On the agenda

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

   Approval of September 5, 2023 CRA Meeting Minutes

   approved

   The CRA Board approved the minutes from the September 5, 2023 CRA meeting.

   • motion:Approve the September 5, 2023 CRA meeting minutes. (passed)

   #September 5, 2023 CRA Meeting Minutes

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   [00:00:21] We have approval of the September 5th, 2023 CRA minutes. Move for approval. [00:00:28] Second. All those in favor? Aye. Four to six, please. Moving on to a memorandum of

   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

   Memorandum of Understanding with New Port Richey Main Street, Inc.

   approved

   The CRA Board considered the annual Memorandum of Understanding with New Port Richey Main Street, Inc. to provide $25,000 in support of the Main Street program's four-point approach (organization, design, economic vitality, and promotion). After presentations from the new Main Street program director and supportive public comment, the Board approved the MOU.

   • motion:Motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding with New Port Richey Main Street, Inc. providing $25,000 in CRA support. (passed)

   📍5743 Main Street📍8040 Island Drive, Port Ritchie🏢Central Land and Lakes Chamber🏢Chasco Inn🏢New Port Richey Main Street, Inc.👤Altman👤Beth Frager👤Chopper👤Davis👤Marlo Jones👤Tina Gordon#Main Street four-point program#Wine Stroll/Wine Walk event

