On the agenda

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

   Pledge of Allegiance

   Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence for servicemen and women.

   ▶ Jump to 0:14 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:00:14] Thank you. I'm going to ask you to all please stand. Join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. [00:00:18] Remain standing for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home and abroad

   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

   A moment of silence was observed for the first responders of 9/11 on the 20th anniversary, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

   #9/11 20th anniversary remembrance

   ▶ Jump to 0:23 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:00:23] and the first responders that were there at 9-11 20 years ago. [00:00:30] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America [00:00:35] and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, [00:00:41] with liberty and justice for all. [00:00:48] Thank you. You may be seated.

   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

   Proclamation - Welcoming Florida State Elks President Suzi Simonelli

   approved

   A proclamation welcoming Florida State Elks President Suzi Simonelli was read by title only and passed to the clerk for delivery.

   • direction:Proclamation read by title only and forwarded to the clerk to deliver to the Florida State Elks President. (passed)

   🏢Florida State Elks👤Suzi Simonelli#Proclamation welcoming Florida State Elks President

   ▶ Jump to 0:56 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:00:56] We have a proclamation for the visit of the Florida State Elks President Susie Simonelli. [00:01:09] And that's by title only, so we'll pass that down to the clerk to get it over to her.

   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.a

   ↳You arrived here from a search for “Mrs. Feast” — transcript expanded below

   First Public Hearing - FY21-22 Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program

   approved

   Council held the first public hearing on the FY21-22 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program, with City Manager Vance and Finance staff presenting a $73.2 million total budget at a proposed millage of 8.5 mils (a 0.25 mil decrease). Council adopted Resolution 2021-49 (tentative millage) and Resolution 2021-48 (tentative budget and CIP), both balanced without prior year reserves and supported in part by American Rescue Plan Act funds.

   • motion:Approve Resolution 2021-49 adopting the tentative millage rate of 8.5 mils for FY 2021-2022. (passed)
   • motion:Approve Resolution 2021-48 adopting the tentative budget and Capital Improvement Program for FY 2021-2022. (passed)

   👤Alvin👤Crystal Dunn👤Crystal Feist👤Debbie Manns👤Driscoll👤Peters#American Rescue Plan Act#Capital Improvement Program#Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)#FY21-22 Operating Budget#Half-cent sales tax#Pavement Management Program#Resolution 2021-48#Resolution 2021-49#Save Our Homes

