us to continue to get this information [00:59:14] That could be a link on our website too [00:59:15] I mean if we get our website up and go and new residents of the city click here [00:59:19] Everything you need is right there rather than just having pamphlets in the lobby, right? [00:59:23] Right and and with that said but but that's very specifically, you know [00:59:27] The place to go so that they know all the things that are going on instead of a happenstance finding out about it [00:59:32] That they are welcomed into the um into the city [00:59:39] Absolutely [00:59:41] Well, we'll continue to work on that project and thank you for the suggestion. The last strategy is invest in infrastructure [00:59:52] There we go and what investing in infrastructure [01:00:00] means is making sustainable investments in our water, storm, wastewater, and road [01:00:07] infrastructure, as well as our facilities, parks, and public lands. [01:00:12] The goals that were established [01:00:15] to support those objectives were to perform needs assessments and updates, [01:00:21] maintain a prioritized plan for investment, including a five-year capital improvement project, [01:00:28] to address current deficiencies in alleys, streets, and sidewalks. That is something that's underway. [01:00:36] There were two goals that [01:00:40] are flagged as red [01:00:43] because they have not been implemented, and that is to create an approach to assess development impacts on existing [01:00:51] infrastructure, and [01:00:52] to consider the relocation of overhead utilities to underground when feasible, [01:00:58] In terms of the overhead utilities, we have just found that it's [01:01:02] cost-prohibitive to consider it at this time, but it's something that we would like to consider [01:01:07] in the future. Another goal of investing in infrastructure, and it's something that's been stalled for some time, [01:01:15] based on the fact that the annexation study and analysis was underway, is moving forward on the [01:01:25] establishment or re-establishment or renovation of Fire Station Number One. [01:01:31] In terms of the action items that have been implemented, [01:01:35] we have adopted a pavement management plan. We have employed a very proactive approach to upgrades in water, [01:01:43] stormwater, and sewer [01:01:45] systems. [01:01:46] We have [01:01:48] completed a preliminary [01:01:50] study on annexation, and we actively seek grants to support [01:01:56] continued investment in parks and other public lands. [01:02:01] Again, the action items that have not [01:02:04] been [01:02:05] completely implemented at the time of this update is [01:02:10] completing sidewalks and alley [01:02:12] portions of improvement plans. [01:02:15] We have not completed all of the CIP water and sewer improvement. [01:02:21] We have not completed the impact and mobility fee approach to development impacts. [01:02:28] I think this would fall under this. I'd like to have a bullet point added, and I'm going to promote something that I'm going to endorse. [01:02:36] Something that Councilman Phillips has been talking about for a long time, and it came up during the parklet discussion during the work session, is [01:02:42] that Corridor Grand Boulevard from the bridge to downtown is just, right now, [01:02:46] it's just so underutilized, and there's so much potential there. There's so much space, and basically, it's just like a [01:02:53] drag strip right now, you know, people speeding up and down that road, and there's such a wide road. [01:02:58] There's so much potential there for a walkable, [01:03:01] walking bike trail on one side of the road and redoing just the whole layout. [01:03:06] It would just have, to me, a tremendous impact on people that would want to live in our neighborhoods and use such a [01:03:14] such a resource, and it's something we talk about, talk about, and talk about, but [01:03:18] Councilman Phillips has brought up more than once, and I agree with him. [01:03:22] We really, really need to come up with a plan for that corridor, and there's the potentials to the roof, in my opinion. [01:03:27] That was why I was so excited about seeing the Cyclovia last fall, and a little frustrated that we haven't [01:03:33] moved forward beyond that, because we proved, I think, fairly clearly that [01:03:40] that road does not need to be four lanes to handle the traffic, not even close, and [01:03:47] to redo that, make it [01:03:49] look a lot nicer, would enhance the properties all the way along that area, would add to the [01:03:56] ability to have [01:03:59] connections for bicycles and [01:04:01] golf carts and pedestrians to get you [01:04:04] from Sims Park in the downtown all the way down, ultimately, to Marine Parkway, and that multi-use path. [01:04:12] There's a lot of things we can do in there, [01:04:15] and [01:04:17] it would, I think, would enhance that entire area. [01:04:20] It might end up being three lanes with one each way, and then a turn lane down the side. [01:04:23] It might well be, but, I mean, we need to keep the traffic moving, and then you'd still have a whole lane that's split up on both sides. [01:04:28] Yeah, in deference to the comment made by [01:04:34] Deputy Mayor Starkey, [01:04:36] he's right. Nothing has been done, but it is a budgeted project, and our county [01:04:42] should start to hear some things before the end of the fiscal year about the planning process. [01:04:48] I think the people along that strip, too, are motivated for enhancements. [01:04:53] Yeah, what I've seen in other cities is, [01:04:57] even if you just put up, and I've seen it in a concrete barrier, [01:05:02] I've seen it in a colored plastic barrier, just to create the two oversized lanes, [01:05:08] and then the ones that are next to the sidewalk, you just, you know, you create that pathway. [01:05:15] The only real challenge you have there right now is [01:05:18] seven or eight mailboxes, and I think if you measure how wide the post office [01:05:25] truck is, I think it could actually almost travel like a golf cart in that lane to still do that. [01:05:32] Then you can address the sidewalks, and that would give you the [01:05:38] bridging element you need, and you could do it just on one side of the road to start, and [01:05:43] then you could, I personally think it needs to be on both, so that it becomes more of a [01:05:48] thoroughfare, more of a grand boulevard, what it is, but [01:05:52] moreover, is that [01:05:55] you would have the ability to now have your golf carts [01:05:59] be able to travel safely, and your bikers travel safely [01:06:04] inside of a protected deal, or if you want to get as, [01:06:08] it's not as classy, but I don't know if you've seen the new express lanes when you go into [01:06:15] downtown Tampa now. They're not, they're nothing to [01:06:19] to brag about, but it definitely allows you to bypass Gunn Highway, and [01:06:28] and those other roads, and you're in a dedicated lane, so however you want to get the community comfortable with it, [01:06:36] that would be a way to at least [01:06:39] acclimate them to what that is. [01:06:41] Absolutely. Ms. Manson, I think you've got [01:06:43] consensus from, sounds like from all of us on, let's let's get that that one moving. [01:06:49] It's a pretty road, but like we said, to open up for bikes and pedestrians, and use that opportunity to streetscape it as well, [01:06:56] it's just, it could be absolutely gorgeous. [01:06:58] Yeah, if you just took the street lights and street lights and widen the sidewalks, [01:07:04] not do all the stuff you did downtown with all the brick cuts and everything, but just widen the sidewalks with those decorative lights, [01:07:11] starting at the bridge down, or maybe you go over the bridge to [01:07:15] Gulf, then everybody's going to see, and then once you get Madison done, it's going to be an extension of your downtown. [01:07:22] Absolutely. [01:07:24] And on that note, we have some next steps that we'll be moving on, and we have reached the [01:07:31] witching hour, so [01:07:34] thank you very much, and we will reconvene at 7 o'clock.

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3. 3Adjournment