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   [00:00:36] understanding with New Port Richey Main Street. Please. Okay, thank you, Mr. Mayor. This is an [00:00:45] annual item that I'm presenting to you this evening to support the city's Main [00:00:51] Street program and the purpose of the agenda item is to allow the CRA to [00:01:01] continue to support the program in the amount of $25,000 and to [00:01:10] memorialize certain terms and conditions associated with the appropriation of [00:01:16] funds. The first being to follow the four-point program, which is to implement [00:01:24] the organization, design, economic vitality, and promotion components of the [00:01:30] program. We also require, as part of their administration of the program, that they [00:01:37] submit committee reports to us and financial statements on the operation of [00:01:44] the program. And the Main Street program and the CRA and myself as the executive [00:01:52] director enjoy a good relationship working together and we'd like you to [00:01:58] consider favorably this request to fund their operation in the amount [00:02:03] of $25,000 for another year. All right, I see quite a few of the Main Street people [00:02:10] out there, would you like to come down and public comment? [00:02:14] Your name and address, you might as well tell us who you are too. Title. [00:02:44] Testing, testing, can you hear me now? Perfect. Hello everyone, my name is Tina [00:03:02] Gordon and I'm the new program director for New Port Richey Main Street. I joined [00:03:07] New Port Richey Main Street on July 10th of this year and I just want to say [00:03:13] thank you for the time tonight and the consideration of the MOU. We are working [00:03:19] strides to maintain working with the city in regards to economic development [00:03:26] and historical preservation is our main goal and mission. To also drive the [00:03:33] support at the local businesses and bring back that communication back to [00:03:38] the city. We hope that you will please approve the small budget item [00:03:48] in your CRA budget this year to continue our work throughout the city and just [00:03:57] want to say thank you again for this opportunity. Anybody else like to speak? [00:04:09] Testing, testing. Marlo Jones. I think it's great, I think they're doing great for [00:04:23] our downtown area. I just ask that if we approve this, I ask that the council, [00:04:29] since I heard that the city manager is the executive director, it seems that she [00:04:34] seems to be the executive director over everything here. I just ask that you [00:04:39] listen to what your colleague Mr. Altman said when he read to you that part in [00:04:43] the charter and I actually ask some of you to go and revisit the charter and [00:04:48] remind yourself of some of the power that you actually have. Anybody else [00:04:58] would like to speak? If not, I'll move it back. Okay, that's okay. I think I [00:05:08] recognize you from being Main Street many years ago. I'm Beth Frager. I live at [00:05:16] 8040 Island Drive, New Port Richey, but my husband and I own multiple properties [00:05:21] within the city, including the Chasco Inn at 5743 Main Street. I was a previous [00:05:27] Main Street director long before any of you were, maybe Chopper was on council at [00:05:34] the time, and I have to say in all the years that I've been involved with Main [00:05:39] Street, which is a long long time, I think we've hit on a winner with Tina. I think [00:05:45] she understands the program more than anyone we've had in a very long time and [00:05:51] I think that she will do well and our organization will do well. [00:06:21] I think again, we've hit on a winner with her and I think that our organization with Tina at the helm and all of us as committee chairs and members will do a great job with the money in addition to all the other monies that we are working very hard to raise in this coming year. So thank you all for your consideration. [00:06:46] Thank you. Anybody else would like to come down and speak on this business item? [00:06:55] I appreciate the comments both from Tina and the former, long time ago, [00:07:22] director. Main Street, this group, just to review everybody, it's a group of volunteers, right? And I think the only paid position in that group is the executive director and they're charged with a lot, they've got a lot on their plates. And so the people that participate in the program, both on committees and on the board, they've got important jobs because [00:07:51] it's a big, tall order. You read the four points and be charged with economic development, historical preservation, and economic, and the support of all the businesses and the economic community within the city. It's hard, you know, it's like part chamber of commerce, you know, and part historical preservation. [00:08:20] They've got to raise money to do the activities they do. And I know they had a recent very successful wine walk downtown that was a huge success, but that's one part of it. That was a great activity of many people to participate, but they had to raise money in order to pay Tina's salary and do the other activities. [00:08:43] And so I would thank those volunteers and encourage you to keep striving as you have been to meet your objectives and continue to improve. I think a really enthusiastic and active Main Street will do nothing but improve the city, so thank you and I'm happy to improve this little money to help you keep it going. [00:09:14] Yeah, thank you, Main Street, for the things you do and thanks, Tina, for coming on board and leading them. You put on some great events. I'll talk about the wine stroll that just happened. The theme was awesome because I've never seen so many people in their 1920s garb. I mean, it was there everywhere and I heard people talking about it, like, why are all these people dressed up? I mean, the whole town was dressed up. So it was awesome, so thank you. [00:09:39] Yes, I just want everyone to know I'm wearing my Main Street pin, and so that's all I need to say on this side. [00:09:51] I'm going to talk a little bit about the wine stroll, too, and I was in costume, you know, but I think that it took it to another level with the costumes, but not only that, I mean, I think they had 40 different stops and there's no way I can do 40 ounces of wine, much less sit in 40 stops. [00:10:11] But 370 people, I understood, registered, and so it was just exciting to be downtown and the people that were dressed, and so I like the theme, ideal, and it's just taken Main Street to another level. [00:10:24] Main Street, over the years, has had some ups and downs, and I think when it first started, it was competing against the Chamber, but once the Chamber decided to merge with the Central Chamber, I don't know if it was called Central Land and Lakes Chamber, then it kind of moved away from downtown, so it's really opened up the opportunities for Main Street and the things that we can do downtown, and I think the businesses are all supportive of it. [00:10:50] We have 40 different businesses, and actually some of the businesses that came down and distributed wine weren't even in the city, so that was really interesting and glad that they got to participate, and so I'm looking forward to a lot of more events, and like I said, I'm never going to do 40 ounces of wine, but, you know, so I need a hand cart to take me home. [00:11:12] So go ahead and move for approval. [00:11:15] All those in favor? [00:11:16] Aye. [00:11:17] Aye. [00:11:18] Those opposed? [00:11:19] Nothing. [00:11:20] Now moving on to Resolution 2023-19, Approval of the 2023-2024 CRA Operating Budget and Capital Projects. [00:11:31] This is Resolution number 2023-19, a resolution of the City of New Port Richey, Florida Community Redevelopment Agency, a public body, corporate and politic, adopting the 2023-2024 Operating Budget, adopting the 2023-2024 Five-Year Work Program for the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, and providing an effective date. [00:11:54] As indicated by the City Attorney, the purpose of this agenda item is to approve the proposed 2023-2024 Community Redevelopment Agency Operating Budget and Capital Projects, and what we're specifically asking you to do is to approve the resolution as read by the City Attorney, [00:12:15] and Ms. Dunn has prepared a PowerPoint presentation of the Community Redevelopment Agency's proposed budget, which, as you know, we've been working on since June of 2023, and we're proud to be able to present it to you this evening. [00:12:32] Thank you, Ms. Dunn. [00:12:34] Good evening again, Council. [00:12:36] Tonight before you is the Community Redevelopment Agency's 23-24 proposed budget. [00:12:42] The organizational chart you see before you, the positions actually held within the CRA consist of 25% of the City Manager's time and a full-time position of the Marketing Manager. [00:12:57] Revenues budgeted within the CRA consist of the tax increment from the County, which is calculated at the $7.6076 mills, and that consists of $3,636,470. [00:13:17] We've also budgeted the use of the remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds of $2,550,000, which consists of $2,447,500 allocated towards the Railroad Square Capital Project, and also $102,500 towards business assistance, grants, or loans. [00:13:44] We also have budgeted rents and royalties of $60,000, surplus land sales of $350,000, a transfer from the General Fund, TIF, which is $4,015,240, and again, that's at the 8.4 mills, transfer from the General Fund of $726,395, and the rollover of surplus funds of $209,235. [00:14:11] The total revenue budgeted is $11,665,720. [00:14:21] Personnel services within the CRA, you see here the department had salaries of $45,070 and regular exempt salaries of $66,000. [00:14:30] You'll also see regular salaries of $4,270. [00:14:34] That consists of approximately 12% of the library staff's time to assist in the marketing efforts for the CRA. [00:14:44] The current marketing position that's budgeted here in the CRA is not occupied, so we have allocated funds from the, or allocated time from the library staff to assist with the marketing needs of that, of this project. [00:15:00] fund. Total personnel cost within CRA consists of $172,470 for the fiscal year. Couldn't [00:15:17] make it much larger and I apologize for that. I've highlighted here significant budgeting [00:15:24] changes from the prior year. You'll see the ads and marketing, we did decrease to $60,000 [00:15:29] from $110,000 and that will meet the needs of the CRA for the coming fiscal year. We [00:15:35] did increase building and contents insurance. That was due to budgeting purposes for market [00:15:44] increases within the insurance piece and also the building, the SunTrust building that the [00:15:55] We've increased redevelopment incentives to $1,550,000 and residential incentives to $500,000. [00:16:04] This assists with grants and loans and tax or fee waivers and rebates. These funds have [00:16:10] not been allocated specifically to any business person at this time, but that's what's being [00:16:19] budgeted for the current fiscal year, the coming fiscal year. We have additional program [00:16:24] costs budgeted for $30,000. That consists of programming costs associated with the Cavalier [00:16:32] Square and Railroad Square. Sorry, the total operating costs are $2,388,880. Capital [00:16:49] projects for the coming fiscal year, continuation of the Railroad Square improvements, budgeting [00:16:55] $2,550,000 to complete the project. You'll see the amended budget amount here for $2,925,000. [00:17:04] That was the original budget amount. That amount will change based on year-end costs [00:17:09] that come in over the next few weeks. The total cost for that project did not come near [00:17:15] to $2 million or $3 million in the current fiscal year. We have streetscape improvements [00:17:22] of $125,000, property assemblage of $1 million, Main Street entryway signature feature of [00:17:29] $530,000, and the U.S. Highway 19 gateway courtyard project of $210,000, and $15,000 [00:17:40] totaling $4,430,000. What you see here are transfers from the CRA to the different areas. [00:17:55] As we outlined before in the operating budget, the transfer to the general fund administrative [00:18:00] services consists of $406,910, and transfer to general debt service is $3,500,050. This [00:18:10] consists of three different series bonds. One is the 2016 refunding bond, the 2020 parking [00:18:18] garage, and the 2022 series bond, which is in relation to the former SunTrust building. [00:18:27] The transfer to the CRA loan or for the CRA loan is $525,000. That is an amortized and [00:18:38] a consistent amount that's budgeted annually for a loan that was given to the CRA by the [00:18:45] general fund, and then an additional general fund payment to assist in the funding of the [00:18:54] parking garage of $242,000. The parking garage budget totaled $242,000, and the CRA will [00:19:03] transfer those funds into the general fund. I will say there are contracts or agreements [00:19:11] with the hotel and Kaiser. Their contributions are budgeted within the CRA, and their full [00:19:23] contributions will be paid back into the CRA. That's the end of the presentation for [00:19:30] the CRA. If you have any questions, I'm prepared to answer. [00:19:36] I do have a question, if I can get it out now, which is the staff marketing position [00:19:43] and the $60,000 for marketing. I brought this up before that this has been an issue from [00:19:50] the 2019 changes to the Florida legislature related to CRAs. I asked if there could be [00:19:57] some look at this. I know what the opinions are of the professionals within the Redevelopment [00:20:05] Association, and I would like to hear if we have done that investigation yet or that we [00:20:14] have something in writing that would indicate the support for using these funds for marketing. [00:20:21] Yes, I issued an opinion today on that, and you should be getting a copy of that. In my [00:20:27] opinion, I said that these expenditures are authorized under the CRA Act, the Community [00:20:34] Redevelopment Act. You can see the details of that in my opinion, and that should be [00:20:39] provided to you tomorrow. [00:20:42] All right, do we have any other public comment on this budget? [00:20:47] Mayor Davis, I have five people that signed up to speak. [00:20:50] All right. [00:20:51] The first person I have signed up to speak is Veva Stevenson-Curray. [00:20:54] Pull it down. [00:21:00] All right. [00:21:03] All right, let's see if I can do this. [00:21:06] Name and address to start with. [00:21:08] All right. [00:21:09] I'm Veva Stevenson-Curray, 5719 Lafayette Street. [00:21:12] Wait, I can't hear you.

   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

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

   Resolution No. 2023-19: Approval of FY2023-2024 CRA Operating Budget & Capital Projects

   discussed

   The CRA Board heard Resolution No. 2023-19 on the FY2023-2024 CRA Operating Budget & Capital Projects. Public comment was dominated by community members urging the CRA not to sell or redevelop the historic 1922 Schwetman/Gulf High School building, advocating instead for cultural, historical, and community uses. The transcript provided does not show a final vote on the resolution.