   ▶ Jump to 1:15 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:01:15] Now we'll move to business items. [00:01:17] The first item is the public hearing on the Fiscal 21-22 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan. [00:01:27] And Mr. Driscoll, I believe you're going to tell us how to do this so we do it right. [00:01:31] Yes, so the first item that you take up is the budget and the millage, which by statute you can discuss together. [00:01:39] But when it's time to approve the two resolutions, [00:01:42] you have to approve the millage resolution before you approve the budget resolution. [00:01:48] So I can read those two titles right now, [00:01:51] and then the city manager can make her presentation on the budget if that pleases the mayor. [00:01:55] We'll open it up for public comment. Yes. Very good. [00:01:58] So these are resolutions number 2021-49. [00:02:02] The first is a resolution of the City of New Port Richey, Pasco County, Florida, [00:02:06] adopting the tentative levying of ad valorem taxes for all non-exempt real [00:02:10] and personal property in New Port Richey, Pasco County, [00:02:12] Florida, for fiscal year 2021-2022 and providing for an effective date. [00:02:19] And resolution number 2021-48. [00:02:23] And that's a resolution of the City of New Port Richey, Pasco County, [00:02:27] Florida, adopting the tentative budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 [00:02:32] and the capital improvement program for fiscal year 2021-2022 and providing for an effective date. [00:02:39] Very good. Mrs. Vance. Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, members of the City Council. [00:02:44] The proposed budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 was a very difficult one for us to craft. [00:02:57] The presentation this evening is postured after five months of work to put it together. [00:03:08] It is being done so during a pandemic, which we haven't completely recovered from. [00:03:17] And it represents a collective vision from you and an effort on the part of the staff [00:03:26] to align the resources of the city to support the implementation of your collective vision. [00:03:35] The budget or the proposed budget, as I indicated, is the result of many months of work. [00:03:43] And I'd like to particularly thank you for your patience during this process [00:03:49] and also the city's administrative staff. The budget, as a requirement, [00:03:55] we develop it in accordance with the terms of the city charter and annual budget calendar [00:04:02] and financial management policies of the city. [00:04:06] The budget charts a course of action through the remainder of the year. [00:04:14] And it does reflect a little bit of a move to take us through the remainder, [00:04:24] we hope, of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of you will recall from last year, [00:04:31] we had to freeze many positions. We eliminated positions from the budget. [00:04:39] We are hoping to recover in large part from some of that this year. [00:04:46] And we're enabled to do that in part due to the fact that, [00:04:52] and I'll talk about it later on in the presentation, [00:04:56] there's some funding that we will be receiving from the federal government [00:05:00] through the American Rescue Plan Fund Act. [00:05:07] But in general, the operating budget reflects a decrease over the current year budget of 3.2% [00:05:18] of our overall, over our current year's operating budget, [00:05:25] which aggregates to an amount of $2,386,071. [00:05:34] It should... [00:05:34] Can we go back to that one? [00:05:35] You sure can. [00:05:36] Is there a zero missing, maybe $710? [00:05:42] Yes, it should be $710. [00:05:43] Thank you, $710. [00:05:45] Thank you for that. [00:05:48] And I'll note at this time that the city is slated to receive $8 million in the next two years. [00:06:00] So it's over two fiscal years that we'll receive the aid through the American Rescue Plan Act [00:06:11] to assist us in our economic recovery. [00:06:13] Because not only were we proactive in reducing positions and reducing the number of hours [00:06:24] that some employees worked, but we did suffer considerably in some of our revenue centers [00:06:31] over the course of that period of time. [00:06:35] And this funding will allow us to not only recover some of the funding that was lost, [00:06:44] but also to program for some assistance to the business community that suffered along with us, [00:06:55] to some of the residents that are in need of some assistance and some capital improvements as well. [00:07:01] While we're right there for a second, I listened to the President on the way. [00:07:04] And it looks like he's going to add some more money to that pile. [00:07:07] So we might look into getting more money there. [00:07:10] Well, that's great news and timely as well. [00:07:13] I hadn't heard that yet. [00:07:14] Well, he just spoke at 5 o'clock today. [00:07:18] Great. [00:07:21] We will stay tuned in for that news, certainly. [00:07:25] Just for the benefit of people that may not be familiar with the way in which government [00:07:34] handles accounting, it is based on the principle of accountability. [00:07:41] And we practice it in the form of fund accounting. [00:07:45] And a fund basically is a self-contained accounting unit. [00:07:52] And it has its own assets and liabilities and revenues and expenditures and a fund balance. [00:07:59] And there's really three types of funds that the city operates. [00:08:07] And they're operating capital and trust. [00:08:10] And they fall into three categories, either governmental or proprietary or trust funds. [00:08:18] With that being said, budgets are used internally and externally. [00:08:25] They're a force of law. [00:08:28] And we use them in accordance with laws and regulations. [00:08:32] Budgets always include both revenues and expenditures. [00:08:36] And a budget is a plan of spending for one year. [00:08:40] Our fiscal year commences October 1st and concludes on September 30 of any year. [00:08:50] Adjustments during the year to a budget can only be approved by action of the city council. [00:09:02] One of the best indicators of the city's financial strength is its general fund balance. [00:09:10] And each year, a focus of our process is to ensure that we have a sufficient fund balance [00:09:18] to provide not only necessary funding for unanticipated