   Ord. Resolution No. 2023-19

   📍1922 Gulf High School / Schwetman Building📍5603 Wyoming Avenue📍5647 Kentucky Avenue📍5719 Lafayette Street📍5805 Illinois Avenue📍6013 Adams Street📍6807 Parkside Drive📍7238 Redbud Court📍8805 Forest Lake Drive📍Cody River area / Pithlachascotee River📍St. Clair Field🏢Disney World🏢Finnish American Club🏢Gulf High School Alumni🏢North Funeral Homes🏢Pasco County School Board🏢Richey Community Orchestra🏢Starkey Ranch Theater Library Cultural Center🏢Tampa Bay Times🏢Viva Brady's🏢West Pasco Historical Society👤Angela Adino Napolitano👤Anne Russo James👤Ardene North👤Bill Stevens👤Charles Wise👤Craig Pittman👤Curt Browning👤Cynthia Armstrong👤Dale Webb👤Debbie Manns👤Frederick Trimble👤Hap Clark👤Ken Hope👤Mary Beth Isaacson👤Mayor Marlow👤Megan Harding👤Morgenstein👤Pat Bailey Blount👤Peter Altman👤Ray Gadd👤Terry Kline👤Veva Stevenson-Curray#$1.75 million school board acquisition#15-year preservation requirement (referenced from Sept 5 CRA minutes)#Anclote Park#Chasco Fiesta Parade#Elfers Senior Center (1914)#FY2023-2024 CRA Operating Budget & Capital Projects#Hacienda Hotel#Hurricane Idalia#Local/state/national historic registry application#Resolution No. 2023-19#Save Our Schools (SOS) 1922 Gulf High School#Schwetman Building / Schwetman Adult Education Center

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   [00:21:22] All right, we'll try it again. [00:21:24] I'm Veva Stevenson-Curray, 5719 Lafayette Street. [00:21:28] Thank you to the CRA directors and the city manager, from Gulf High School alumni, and [00:21:35] working with the school board to acquire our 1922 DHS. [00:21:40] I'm a retired teacher of 40 years and a 62 grad. [00:21:44] My dad and six siblings were all 1920s, 30s, and 40 grads. [00:21:49] We had our first ever 1924-67 reunion in 1987. [00:21:55] Class of 24 was even there. [00:21:57] Since 1987, we've given scholarship to grads each year, working closely with [00:22:03] Principal Morgenstein. [00:22:05] For future monetary planning, our mission is a two-part. [00:22:10] Save our school and focus on its best fit for all. [00:22:14] In 2021, we felt the importance of recognizing this building as a historic [00:22:19] masterpiece and knew it should be on the local, state, and national historic [00:22:25] registry. [00:22:26] This application has been completed, and we'd love to share and work with the [00:22:32] city in this endeavor. [00:22:34] The architect's prairie-style building was designed by historic Frederick [00:22:38] Trimble, and it's almost twin to our Gulf High School in 1922. [00:22:43] It's located on the east coast of Florida, Belsmere High, preserved, beautiful, [00:22:48] and stunning, and still serves its community. [00:22:53] We're happy to work with the city again in recognizing this as a historical jewel. [00:22:59] Our timeline to SOS 1922 High School began in 2021 and continues today, [00:23:06] thanks to much support. [00:23:08] December 2021, a letter of concern to the school board, Cynthia Armstrong, [00:23:14] member. [00:23:15] And on January 2022, thank you to Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd for a tour. [00:23:21] November 2022, SOS GHS letter certified to Superintendent Curt Browning and [00:23:29] Chairman Megan Harding. [00:23:31] January 8, 2023, same letters emailed personalized to the then-Mayor Marlow, [00:23:37] each city council, and City Manager Debbie Manns. [00:23:41] February 26, 2023, appreciation to Debbie Manns, who met with us at the museum. [00:23:49] The mission, we can assure you, has not ended. [00:23:52] We have 100 years of pioneer history working with the West Pasco Historical Society [00:23:58] to share our vision. [00:23:59] Respectfully, it does not include offices, condos, or apartments in our school, [00:24:08] as well as the historical St. Clair Field and unforgettable outdoor basketball [00:24:13] court along the beautiful Cody River. [00:24:16] And our professional support and notable experienced leaders with creative funding [00:24:21] experience and anxiously awaiting to share our vision with each of you. [00:24:26] This jewel should belong to our community. [00:24:28] We have very creative plans that involves our kids here and far, adults and senior [00:24:35] citizens, bridging the past with our future. [00:24:38] Our alumni angels deserve this for their future planning. [00:24:44] And we welcome some other alumni, but we're limited to that. [00:24:49] Thank you very much. [00:24:51] The next person I have stand up to speak is Anne Russo James. [00:24:54] Anne Russo James. [00:25:04] I'm Anne Russo James. [00:25:06] I live at 5603 Wyoming Avenue in Newport Ridge. [00:25:10] I am a longtime resident of Florida and a proud graduate of Gulf High School in 1963. [00:25:17] I am here today to speak to you about the future of our beloved Gulf High School building, [00:25:24] built in 1922 Prairie style by architect Frederick Trimble. [00:25:30] And I meant to say good evening to our Honorable Mayor, our Honorable CRA Directors, [00:25:38] and Honorable Debbie Manz, our City Manager. [00:25:43] Newport Ridge is very unique to have the numerous alumni residing in and around our small city. [00:25:52] As a group, we respectively desire to see the building used for our community of kids of all ages, [00:25:58] adults and seniors, not sold to a redeveloper to put in offices or apartments. [00:26:05] Using the building for the people would still be a boon to the local economy [00:26:10] by attracting visitors from all over and could actually create new jobs. [00:26:15] Gulf High School is more than just a building. [00:26:19] I'm going to cry on this paragraph. [00:26:23] It is a place where generations of West Pasco County residents have come together to learn and grow and make memories. [00:26:32] It is a symbol of our community's history and pride. [00:26:36] I have been the treasurer of the West Pasco Historical Society for almost 10 years [00:26:42] and would like you to understand that this building could be an extension of our small local museum. [00:26:48] We would love to have the chance to change our historical displays and work with the community to promote the city. [00:26:56] I urge you to vote against any proposal to sell the Gulf High School building of 1922 to a redeveloper. [00:27:04] Instead, I urge you to work with the alumni group and other stakeholders to develop a plan for the people. [00:27:12] It would be a fitting tribute to the school's history and a valuable asset to the New Port Richey community. [00:27:20] Thank you for your time. [00:27:22] The next person I have signed up to speak is Mary Beth Isaacson. [00:27:30] Good evening, everyone. [00:27:36] My name is Mary Beth Isaacson. [00:27:38] I live at 8805 Forest Lake Drive in New Port Richey, and I'm here on behalf of the Richey Community Orchestra tonight. [00:27:45] I'd first like to start out by thanking the members of the CRA and the City Council [00:27:50] and particularly City Manager Debbie Manns and all of her wonderful city staff [00:27:55] for helping give the Richey Community Orchestra a safe harbor, literally a safe harbor, for the contents of our music library. [00:28:04] Earlier this month during Hurricane Edalia, the building that our music library was formerly housed in received almost four feet of water. [00:28:13] It's about right there on me. [00:28:15] Which would have destroyed over half of the music and the other resources that we had in that building. [00:28:20] So thank you so much for giving us this opportunity to keep our music safe [00:28:24] and to continue supporting the arts in Pasco County and New Port Richey. [00:28:28] My second point, we are so very excited to hear about the Schwetman Building [00:28:34] and that the city is working with the school board to preserve the structure [00:28:39] and hopefully create an opportunity for groups like our friends, the Gulf High Alumni, the Historical Society, [00:28:47] and perhaps the Richey Community Orchestra to continue fulfilling the educational, artistic, and cultural mission of the Schwetman School. [00:28:55] This would be a wonderful opportunity for the city to develop a cultural center [00:29:00] which would have art, music, history, all sorts of things going on constantly. [00:29:07] There are three schools within walking distance of the current building [00:29:11] and I'm confident that there would be so much interest from the children and families that are associated with those schools in having those classes. [00:29:20] Earlier this evening, Craig Pittman, the famous author and former Tampa Bay Times columnist, [00:29:26] gave a guest lecture at the Starkey Ranch Theater Library Cultural Center. [00:29:31] This is New Port Richey's opportunity to have a facility like the Starkey Ranch TLC right here in the city [00:29:38] because you've got the space, you have the education, you have the arts, the classes, the history, the outdoor activities. [00:29:46] Don't let that chance slip through your fingers by selling it to a developer for more houses and apartments and offices [00:29:53] because that's what the people want. They want to have this arts and the cultural opportunity. [00:30:00] Finally, I'd like to thank Councilman Altman for mentioning the orchestra in his remarks [00:30:06] earlier tonight, and the Finnish American Club, which is also a wonderful opportunity [00:30:11] and investment for the city to consider on behalf of the people who live in the city [00:30:16] and all of our future residents. [00:30:18] Thank you very much for your time and for listening to me. [00:30:25] The next person I have signed up to speak is Bill Stevens. [00:30:36] You'll get a chance, sir, you'll get a chance, you don't have to sign up. [00:30:39] You don't have to sign up, but you'll get a chance to speak. [00:30:43] Okay, are we on? [00:30:45] Okay, I'd like to thank, first of all, the Council for keeping the city vitalized and [00:30:52] useful, not just for us old people because the youth is there and we enjoy them greatly. [00:30:58] Coming into town tonight, I drove down the boulevard there where we have a bicycle lane. [00:31:05] Never in the past was that visualized. [00:31:07] Keep the vision to the future, okay, like New York City did with Grand Central Park. [00:31:15] The building itself has many opportunities for expansion and improvement. [00:31:24] About 15 years ago, I met with my cousin's husband who worked in Disney World. [00:31:31] He asked, he was walking between all the restaurants over there at the sports complex and asked, [00:31:38] what can we do to get people to come? [00:31:40] I said, look out on the fields, it's with youth. [00:31:43] You have a big field next to there, you could vitalize it for youth, for gardens, for assemblies, [00:31:50] for your Chasco Fiesta Parade. [00:31:52] That's in premium now. [00:31:56] To move in that direction to attract more youth things, talk to Chuck right there. [00:32:03] He's a wealth of information. [00:32:05] He travels the state to do youth events. [00:32:08] I was out at Mitchell Complex this past weekend. [00:32:12] I did four soccer teams. [00:32:14] Were any of them from Pasco County? [00:32:16] No, they