needs, but to ensure that the [00:09:27] city has a satisfactory cash flow. [00:09:31] And the city's general fund balance equals just in excess of 15% of the general fund [00:09:37] expenditures, which is a recommended level, but it should be increased in future years [00:09:46] in order to mitigate against any vulnerability in fluctuations in revenue sources. [00:09:55] The fiscal year 21-22 general fund balance, I'm sorry, budget is balanced without any [00:10:03] use of prior year reserves. [00:10:05] We're quite proud of that. [00:10:07] And the total general fund budget for the fiscal, the next fiscal year is $25,732,690. [00:10:21] And Mrs. Feist will be presenting a detailed presentation to you on how we're proposing [00:10:28] to spend that money. [00:10:30] In general, though, I think it's important to say that the gross taxable values in the [00:10:38] city grew by 8.3% this past year. [00:10:44] It is interesting to know that 56% of our just value is residential, 28% is commercial, [00:10:56] 7% is attributed to governmental and institutional property, and 9% is equated to be personal [00:11:06] property. [00:11:08] The proposed budget in front of you is based on a property tax rate of 8.5 mils, which [00:11:18] is a decrease of .2500 mils from last year. [00:11:30] In order to continue to provide services in accordance with your vision, it's essential [00:11:37] for the administration to maintain an appropriate number of staff positions in the right areas. [00:11:44] That being said, the changes being proposed in the fiscal year 21-22 budget reflect an [00:11:51] increase in nine full-time equivalent position employees. [00:11:57] It's important to note that the current year budget reflects a decrease of 4.5 full-time [00:12:04] equivalent positions over the prior year. [00:12:08] So in some respect, what I'm proposing is to restore the positions that have been removed [00:12:13] from the budget or reduced to a part-time status. [00:12:17] In addition, I am proposing the following new positions. [00:12:20] I am proposing an information technology director, a human resources director, two behavioral [00:12:29] intervention police officers, a utility manager, and a technology solutions GIS specialist. [00:12:40] The administration is committed to meeting the goals and objectives that have been set [00:12:45] forth through the city council's strategic plan, which are aligned to the city's vision [00:12:50] and mission statements. [00:12:52] The 2021 operating budget allocates resources recognizing those commitments while exercising [00:13:00] strong fiscal responsibility. [00:13:03] And with that, I would like to ask Mrs. Feist to present the budget detail, and I'm prepared [00:13:12] to respond to any questions that you may have, or we can take all questions at the end if [00:13:16] that's your preference, Mr. Mayor. [00:13:23] Thank you. [00:13:31] All right, good evening. [00:13:33] As City Manager Mance has mentioned, we've met a total of five times. [00:13:37] We've had five different work sessions to discuss in great detail the proposed fiscal [00:13:44] year 21-22 budget that you have before you. [00:13:48] The feedback was provided by you and the public and was incorporated in what's being [00:13:54] presented tonight. [00:13:58] The budget was also made public on the city's website, and copies have been provided to [00:14:03] each of you in advance of tonight's public hearing. [00:14:07] So in total, the city's budget is made up of $73,239,890, and you'll see on the slide [00:14:18] before you the breakdown by fund. [00:14:21] The two largest funds are the General Fund and the Water and Sewer Fund, and you'll see [00:14:28] that each of those have well over $20 million budgeted for next fiscal year. [00:14:36] The third largest fund is our Capital Improvement Fund, with $8,213,450 budgeted for next year. [00:14:44] And if you recall, that fund houses the majority of our capital improvement projects for next [00:14:51] year. [00:14:53] The fourth largest fund is our Street Improvement Fund, coming in at $4,441,800. [00:15:00] and $20 and that fund houses our pavement management program and all of our other street [00:15:07] improvement projects. Next is our community redevelopment agency with a budget proposed [00:15:17] at $5,963,210 and the activities for this fund relate mainly to the redevelopment and [00:15:28] economic growth of the city. And the rest of the funds are smaller in nature so I won't [00:15:34] go over those. Next. This next slide just provides a different visual and a breakup [00:15:43] of those funds based on percentages and again as you see the water and sewer fund is our [00:15:50] largest fund at 37% with the general fund coming in right behind at 35%. By department, [00:16:04] these departments listed here are housed in our general fund and you'll see that these [00:16:10] departments provide all of the citywide services that are provided to our residents. Our largest [00:16:17] department is our police department making up 35% of the general fund's expenditures [00:16:22] coming in at just over $9 million. Next is our fire department at $2.8, $2.9 million. [00:16:34] Actually right above that is our public works department rounding at $2.9 million as well. [00:16:40] Several of our other departments are right after that, come in right after that. Our technology [00:16:49] solutions is right at 5%, development is right at 4%, recreation at 5%. But again this slide [00:16:56] provides you with a breakup of each city's department by percentage. Next slide. A key [00:17:06] highlight for the upcoming budget year is that we're proposing a millage of 8.5 mills. [00:17:13] The slide here provides you with our millage rates over the last 10 years and you'll see [00:17:19] that in 2013 the city had a millage of 9.5799 which is the highest in the city's history. [00:17:28] Since then, you'll see that we've been on a downward slope. The city council and city [00:17:36] staff have made a significant effort to lower that millage over the course of the next years [00:17:41] and what's being proposed in 2021 is very close to where we were in 2012 and we hope [00:17:49] to reach that and lower in future years. As city manager Mance mentioned, there are [00:17:58] some personnel changes that are being proposed in next year's budget. There's one position [00:18:04] not being funded, 19 positions added which equate to an 8.73 