were from Jacksonville, Cape Coral, and Miami. [00:32:22] So the opportunity there is to utilize that complex to attract cultural events, [00:32:30] youth events, and our own events here to have a space to assemble and congregate. [00:32:38] Thank you very much. [00:32:44] The final person I have signed up to speak is Pat Bailey Blount. [00:32:53] Good evening. [00:32:54] My name is Pat Bailey Blount. [00:32:57] I live at 7238 Redbud Court, just out of the city limits here in New Port Richey. [00:33:02] I am a fifth generation Floridian, all here in Pasco County. [00:33:07] I'm a Bailey, Bailey's Bluff. [00:33:10] I spent my youth there with my grandfather. [00:33:12] I think he told the story that it was granted to the Baileys by the Indians way back when. [00:33:18] We're talking tonight about the school that's down here on the South Boulevard. [00:33:23] As a Gulf High alumni, we have produced this Save Our Schools, or SOS. [00:33:30] I look at that building and I think, I didn't go to school there because I was not of that generation. [00:33:38] I'm a graduate of 1965. [00:33:40] But my son actually graduated from the Swetman Adult Education Center there [00:33:45] because he was unable to go to Gulf High. [00:33:48] I think of the Elfers Elementary that I did attend as the care center. [00:33:52] I went to the middle school over here that is now the library. [00:33:57] The Hacienda is here now. [00:33:59] All of these places we have kept for our smaller community. [00:34:03] We don't want a great big city. [00:34:05] We want our cultural things for this community to stay as it is. [00:34:10] So why can't that school be the same? [00:34:13] Why can't we save it? [00:34:14] It's well built. [00:34:15] It has been maintained. [00:34:17] And we can use it for other things to happen there. [00:34:20] When we come to you, and we thank you for hearing us tonight. [00:34:28] There's many of us here from the alumni. [00:34:31] We have a reunion every year. [00:34:33] We give money to the graduates. [00:34:36] We give scholarships. [00:34:38] The alumni are just not here to say, we want this school. [00:34:42] We do things for the community all the time. [00:34:44] This is one of our projects, but it's a very important one [00:34:47] because our ancestors went there, and it can be turned into so much more. [00:34:52] I think of the Tampa Fairgrounds, the Pioneer Center that's over there, [00:34:56] the community there. [00:34:57] They have all of the things. [00:34:59] We have graduates that are still grinding their own cane syrup. [00:35:03] We have gardeners that are doing all of this. [00:35:07] So we just ask you to, as you possibly get this property, [00:35:15] that you save it for the community, for our ancestors, [00:35:19] like they saved it for us, [00:35:21] and we thank you very much that you do consider this. [00:35:24] Thank you. [00:35:25] Anybody else? [00:35:34] That was all I had. [00:35:36] All right. [00:35:37] We'll take people from the audience that would like to come down and speak. [00:35:40] Terry Kline, 6807 Parkside Drive in New Port Richey, Florida. [00:35:47] It's not about the money. [00:35:52] Thank you. [00:36:10] Dale Webb, 5647 Kentucky Avenue. [00:36:14] Some people probably wonder why I'm so passionate about this school. [00:36:19] There's some members in the audience. [00:36:21] We grew up in that subdivision. [00:36:23] My parents came here from Zephyr Hills. [00:36:25] I can't hear you, Dale. [00:36:28] A little closer to you. [00:36:30] Hello? [00:36:31] There you go. [00:36:33] Okay. [00:36:34] My parents came here in the early 50s from Zephyr Hills. [00:36:37] Hap Clark brought my dad over here as the head football coach. [00:36:42] He was very successful. [00:36:44] My uncle graduated from that school. [00:36:47] We grew up in that neighborhood. [00:36:50] The kids that grew up in that neighborhood, St. [00:36:53] Clair Field was our YMCA. [00:36:57] They had double gates, but they were left two-foot. [00:37:00] There was a two-foot gap at those gates. [00:37:02] We were allowed to come and go as we pleased and use those fields. [00:37:09] There's just a lot of history there with me and my family. [00:37:14] And, of course, these folks here that actually graduated from there. [00:37:18] I didn't go to school there. [00:37:20] But I would really like to see ‑‑ I know it has to be self-sustaining in [00:37:26] some way, or the taxpayer probably won't, but all I can say is I'm very [00:37:35] passionate about it and I'd like to see it stay somewhat like it is in the [00:37:40] building itself, too, and not turned into a commercial venture. [00:37:45] Thank you for your time. [00:37:47] I'd just like to say at this point I'd like to thank Dale Webb. [00:37:55] He kind of covered for the school board in keeping the front door looking [00:38:00] nice. [00:38:01] Thank you very much, Dale. [00:38:07] Peter remembers this, but back in September I was one of the first people [00:38:11] who came and raised the alarm about what was going on with the Swetman [00:38:14] building, and you can pull that up on tape, because I arrived there to help [00:38:18] with the dinosaurs and dragons and found a police car there from New Port Richey, and the door opened, and it turned out that somebody we had [00:38:27] spending the night there said they had done a SWAT team exercise in the [00:38:31] building the night before. [00:38:33] I had the opportunity to go in because the door was open. [00:38:36] I was told later there was no damage. [00:38:38] They were taking out garbage cans full of damaged plaster and broken items, [00:38:45] said they used rubber bullets, but there was damage. [00:38:49] So I came to the city council and I said I'm here because I have to look [00:38:53] into this, but the main thing I want to talk about is some of you may [00:38:56] remember Ken Hope. [00:38:58] Ken Hope was a kind of a little archaeologist himself. [00:39:03] He had a massive collection of Indian artifacts that he collected before [00:39:08] there were state statutes that protected these sites. [00:39:12] I don't know what's happened to those. [00:39:14] He died a few years ago. [00:39:15] He used to work for Ardene North at North Funeral Homes, [00:39:18] which is now Viva Brady's. [00:39:20] But where he collected the majority of that collection was right there. [00:39:27] That, by the old timers, is claims, the old timers claim, [00:39:31] that that is an ancient Indian burial ground. [00:39:35] In the state of Florida, there are statutes that protect these sites. [00:39:39] There's also quite an active Native American Indian group that is trying [00:39:44] to protect the Anclote Park and some other things. [00:39:47] I have talked to these people and I have their names. [00:39:50] If any of you want these names, there are people who are poised to start [00:39:56] to investigate that property to see what can be done. [00:40:00] One of the people I talked to is an architect for the state [00:40:03] historical preservation. [00:40:06] He gave me an awful lot of information about that building [00:40:11] and what we can do about it. [00:40:13] The other thing I want to say is a long time ago, [00:40:16] I talked to some people about bringing in traveling museums into the Hacienda. [00:40:21] That has been made into a fine project. [00:40:24] That building is perfect to do traveling museums. [00:40:28] The Smithsonian, the Metropolitan, many have. [00:40:31] They come with lesson plans. [00:40:33] They come with videos for virtual tours. [00:40:35] They come with already plans to bring in the school system, [00:40:40] to have lunch and learns. [00:40:43] I have a lot of information about that, too. [00:40:46] Also, there is a woman who has been recently hired by the state [00:40:49] to specifically investigate these properties that we need to preserve, [00:40:54] not only the building, but the site if it indeed is a burial ground. [00:40:58] There is a requirement that if there is any suspicion that that is an [00:41:02] archeological site or a burial ground, it has to be surveyed. [00:41:07] There is a specific survey. [00:41:09] I'm going to finish. [00:41:11] There is a specific survey, and I have all that information. [00:41:14] Excuse me. [00:41:15] Thank you. [00:41:16] Thank you. [00:41:17] You can take it up with the organization. [00:41:18] I'll give you names, numbers, and specific things that they know about the Hacienda. [00:41:24] Right. [00:41:29] Applause. [00:41:35] Charles Wise, 6013 Adams Street, New Port Richey, Florida. [00:41:39] I just wanted to also contribute to the conversation with Schwetman. [00:41:44] I want to piggyback off some of the comments because, as we mentioned, [00:41:47] the Hacienda, that has been a great turnaround project for the city. [00:41:51] I believe almost every single person, [00:41:53] or possibly every single person up here had mentioned how much they enjoyed the [00:41:57] stroll through town with the wine stroll. [00:41:59] So we see how these historical projects not only just bring a bunch of pride [00:42:03] and prestige to the city, but also brings a lot of enjoyment [00:42:05] and something that we can come around as a community. [00:42:08] Following on this historical theme, if I'm not mistaken, [00:42:12] I believe the Schwetman building was built in the 1920s. [00:42:15] So if we're talking about these 20 stroll through the towns, [00:42:18] I think we can find a way to incorporate this in there, [00:42:20] or just build it into the general theme of the city. [00:42:22] It falls right into place. [00:42:25] I know Peter Altman has talked in the past about wanting to do something, [00:42:28] I believe, environmental based with the property, [00:42:31] potentially getting something environmentally educational. [00:42:34] Another person had mentioned Starkey Ranch and doing something similar to [00:42:39] that or akin to that with that property. [00:42:41] I think that would be great as well. [00:42:43] Also on the environmental theme, I think we have to take into account that [00:42:46] whatever we do with this property, we have so much development going on in [00:42:49] the area that we need to be careful of our watershed landscapes, [00:42:52] and we need to be aware of removing our green spaces. [00:42:56] So we have a beautiful lot that's there. [00:42:58] There's a lot of potential that's there, [00:43:00] and there's certainly things we can do with that, [00:43:02] but we need to be careful not to overdevelop to the point that all that runoff [00:43:06] water is going right into the intersection of Gulf and Grand, [00:43:09] which is already a difficult area for flooding. [00:43:12] Just some things to keep in mind. [00:43:14] I do really love the work that we've done with the historical renovation. [00:43:17] I think this could be a part of it, and I would just love to see both the [00:43:20] environmental and the historical preservation taken into account. [00:43:24] Thank you. [00:43:26] Thank you. [00:43:46] Angela Adino, Napolitano, 6013 Adams Street, 5805 Illinois Avenue. [00:43:51] Gulf High alumni, class of 86. [00:43:55] I did attend Schwetman because I had some trouble my senior year, [00:44:00] and I had to do night school. [00:44:02] So the last time I walked into that building was actually back in 1986. [00:44:06] I would love to see it again. [00:44:08] I have a problem with the – I hope I don't run out of time, [00:44:12] or I'll see you on October 3rd – [00:44:17] the approval of the minutes from the September 5th CRA meeting. [00:44:22] And I have the video right here. [00:44:25] At mark 1.41, Debbie Manns is actually talking about the Pasco County [00:44:32] School Board, how important this building is. [00:44:35] And it was supposed to be in the contract, along with the 1.75 million [00:44:40] and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, that the building remain preserved [00:44:44] for at least 15 years. [00:44:46] I do not see that in your minutes that I printed today online. [00:44:52] And she's actually here. [00:44:54] Give me one second. [00:45:00] Well, you know what, I'm not going to waste all my time here, but it was said, and you [00:45:07] can look that up online, September 5th, the CRA meeting. I was silly enough to think that [00:45:13] CRA meant Community Reinvestment Act, and then found out that it's Community Redevelopment [00:45:21] Agency. So I think it would be a damn shame if you guys take that building and redevelop [00:45:30] that entire property. And I also printed this online, and this is what my son was talking [00:45:36] about, is all that marshland along the river with those trees. I don't understand why we [00:45:43] can't do something like Elfers, you know, 1914. They've made a beautiful senior center. [00:45:50] My niece had her baby shower there. They rent rooms like you do Peace Hall. You can still [00:45:56] make profit from it. I'm a little frazzled right now, and I wanted to say other things, [00:46:04] and I'm running out of time, but I think if you do sell it to developers, you're all going [00:46:09] to hell. [00:46:10] I don't think I can top that up. Oh, Angela, we love you, Angela. And thank all of you [00:46:28] for coming here. This really means a lot. Give yourselves a round of applause. All right. [00:46:34] So, man, I love community. This is what community looks like right here. So we're here because [00:46:42] the birds have flown, as they would say. And we know that this, just like Angela said, [00:46:48] on that September 5th meeting, the city manager was very happy to announce the negotiations [00:46:53] and the underbidding of the 1.7 or whatever the money is you're going to buy this building [00:46:58] for. [00:46:59] Now, my family has been a part of this community since 1925. My aunts and grandmothers were [00:47:05] some of the first African-American women and men to integrate Gulf High School. I myself, [00:47:12] I think my junior year, attended Swetman when it was under the leadership of Mr. Randy Koingsveld. [00:47:20] And when I walked through those halls, you could see the history. You could feel the [00:47:23] history. My aunt used to live across the street in those duplexes about 15 years ago. [00:47:28] You would see the kids playing football in the field. You would see the families when [00:47:33] it was football season. [00:47:36] Now you go over there, you see nothing. It's all just dead. We should have it revitalized. [00:47:41] If you can keep taking our money from the CRA and spending it on your pet project and [00:47:46] then turn around and sell it to your developer buddies, I think it's time that you actually [00:47:51] do something for the people. [00:47:53] Tonight the people have expressed to you all, the city council, what we want. We want that [00:47:59] building preserved, not for 10 years, not for 15 years, but for the next 100 years. [00:48:07] So let's make sure that that is updated and those minutes are updated. And let's stop [00:48:13] playing games. Let's make sure the microphones are working. Let's make sure you all are speaking [00:48:18] into the microphones. Let's make sure people that are listening at home are actually getting [00:48:22] a good feed and it's not cutting off because something is going on here where there's a [00:48:26] lot of deception. [00:48:29] Now we also know that the city manager's office is already talking about possibly selling [00:48:34] the property or possibly sending out some letters to her developer friends. Now we know [00:48:40] that because, like I said, the birds have flown and we the people are not going to sit [00:48:46] idly by as another property that is near and dear to this community is taken. Taken [00:48:52] and not done what we want, but what you all want. [00:48:58] There's so many properties that have been purchased from the CRA. You purchase it for [00:49:03] millions of dollars, then you turn around and sell it for $300,000. And if you don't [00:49:08] believe me, people, please make a public records request into these people's communications. [00:49:13] You will see nothing but developers and developers and developers. They care nothing about us. [00:49:18] But tonight, you the people behind me have shown them that we matter. And if you all [00:49:24] sit here and do nothing and bring this up for a vote on your next meeting and do what [00:49:29] she wants you to do, we will not forget. [00:49:36] Anybody else like to speak? [00:49:47] Seeing no one, come forward. [00:49:55] Gina Madero, 6013 Adams Street, New Port Richey, Florida, 34652. [00:50:03] I want to show you this video. [00:50:15] What year did you graduate? Where did you graduate? [00:50:19] Graduated from Gulf High, 2019. [00:50:24] It's not working. [00:50:26] Well, it's because it's buffering. We've got time. [00:50:31] The purpose of this agenda item is to consider the purchase and sale agreement with the District [00:50:38] School Board of Pasco County for the former, I guess we could call it former, maybe that's [00:50:44] not appropriate, the Harry Schwetman Education Center property located on Grand Boulevard. [00:50:51] The school board has indicated interest in selling the property, and I have had conversations [00:51:00] over the last few months with representatives from the school administration regarding the [00:51:08] purchase of nearly eight acres of property. The property was appraised over two years [00:51:15] ago for $2.8 million. It serves as a gateway to the city and also has great historical [00:51:24] value to the city. The property contains a building which is very important to the school [00:51:36] district, and they have asked if anyone is to purchase the building, I'm sorry, the property, [00:51:45] that the building be retained on the property for a 15-year period of time. That being said... [00:51:53] That was not in the minutes. Thank you. [00:51:56] Applause [00:52:03] If anybody else would like to speak. [00:52:12] Good evening, George Romanioli, 6235 Florida Avenue. And again, forgive my dress, I was working at home [00:52:18] and watching you guys on TV, it's a great thing to do on a Thursday night. So I appreciate [00:52:25] Angela talking about Elfers, because Elfers was my project. I renovated Elfers for the [00:52:29] county, and it turned out to be beautiful. Schwetman is a building that could be like [00:52:33] that too. We have two great assets that the CRA and the city just received, Schwetman [00:52:40] and my old county building on Main Street. And I think we need to have a community-wide [00:52:44] discussion on what to do with these buildings. I think we need to have people that both represent [00:52:50] the business community and the residential community. I think it would be really great [00:52:54] if you four, and Kelly if she was here, five, appointed a committee to each of you, a business [00:53:02] person and a residential person, to discuss what to do with these properties. We're talking [00:53:08] about tourism, we're talking about business, we're talking about development, what is the [00:53:12] best uses for those buildings? I think we need to have a community discussion. Now one [00:53:16] thing is we really haven't talked about what we want to do. There's all these rumors out [00:53:20] there, we don't know what. But I think one thing that I think you fail to do in your [00:53:25] budget, again, is you didn't hire a lobbyist. You don't have money for a lobbyist. And I [00:53:32] think it's been now two or three years that you haven't had money for a lobbyist. This [00:53:35] is a project, because I can tell you, Schwetman is probably going to be four to six million [00:53:41] dollars to renovate that building. The county building is not as bad. But because of the [00:53:45] age of that building and