full-time equivalent, and [00:18:12] two positions increased from part-time to full-time. One of the items that were included [00:18:20] in your agenda packet tonight was the capital improvement program. In total, that program [00:18:28] fell at $18,502,500 and the categories that it included were general projects of $280,000, [00:18:39] $606,000 in stormwater utility projects, $1,350,000 in parks and recreational projects. [00:18:48] Public safety and public facilities came in at $5,179,500. Transportation projects totaled [00:18:56] $465,000. Water and sewer projects totaled $5,162,000. We have redevelopment projects [00:19:06] budgeted at $1,455,000 and street improvement projects, which includes the paving management [00:19:13] program, is proposed at $4,500,000. And the final slide gives you an overview of our general [00:19:25] fund and it basically displays that we were able to successfully balance the fund without [00:19:32] the use of prior year reserves or fund balance. So you'll see that the total expected revenue [00:19:38] is $25,732,690. Our department budgets, the total cost for those, come in at $22,823,900. [00:19:50] We have reserves set at $165,000 and transfers out come in at $2,743,790. The total of the [00:20:02] those equal our expected revenue, so we were able to balance the budget without needing [00:20:08] any prior year reserves to cover any costs. And I believe that is all I have, so we'll [00:20:16] take any questions at this time. [00:20:22] Do I need to open two separate public hearings on this or just one? [00:20:25] No, you can do it in a combined public hearing and you'll have two separate votes on the [00:20:29] resolutions. [00:20:30] Very good. I'll open it up at this time. Anybody that wants to address Council on either [00:20:35] the millage rate or the budget? Seeing no one come forward, I'll bring it back to Council. [00:20:42] I have a few things to comment while this is a chance to talk publicly about what this [00:20:50] all means. So on the good news, of course, that we're not dipping into reserves and have [00:20:56] a balanced budget. I think it's important to highlight, which was disclosed, which was [00:21:03] the use of American Rescue Funds of $1,593,000 to balance the general fund budget. In addition, [00:21:12] one of the revenues going into our general fund, surplus land sales, $850,000. I believe [00:21:20] that would be the receipt from the sale of the sewer plant excess property. So those [00:21:27] two numbers together are equal to $2.4 million. On the partly good news, we still get American [00:21:35] Rescue Act money again next year, and I don't believe that the transfer reflects all of [00:21:42] the shortcomings of revenue for which that rescue money was intended. So we have another [00:21:47] year with a little bit of grace of unexpected or non-recurring revenue. And so that's the [00:21:56] key, I think, is I'll be completing my one-year term in March, so this is a budget that outgoing [00:22:07] councilmembers have the benefit of establishing and then incoming councilmembers inherit. [00:22:17] And consequently, at the beginning of the term, new councilmembers don't get to really [00:22:23] mess with it, but they come in at the beginning, really, of budget season. So whatever objectives [00:22:28] and priorities that they come with get referred to the city manager and the staff to consider. [00:22:35] So that's how our process is working with elections in March and budgets coming in [00:22:41] later. I think it works pretty well, really. Those of us leaving get an opportunity to [00:22:47] set the stage for the next two members in this case. [00:22:53] There are a few issues that I think are noteworthy, which is the half-cent sales tax. From the [00:23:01] estimate from 2021 to the current estimate, which I believe this comes from the state [00:23:06] too, is up over 10 percent, 10, 11, 12 percent. So to the degree some of that may be a reflection [00:23:16] of an expected recovery of the economy, that's great. But the other good news is something [00:23:22] that, Mayor, you've been clamoring for for a long time, which is the sales tax from out-of-state [00:23:28] sales, and that's just beginning to get implemented. So that's going to be very interesting to [00:23:34] see how that prediction comes through. It could be more of a windfall than what they're [00:23:39] estimating, hopefully, and helpful. [00:23:42] Again, to the other discussion that, Debbie, that you mentioned about the property tax [00:23:50] values going up, because this will be the first reading of the budget, rather than [00:23:59] maybe ask some questions when I've seen this document, if it's all right with my colleagues, [00:24:03] I'll try to talk with you about the differences between the general fund to the CRA is an [00:24:13] increase of $382,000 over the estimate from the previous year, but the county's payment [00:24:21] to the CRA is up $294,000. So again, the county was not to pay all of that boundary over, [00:24:34] and so I'd just like to try to review those numbers, because I think they were slow to [00:24:38] come in before the final hearing, if I can. [00:24:42] They're also based off different millage rates, because the county's portion is off [00:24:46] of their operating millage, and the amount that's transferred from the general fund is [00:24:50] off of the 8.5 projected millage. [00:24:53] Right. I understand that, but in terms of the disparity of about $100,000 more that [00:25:00] the general fund is shipping to the CRA, if we've removed that, we also would have removed [00:25:08] it from our own, and so that difference is just one that I'd like to explore a little [00:25:13] bit. It's not really material in a $20 million of money, or however much it is going around, [00:25:19] but I think there's always been attention by other entities, and so I just personally [00:25:26] would rather talk about it offline than here. That's it. [00:25:31] Very good. I would like to give a shout out to Ms. Manns, the department heads, and especially [00:25:41] Crystal Feast and Crystal Dunn for doing what they've done to put this thing together. I [00:25:46] know there's been a huge amount of work, and you did it in the middle of audit season, [00:25:50] and the audit came in on time, and we got this put together. That reflects extraordinarily [00:25:57] well on you and your staff, Crystal, so thank you. [00:26:01] Chopper? [00:26:02] I just want to back up what you say, but also add the department heads, because they work [00:26:07] hand-in-hand with the finance department to get it all put together. Five months is a [00:26:13] long time to work this out, and I think it went real smooth in our meetings leading up [00:26:17] to this. [00:26:18] Mr. Peters? [00:26:19] Yeah, so this has been an interesting process. Obviously, the first time that I've had an [00:26:25] opportunity to go through the budget process. I've been involved in budget processes in [00:26:31] corporations and, of course, my own business, but it's a rather complex process, and I appreciate [00:26:43] the staff walking me through it and Crystal helping me understand and getting my hands [00:26:47] wrapped around it, and there's just a lot more details that go into this than first [00:26:57] meets the eye. And we look at the budget, and we had $25 million, and $5 million of [00:27:04] it goes to water and sewer, right? So we don't get to see it, touch it, or feel it unless [00:27:10] that doesn't work, and then it's a big problem, right? So it's interesting to see just what [00:27:16] it takes to run a city that we don't necessarily see up front, but from my perspective and [00:27:24] my observations and investigations is that the city is being very responsible with their [00:27:30] dollars in places that we don't necessarily see, but really matters. And sure, you know, [00:27:39] we're finally getting the roads projects, the roads are coming around to shape and we've [00:27:43] got more work to do there, but I'm encouraged with some of the expenditures and change that [00:27:51] the managers propose with additional staffing in our human resources department and additional [00:27:59] staffing in our, particularly in our informational technology department because, you know, those [00:28:07] are both key areas to let the city function. And I think that's money wisely spent there. [00:28:19] I think Councilman Alvin makes a good point in understanding that we have some revenues [00:28:26] in this year and maybe next year that's going into the general fund that's not necessarily [00:28:31] going to be reoccurring there in year three. We're going to have to watch that and watch [00:28:36] how things work out for the next year or two as we prepare that budget in three years. [00:28:43] But I'm very pleased to see the millage rate go down again. We paused, I think, last year, [00:28:50] but took a notch down this year and, you know, I've had some discussions with our property [00:28:57] values and people often will say, hey, well, the property values are going up, so hey, [00:29:03] all this extra general revenue that you're going to be getting within the city, but [00:29:07] understand that Save Our Homes, you know, keeps on a residential side, which makes up [00:29:12] almost 70% of that, doesn't necessarily change quite as fast as those properties have to [00:29:18] turn over for us to realize that. And that's why it's also important for us to advance [00:29:23] our businesses and our commercial properties because that's not necessarily capped. And [00:29:30] appreciating those properties will help fund the city's expenditures. [00:29:36] I still sometimes question, even though we've seen a nice increase in the appraised value [00:29:42] of the city's properties, you know, I've looked at that a little bit, I'm still scratching [00:29:46] my head a little bit and comparing that with the appraisal movables that's property outside [00:29:51] the city, say countywide properties. I'm not sure it's correlated and, you know, be looking [00:29:57] at that more and more this coming year. [00:30:00] see with that and have some more discussions with the property appraiser's office to help [00:30:06] me understand why there might be a difference there and look at that. [00:30:12] But anyway, so again, city manager, great job, and I appreciate all the department heads [00:30:20] and what they've helped me understand on this particular deal. [00:30:23] Thank you. [00:30:24] Thank you. [00:30:25] I'll entertain a motion on number 49. [00:30:30] Would you read that title again for us? [00:30:32] Yes, this is resolution number 2149, a resolution of the city of New Port Richey, Pasco County, [00:30:38] Florida, adopting the tentative levying of ad valorem taxes for all non-exempt real and [00:30:42] personal property in New Port Richey, Pasco County, Florida, for fiscal year 2021-2022, [00:30:49] providing for an effective date. [00:30:52] That proposal is at 8.5 mils. [00:30:55] 8.5 mils. [00:30:56] Somebody want to make a motion? [00:30:59] Move for approval. [00:31:00] Second. [00:31:01] To the maker? [00:31:02] Nothing more. [00:31:03] Second. [00:31:04] Glad it's that number. [00:31:05] Anything else? [00:31:06] Well, in that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:31:09] Aye. [00:31:10] Opposed, like sign. [00:31:12] Motion passes. [00:31:13] If you would be so kind as to read the second resolution. [00:31:16] This is resolution number 2021-48, a resolution of the city of New Port Richey of Pasco County, [00:31:21] Florida, adopting the tentative budget for fiscal year 2021-2022, in the capital improvement [00:31:27] program for fiscal year 2021-2022, and providing for an effective date. [00:31:32] Do you retain a motion? [00:31:35] Move for approval. [00:31:36] Second. [00:31:37] To the maker? [00:31:38] Nothing more. [00:31:39] Second. [00:31:40] No, sir, just to reiterate, there are just a few line items I'm going to go over between [00:31:43] now and the second reading that's, we've come this far, changing anything is not really [00:31:50] well received, I think, for whoever has to reprint and redo. [00:31:54] So I will just suggest that, as we've discussed before, once we approve this budget, as times [00:32:01] and circumstances change, the five of us are able to modify and make budget amendments. [00:32:08] I would ask that in the year forward that we see those budget amendments and get notified [00:32:15] by the city staff when they feel that they've moved beyond their ability to capture a budget [00:32:22] in any one department. [00:32:23] Certainly. [00:32:24] Thank you. [00:32:25] There's no further discussion. [00:32:27] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:32:29] Aye. [00:32:30] Opposed, like sign. [00:32:32] 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.