the deterioration that the school board let it get into, it's [00:53:49] going to need a lot of work. And whatever we do with the property around it, the fields, [00:53:54] and the area on the river, it's going to cost a lot of money. And we're going to need state [00:53:58] involvement and maybe tourism money from the county too. So I think this, whatever we do [00:54:03] with this, it's a short, it's not a quick process. We need to develop a plan. Let's [00:54:08] get the planning department to staff a committee that each of you select an individual, again [00:54:15] from business and from residential community, to talk about what to do with each of those [00:54:20] properties. Because that's going to be a generational asset for our city. Thank you. [00:54:27] Anybody else would like to come down and speak? I see no one else will bring it back for approval. [00:54:39] I'll move for approval of the CRA budget as presented. [00:54:45] Second. [00:54:47] Second. [00:54:49] Go ahead, Pete. [00:54:51] Yeah, and again, hopefully my colleagues after this pretty long meeting will bear with me [00:55:00] a little bit so that I can talk to you once more as we are together. Because as I started [00:55:05] the conversation before about the charter and our roles, I have mentioned many times [00:55:12] up here the importance of us talking as a group collectively with the city manager, [00:55:16] president, attorney, and all of you, so that we can discuss these items openly. [00:55:21] The one interesting thing about a CRA is there are sort of investment strategies that are [00:55:26] not necessarily a good thing to let somebody know how badly you want their property before [00:55:31] you offer to buy it. So it's a little tricky business. But I do want to take just a moment [00:55:37] to reiterate what has been a lifetime mission of mine, which is to support and encourage [00:55:44] CRAs and redevelopment. And redevelopment really should be called revitalization, because [00:55:51] the purpose of a CRA is to recognize that the area of the CRA has suffered economically, [00:56:00] that it hasn't improved as much as the areas around it. The words slum and blight were [00:56:07] used. It was originally our downtown back in the initial time. And then in 2000, when [00:56:12] it became a full citywide CRA, our city got a lot of attention statewide because we were, [00:56:19] in many folks' thinking, overdoing an opportunity. So just to be clear, when we talked about [00:56:29] our millage rate earlier and the property taxes that are collected, the taxes for the [00:56:37] general fund were frozen in the year 2000, pretty much. Any increase in taxes coming [00:56:42] in within the CRA boundaries is all flowing into the CRA district. So as folks think about [00:56:49] how can a city spend money doing these kind of projects, we can spend it because the city [00:56:54] said, we're not satisfied. And I was not the mayor at the time. I was on the county commission. [00:57:00] And the commissioners objected. And Mr. Gallagher, our former city manager, was the county administrator [00:57:07] at the time, and he objected. But Ted Schrader, who was a former city councilman in San Antonio, [00:57:14] and myself were two former city elected officials on the county commission, which is always [00:57:19] a good thing, I say with a hint to my colleagues, because we want representation and participation [00:57:27] of the county, because we all pay county taxes as well. So thinking of the tax money that [00:57:33] we have to sacrifice from the general fund that comes into this CRA district, it's a [00:57:39] BOGO. It's a buy one, get one free. Because all of the money that we're paying to the [00:57:44] county, residence, commercial, that entire growth is all going into, the county has to [00:57:51] refund that money back to us. So we are getting several million dollars a year of the county's [00:57:56] money back into the CRA, and we are in good shape right now, because we've had this resurgence [00:58:02] of value. So it is important that the city council continues to be able to function while [00:58:11] the CRA finishes its job. And our job is still to last for another 27 years, because we extended [00:58:17] the life of the CRA. So we have a long-term revenue stream, and we have a substantial [00:58:24] opportunity to do the things that have been suggested. Four million seem out of reach, [00:58:33] as George estimates the cost of remodeling it. The tourism money is a good additional [00:58:41] source to go to. We asked for tourism money, and ironically, as it's been mentioned, that [00:58:48] building, I brought up the building on Main and Bank, and I want to share with you that [00:58:54] I've asked the city manager to join in a visit from the board of directors of the Great Exploration [00:59:02] Science Museum in St. Petersburg, who are interested in locating a satellite children's [00:59:08] museum in our downtown, which would be fantastic right near Sims Park, and probably that is [00:59:13] a good spot they'd like to look at. We tried to get tourism money for a homegrown science [00:59:21] museum that we called Brainstorms, and we had a lot of the community and the youth involved, [00:59:26] and we had over half a million dollars. We went to the county for their 250,000 one-third [00:59:33] share, and we were turned down by the county because they thought that the museum was a [00:59:40] good idea, but they'd like it to be at the concourse, and they wouldn't partner with us. [00:59:47] Well, now the county has expressed an interest to partner. They're partnering with others. [00:59:53] One of our members here is a member of the MPI. [01:00:00] Oh, and he's going after money for our microtransit and our [01:00:04] micromodal. [01:00:05] Another council member here who is at the dais is also on [01:00:11] the tourism board. [01:00:13] And we've all advocated. [01:00:15] Chopper has advocated when he spent time on that. [01:00:19] I'm excited, and I look forward to sharing with you [01:00:21] all what interest they may have. [01:00:24] I think it's a great opportunity for someone who's [01:00:26] been in business for a long time and knows how to bring [01:00:29] those youth groups into town to see it. [01:00:32] And I thank Debbie for agreeing to meet [01:00:34] with them next week. [01:00:36] But we can do that, but we need to come back [01:00:38] publicly and share it. [01:00:39] And that's why I'm always trying to have these [01:00:41] discussions with you. [01:00:42] Because if we don't talk now, and it's my chance to talk [01:00:46] with you guys, I can't talk with you privately about [01:00:49] anything that might come before us to vote. [01:00:52] So I just want to make sure everyone understands the rules [01:00:55] and the importance. [01:00:57] If these things are not in the plan, under the law, we [01:01:01] can't do them. [01:01:02] And so we are now in the process of updating our plan. [01:01:06] And Debbie, I hope that we can begin to have really regular [01:01:10] meetings with the CRA. [01:01:12] Because this is an $8 million revenue stream coming in, and [01:01:18] a lot that's happening. [01:01:19] And our budget is now bringing this board an additional [01:01:22] $100,000 worth of effort from your administrative support [01:01:26] from the city. [01:01:27] We deserve to be on the agenda probably monthly with [01:01:31] updates, not the least of which is the SunTrust building [01:01:35] that we've purchased. [01:01:36] We're paying interest on it. [01:01:39] You've been working aggressively to try to make [01:01:42] sure the assembly is all there. [01:01:44] And some of those things have to be a little quiet, because [01:01:47] you don't want to spook the opportunity. [01:01:50] So it's a tricky business. [01:01:53] I just want to reassert that this city council is in [01:01:57] charge, that we do give direction. [01:01:58] And we've done that in the best way we can. [01:02:02] I think we can do better with involving the community. [01:02:06] And I'm really excited to see where we're at right now and [01:02:10] to be part of it. [01:02:11] So that's pretty much what I want to make sure that we [01:02:16] understand, that unless we encourage the support and [01:02:21] growth of our business community who are bringing in [01:02:24] the sales taxes, which go back to the general fund, if [01:02:28] they're suffering, this process isn't going to work. [01:02:31] So we can't take our foot off the pedal. [01:02:33] We've got to make sure that this growth is occurring and [01:02:37] that we're moving things forward. [01:02:38] So to Mike, to your comment about things don't always go [01:02:42] as fast as we want them to, that's for sure. [01:02:45] But at the same token, whatever resources we have to [01:02:48] bring to bear, there are professionals that can help [01:02:52] to provide their advice. [01:02:55] But I don't think the city wants the outside folks to [01:02:58] tell us what to do. [01:03:00] I would ask that we go back and look at this Harbors West [01:03:04] Market report. [01:03:05] Many were here in the year 2013, where it's 127 pages of [01:03:14] commitment by the county and their economic department to [01:03:18] support and recognize that New Port Richey's downtown, [01:03:22] our riverfront district, had to be the impetus for the [01:03:27] re-vigoration of the entire west side of the county. [01:03:30] So they have officially declared that this is ground [01:03:35] zero to rebuild and rebrand West Pasco. [01:03:40] And we should take that with honor, because we [01:03:43] are the downtown. [01:03:44] We are the city that is the heart of this part of the [01:03:47] county, and it's really worth every minute of listening to [01:03:52] the story from the folks that have lived here so long ago. [01:03:57] My family came in 1952. [01:04:00] My father was a city attorney without