6. 5.b

   Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2021-51: Approving Annual Assessment for Stormwater

   approved

   Council held a public hearing and adopted Resolution 2021-51, approving the FY2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment roll for stormwater management services at $80 per ERU (unchanged from last year), directing certification to the Pasco County Tax Collector. No public comment was offered. Council discussed ongoing drainage cooperation with the county, particularly in the Green Key area and at US-19/Main Street.

   Ord. Resolution No. 2021-51

   • motion:Motion to approve Resolution 2021-51 approving the FY2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment roll for stormwater management services. (passed)

   📍Green Key area📍west side of Highway 19 at Main Street🏢Pasco County Tax Collector👤Mr. Altman👤Mr. Peters👤Mr. Spieth👤Ms. Mance#$80 per ERU#2001 stormwater utility ordinance#FY2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment roll#Resolution 2021-51#Stormwater utility assessment

   ▶ Jump to 32:33 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:32:33] Next, public hearing on resolution 2021-51. [00:32:38] This is resolution number 2021-51, a resolution of the city council of New Port Richey, Florida, [00:32:43] approving the fiscal year 2021-2022 non-avalorum assessment role for stormwater management [00:32:50] services, directing certification of the assessment role to the Pasco County Tax Collector and [00:32:55] providing an effective date. [00:32:57] Ms. Mance. [00:32:58] Mr. Spieth, if you could please present the item. [00:33:02] Good evening. [00:33:04] In September of 2001, the city council adopted an ordinance to establish a stormwater utility [00:33:10] assessment. [00:33:11] The ordinance allowed for the collection of fees to assist with the cost of the management [00:33:17] and operation of the city's stormwater utility system. [00:33:20] The city has found that the use of a non-avalorum assessment is the most equitable method of [00:33:25] providing the necessary funding. [00:33:28] The billing of the stormwater assessment fee is administered by the county and has been [00:33:32] seen as a line item on the county tax bill. [00:33:36] The stormwater utility fee is established by the city ordinance and the dollar amount [00:33:41] of the stormwater utility fee has not changed from last year and remains at $80 per ERU. [00:33:49] Let it be known that the proper publication of tonight's hearing was advertised in the [00:33:52] newspaper as required by ordinance and on the city's website. [00:33:59] After allowing for public comment, the staff is requesting your approval and adoption of [00:34:03] resolution number 2021-51, which allows for the certification to the county. [00:34:08] Very good. [00:34:09] This is a public hearing. [00:34:10] We're open up for public comment if anyone has any comments to make on it. [00:34:15] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to council. [00:34:18] Move for approval. [00:34:19] Second. [00:34:20] To the maker. [00:34:21] Nothing more. [00:34:22] I'll second. [00:34:23] No, sir, only to say that some of our drainage basins incorporate county and city property [00:34:28] and there was some discussion recently about some concern maybe the county had about Green [00:34:33] Key. [00:34:34] I've expressed my concerns about the drainage problem we have on the west side of High [00:34:40] Way 19 at Main Street, which serves both the city and the county, so as we move forward, [00:34:46] hopefully this cooperative arrangement that we've been moving forward with over the past [00:34:51] couple of years will continue and we can solve some of these drainage programs, problems [00:34:57] that we have that are in those outskirting areas, but the revenue keeps coming in and [00:35:02] thank you. [00:35:03] Mr. Peters. [00:35:04] Nothing, sir. [00:35:05] I had, as recently as today, somebody call me up about a drainage issue, which I asked [00:35:11] them to email me, including pictures and details, and we'll get that to the city manager, hopefully [00:35:18] first part of the week, but this is all part of trying to keep us all high and dry. [00:35:24] I agree with you, Mr. Altman, about we definitely need to work with the county to solve some [00:35:29] of those issues where we've got overlapping jurisdictions out there in the Green Key area. [00:35:35] There's no further discussion. [00:35:36] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:35:39] Aye. [00:35:40] Opposed, like sign. [00:35:41] 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.

7. 5.c

   Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2021-52: Approval of Annual Assessment for Street Lighting

   approved

   Council held a public hearing and adopted Resolution 2021-52, approving the FY 2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment roll for street lighting services at $37.81 per ERU, unchanged from the prior year. Councilmember Altman noted prior discussions about a Progress Energy/Duke Energy solar farm agreement and different lamp/globe options available from Duke Energy.

   Ord. Resolution No. 2021-52

   • motion:Move for approval of Resolution 2021-52 approving the FY 2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment roll for street lighting services. (passed)

   🏢Duke Energy🏢Florida League of Cities🏢Pasco County Tax Collector🏢Progress Energy👤Altman#2003 street lighting assessment ordinance#FY 2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment roll#Resolution No. 2021-52#Street lighting assessment ($37.81 per ERU)

   ▶ Jump to 35:43 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:35:43] Next is public hearing 2021-52. [00:35:47] This is resolution number 2021-52, a resolution of the City Council of New Port Richey, Florida, [00:35:54] approving the fiscal year 2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment role for street lighting [00:36:00] services, directing certification of the assessment role to the Pasco County Tax Collector and [00:36:05] providing an effective date. [00:36:09] So in September of 2003, the City Council adopted an ordinance to establish a street [00:36:15] lighting assessment. [00:36:16] The ordinance allowed for the collection of fees as a means of recovering costs incurred [00:36:21] by the city in providing street lighting services. [00:36:25] The city has found that the use of a non-ad valorem assessment is the most equitable method [00:36:28] of providing this funding. [00:36:31] The billing of the street lighting assessment is administered by the county and can be seen [00:36:36] as a line item on the county's tax bill. [00:36:39] The street lighting assessment is established by city ordinance. [00:36:42] The dollar amount of the street lighting assessment has not changed from last year and remains [00:36:47] at $37.81 per ERU. [00:36:51] Let it be known that the proper publications of tonight's hearing were advertised in the [00:36:56] newspaper as required by ordinance and on the city's website and after allowing for [00:37:01] public comment. [00:37:02] We're requesting your approval and adoption of the resolution being presented. [00:37:07] Thank you. [00:37:08] We'll open it up for public comment. [00:37:11] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to Council. [00:37:13] Move for approval. [00:37:14] Second. [00:37:15] To the maker. [00:37:16] Nothing. [00:37:17] The second. [00:37:18] Mr. Altman. [00:37:22] I am curious to find how, it is related to the assessments because there has been an [00:37:31] approach made by Progress Energy to us to buy a bit of a, like a timeshare in solar [00:37:41] farms. [00:37:42] I remember we had that discussion earlier in the year and I'll be curious to get an [00:37:46] update as to whether or not, if you recall when the electric company came and said if [00:37:52] we adopted an agreement that we would save money in the long term. [00:37:58] So since we've kept this street lighting assessment stable, I just want to make note that the [00:38:04] City Council took action to try to become part of the new solar, I believe you, someone [00:38:11] would recall that beside me, I'm sure. [00:38:18] And the only thing I would have on it is, you know, as part of the street light program, [00:38:24] several of us talked to the Duke Energy reps at the Florida League of Cities meeting and [00:38:31] they do have different lamps and globe types, which in some areas would be most helpful.

   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.

8. 5.d

   Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2021-53: Approving Annual Assessment for Paving Services

   approved

   Council held a public hearing and approved Resolution 2021-53, adopting the FY 2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment roll for street and road paving services. Residential properties will be assessed $85 per ERU, with the assessment collected via the Pasco County tax bill. No public comment was offered.

   Ord. Resolution No. 2021-53

   • motion:Move to approve Resolution 2021-53 adopting the FY 2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment roll for street and road paving services. (passed)

   🏢Pasco County Tax Collector👤Mrs. Speist👤Peters👤Ullman#Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU)#FY 2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment roll#Gas tax allocation#Historic alley improvement program#Pavement Management Plan#Resolution 2021-53

   ▶ Jump to 38:39 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:38:41] This is not the technical term, but basically it's got a hat on it, so the light goes down [00:38:45] instead of shooting skyward. [00:38:48] Dark sky is kind of one term they use. [00:38:52] They've also got some newer ones that aren't quite so blindingly bright, which has been [00:38:58] a complaint we've gotten from time to time on the existing lights. [00:39:02] Particularly some of the lights used in our parks, I see a good spot for that. [00:39:07] So hopefully that'll be something we can work on this coming year. [00:39:11] There's no further discussion. [00:39:12] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:39:15] Aye. [00:39:16] Opposed, like sign. [00:39:18] Motion passes. [00:39:19] Next, Resolution 2021-53. [00:39:23] This is Resolution number 2021-53, a resolution of the City Council of New Port Richey, Florida [00:39:28] approving the fiscal year 2021-2022 non-abvalorum assessment role for street and road paving [00:39:35] services. [00:39:36] Requesting certification of the assessment role to the Pasco County Tax Collector and [00:39:39] providing an effective date. [00:39:41] I'm sorry, Mrs. Speist, please. [00:39:46] In 2017, the City Council adopted an ordinance to establish a road and street paving assessment. [00:39:52] The ordinance allowed for the collection of fees as a means of recovering costs incurred [00:39:57] by the City in improving and maintaining the City streets. [00:40:00] The City has found that the use of a non-abvalorum assessment is the most equitable method of [00:40:04] providing the necessary funding. [00:40:07] The billing of the paving assessment is administered by the County and can be seen as a line item [00:40:11] on the County tax bill. [00:40:13] The paving assessment is established by City ordinance. [00:40:16] The methodology of calculating the assessment has not changed from last year. [00:40:22] And in most cases, residential properties will be assessed $85 per ERU. [00:40:28] Let it be known that proper publication of tonight's hearing was advertised in the newspaper [00:40:33] as required by ordinance and on the City's website. [00:40:36] After allowing for public comment, we're requesting approval of the presented resolution. [00:40:41] Open it up for public comment. [00:40:43] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back to Council. [00:40:46] Move for approval. [00:40:47] Second. [00:40:48] To the maker. [00:40:49] I just want to reiterate, it's an old advertisement, but tires aren't pretty, well neither is pavement, [00:40:56] but the community sure likes it. [00:40:58] Mr. Peters. [00:41:00] Yeah, the $7.50 a month I pay for that, I'd probably say that in auto repairs from the [00:41:07] roads used to be. [00:41:08] That's a lot of truth to that, Mr. Ullman. [00:41:13] Only just in case anyone wondered what an ERU is, it would be an equivalent residential [00:41:18] unit and so that same calculation is made for commercial properties to equate it to [00:41:25] a similar expectation of how much it would use the roads. [00:41:31] A lot of work went into that from our consultants and we're the first ones in the county, I [00:41:38] believe, as far as I know, to actually really fulfill what government accounting standards [00:41:44] issue, which is to either have a regular maintenance program for your assets or to do studies. [00:41:54] So in a sense, by us doing it, I think we've fulfilled the expectations of the accounting [00:42:02] world. [00:42:03] For the benefit of those in the audience who are watching online, a number of years ago, [00:42:10] the county reconfigured the allocation of funds going from the gas tax to the municipalities [00:42:22] versus the county. [00:42:27] I won't say that they set it up deliberately to make sure that the cities wouldn't get [00:42:32] their fair share of the money, but it might have had that net effect. [00:42:38] New Port Richey has never had that problem. [00:42:41] Because we've had the pavement management plan, we're putting enough asphalt down that [00:42:45] we're getting our full share of those gas tax dollars as a result. [00:42:50] So it actually not only makes our roads nice by having the pavement management plan, but [00:42:57] it's allowing to get us additional gas tax money that also goes into fixing up the roads. [00:43:03] So it works in multiple ways and I'm real tickled. [00:43:08] We've gotten, I think, gotten rid of most of the worst of the roads. [00:43:13] There's still a couple of them, I think some of which are on this coming year's cycle. [00:43:19] And then we're going through and trying to keep all of these roads in the city up to snuff [00:43:24] so they'll be nice all the way around. [00:43:30] And not directly related to the pavement management plan, but we did have a work session this [00:43:35] past Tuesday night talking about the alleys which are in part of the historic part of [00:43:41] New Port Richey and talking about trying to work out a program to get those up to where [00:43:48] they're actually usable. [00:43:50] Some of them are very nice and some of them you wouldn't know there was an alley there [00:43:54] because there's nothing. [00:43:56] But we're going to be working on that and that's a commitment on part of the City Council [00:44:00] to the citizens of New Port Richey because having a good alley system is also helpful