charge. [01:04:03] He was the attorney who identified the item in the [01:04:09] title to all the land on the west side of the highway that [01:04:12] committed to the school, the county, and the city to have a [01:04:17] park, fire station, and the school. [01:04:24] And so that's why Green Key Beach is there, because he [01:04:27] stopped that deal, and there was a lawsuit landed several [01:04:31] years that resulted in that property. [01:04:33] So I also have in my heart the same thing Dale has, the same [01:04:38] thing you all do. [01:04:39] And I'm also just pleased to have new folks that have come [01:04:43] into town and recognized it. [01:04:44] We've got a great thing going here. [01:04:46] We can't let it get ruined by infighting. [01:04:51] We do, I think, need to continue to have buy-in. [01:04:56] And that means that it's the job of folks like you to [01:04:58] spread the word. [01:04:59] If folks looked at this Harbors Market report, and [01:05:03] then they turned around and looked at the most recent [01:05:06] study on the downtown and the Highway 19 corridor that was [01:05:11] done recently, it's not just the downtown. [01:05:15] And they're right in here. [01:05:17] They have circled that area where Shwetman is, and they [01:05:20] call it the river crossing, I think. [01:05:23] So we don't want to turn into a big city, but we sure do, I [01:05:28] think, want to be a great city. [01:05:29] And I think we're headed that way. [01:05:31] So I'm very proud to support the budget, and I'm excited to [01:05:34] work forward. [01:05:35] And I'm really asking that we get our nose to the grindstone [01:05:40] and start meeting more regularly, making sure that [01:05:44] the public knows that we're on the job. [01:05:47] Thank you. [01:05:55] It's great to be in a room with so many other Florida [01:05:57] natives, right? [01:05:58] So there's not all that many of us around, [01:06:02] seems like, sometimes. [01:06:05] Yeah, this is key. [01:06:08] I know that, Crystal, that the CRA has some debt service [01:06:14] that we're paying for on an annual basis, right? [01:06:18] About how much is that? [01:06:21] Catch you cold-footed there. [01:06:22] Sorry about that. [01:06:23] No, that's OK. [01:06:26] I believe we budgeted $3.5 million. [01:06:29] So that's typically what we pay in debt service? [01:06:33] In debt service. [01:06:34] And that's not including the $500,000 that's paid back to [01:06:39] the general fund from the CRA? [01:06:40] What was the total amount of debt that we have? [01:06:43] I know it's our debt service. [01:06:44] Total across the city? [01:06:47] Yeah, for the CRA. [01:06:48] Oh, for the CRA. [01:06:49] Well, it'd be $4 million, if you want to include the [01:06:52] general fund into the CRA. [01:06:55] The balance due. [01:06:57] The balance dues. [01:06:58] Oh, the balance? [01:06:59] I'd have to get that for you. [01:07:00] Yeah. [01:07:01] So a chunk of it is. [01:07:03] So part of this is, we have to look at numbers from time to [01:07:10] time, but so of the CRA money we have, $3.5 million or so is [01:07:16] going out each year for projects we've already made. [01:07:19] Some purchases. [01:07:21] Some were really good. [01:07:22] Some seem to be good at the time, but didn't turn out to [01:07:25] be so good. [01:07:26] But yet, that's all part of it. [01:07:28] That's why when we look at these things, I think that [01:07:33] particularly with the CRA, again, you pull out your [01:07:38] telescope and you pull out your microscope, both. [01:07:40] What can we do? [01:07:41] How does this help us right now? [01:07:43] How does this advance the quality of life for our [01:07:47] residents and our households? [01:07:50] And yet, not only will it do something now, but really, [01:07:54] what's it going to do into the future? [01:07:58] It's interesting and it's nice to hear from folks that have, [01:08:05] like me, a few years on them, but are still concerned what's [01:08:08] going to happen 20 years from now or 30 years from now. [01:08:11] So it's something that we have to consider in all our [01:08:17] decision makings, not only now, but in the future. [01:08:20] And I'm excited about what the possibilities of [01:08:23] the city has and is. [01:08:26] I still consider, you've heard me say this before, it's [01:08:28] almost, I feel like that the city of New Port Richey is [01:08:31] almost like an oasis in this mass of, not necessarily [01:08:36] desert, but the mass of stuff that's on this West Pascoe. [01:08:39] Good example, most of West Pascoe County is an example [01:08:45] of poor planning. [01:08:48] We're fortunate enough that we live in a city that when the [01:08:52] grids were first poured for the streets here and there [01:08:56] downtown, particularly the core area and outstanding [01:08:58] neighborhoods, nice streets, good sized lots, those are [01:09:04] things that will last for a long time if we properly [01:09:07] maintain them and manage them going forward. [01:09:10] I worry about other neighborhoods not too far [01:09:12] outside our city limits that developers just came in, mowed [01:09:16] down the orange trees or whatever was there at the time [01:09:19] and saw how many houses could they put in a block. [01:09:25] I drive a street every day to work where it's the street and [01:09:29] then I got a three foot sidewalk right next to it and [01:09:33] the kids were walking to bus stops and I go, how can [01:09:36] sidewalks be like this? [01:09:37] And it's just, that was the cheapest way to do it. [01:09:39] And that's back when developers did run ramshot [01:09:44] because of the poor planning laws and what happened. [01:09:47] I think it's our job is to be careful that that doesn't, [01:09:52] that 20 years from now or 30 years from now, there's not [01:09:54] somebody sitting up there telling about the mistakes [01:09:57] that we made or what we failed to do or what [01:09:59] we didn't do right. [01:10:00] So we want to try to do things that will help us as quickly [01:10:05] as we can and yet we'll have that lasting appeal on the [01:10:09] type of still a neighborhood that so many new developments [01:10:14] are trying to emulate, but I just don't see how they will [01:10:17] ever have the heart that New Port Richey has. [01:10:24] The, thank you everyone for putting the staff or the [01:10:28] budget for the CRA. [01:10:30] The CRA is something that is just, you know, by leaps and [01:10:33] bounds has helped our city and bringing it back to life. [01:10:38] And so many great projects that have come out from it. [01:10:40] There's so many, you know, more projects coming this year. [01:10:44] Look forward to all the projects that are coming out [01:10:46] with it from our CRA. [01:10:51] There's, you know, I appreciate all the comments [01:10:53] about Schwedman. [01:10:55] I think it's very important to our city, you know, just [01:10:59] like the Hacienda and other, other historical places. [01:11:03] So I look forward to, you know, having further [01:11:06] conversations and seeing what, you know, it'll become. [01:11:11] I came here in 1983 and one of the, you know, I never [01:11:14] really had a hometown. [01:11:16] Me and my dad was a lifer in the Air Force. [01:11:18] But, but I, one of the first things that I saw was, was [01:11:21] the, the roots and the skeleton that was here. [01:11:24] And it was stronger than any other community of our size. [01:11:27] You want to say Dunning, Safety Harbor, Crystal River, [01:11:31] you know, any place in between, you know, and even [01:11:34] going further south, you know, even, even Clearwater. [01:11:37] I mean, you know, it just, it just had the roots and it had [01:11:40] this, the skeleton that was beautiful. [01:11:42] And, and I'm really proud of this, the city that it's gone [01:11:46] ahead and, and held onto these. [01:11:48] Remember, if you remember back, we actually purchased [01:11:50] the city, not Mui, but the city purchased the Hacienda [01:11:54] to maintain it and didn't let it go until they found the [01:11:57] right people and to do the right thing. [01:11:59] And I, I see some people sitting out there right now [01:12:01] that were part of the Friends of the Hacienda. [01:12:03] And I would be, I wouldn't be surprised if you did the [01:12:06] Friends of the Swetman too, just to, you know, [01:12:09] carry it another step. [01:12:10] Because it's, it's, it's, it's part of our heritage. [01:12:13] It's part of our skeleton. [01:12:14] It's part of our roots. [01:12:15] And we, we want to do something there. [01:12:17] And so your, your input and coming here today, you know, [01:12:21] you know, you came here to tell, tell us you support us. [01:12:24] There were some people that got up to told us that we were on [01:12:26] the other side of the street, but we're not on the other [01:12:28] side of the street. [01:12:29] We're on the same side of the street as you are. [01:12:31] In fact, your, your fellow citizens chose us to be up [01:12:34] here, for some reason, they think we're on the other side, [01:12:37] but we're not even close to the other side. [01:12:39] So I want to thank you for coming. [01:12:41] I'm, you know, of course, definitely, you know, you know, [01:12:44] going to support the CRA and the growth of the CRA, but, [01:12:47] you know, I really appreciate you guys coming here. [01:12:49] And, and that's one of the reasons we negotiated, you [01:12:52] know, to purchase Swetman, because we want to keep that [01:12:55] skeleton and we want to grow it and keep it, keep it looking [01:12:58] like it is now, make it part of the city somewhere people [01:13:01] want to go down to that intersection, as well as you [01:13:03] want to go to Maine and Grand. [01:13:11] Move for approval. [01:13:12] All those in favor.

   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. 5Communications▶ 1:13:13
6. 6Adjournment▶ 1:18:38