   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. 5.e

   Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2021-54: Approving Special Assessment for City Liens

   approved

   Council held a public hearing on Resolution 2021-54, approving the FY 2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment roll for municipal liens (unpaid code enforcement fines) to be sent to the Pasco County Tax Collector for collection. After staff explanation and no public comment, the council moved for approval.

   Ord. Resolution No. 2021-54

   • motion:Motion to approve Resolution 2021-54 approving the FY 2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment roll for municipal liens. (passed)

   🏢Pasco County Tax Collector👤Allman#Code enforcement fines#FY 2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment roll#Resolution 2020-03#Resolution 2021-54

   ▶ Jump to 44:03 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:44:08] and will build property values for the homeowners. [00:44:11] So... [00:44:12] I have a comment. [00:44:13] Yes, please. [00:44:14] I just want to reiterate for the public that 100% of this money goes to asphalt, it doesn't [00:44:19] get into any of the development, any of the engineering, no, it's 100% goes to the roads [00:44:27] and the asphalt. [00:44:29] On that note, if there's no further discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying [00:44:34] aye. [00:44:35] Aye. [00:44:36] Aye. [00:44:37] Opposed, blank sign. [00:44:38] Motion passes. [00:44:39] Next, public hearing on Resolution 2021-54. [00:44:43] This is Resolution number 2021-54, a resolution of the City Council of New Port Richey, Florida [00:44:48] approving the fiscal year 2021-2022 non-ad valorem assessment role for municipal liens [00:44:54] directing certification of the assessment role to the Pasco County Tax Collector and [00:44:59] providing an effect. [00:45:00] date. In December of 2019, by way of Resolution 2020-03, City Council allowed for certain [00:45:10] unpaid code enforcement fines to be placed on county tax bills for collection. City staff [00:45:15] has gone through the review process this year and have come up with a list of fines that [00:45:20] should be sent, in our opinion, should be sent to the county for collection. The list [00:45:26] is included as an exhibit to the resolution being presented tonight, and all of the property [00:45:31] owners listed have been notified and given ample time to resolve the code enforcement [00:45:35] fines before tonight. Thank you. This is a public hearing. I'll open it for public comment. [00:45:42] Seeing no one come forward, I'll bring it back to Council. Move for approval. Second. [00:45:47] To the maker. It's just a collection, and stuff can sit on the books forever, and we [00:45:54] tie the problem to the property where the problem is, then it gets resolved. The second. [00:46:00] Absolutely. Mr. Allman? Just to, I guess, review what we learned last year when we did [00:46:06] this the first time, which was this was a resolution authorizing that. When we first [00:46:13] talked about it and approved it, there was discussion that every effort be made, and [00:46:19] that the collections were not ones that would bring question of being onerous. I think that [00:46:29] the city management did a great job of going through those, and so I'm trusting that that [00:46:34] same sensitivity to the kind of city fines that end up on Better Tell Bank, or Eight [00:46:44] on Your Side, or something where somebody has got a $10,000 fine for not mowing their [00:46:53] lawn, or not responding. So I'm sure that you all have looked them over. Yes, we have

   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. 6Communications▶ 47:00
11. 7Adjournment▶ 49:41