On the agenda

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

   Pledge of Allegiance

   Boy Scout Troop 86 from Hudson, Florida led the Pledge of Allegiance. Assistant Scoutmaster Keith Brock explained the troop is working on the Citizenship in the Community merit badge, and Senior Patrol Leader Lucas Brock led the color guard.

   🏢Boy Scouts Troop 86👤Keith Brock👤Lucas Brock#Citizenship in the Community merit badge

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   [00:00:19] All right, can I get Keith Brock to come down? [00:00:20] He's the leader in the Boy Scouts. [00:00:29] First I'd like to welcome you and your troop here, and I'd like you to say a few words [00:00:32] about your involvement with the community here. [00:00:34] All right. [00:00:35] Thank you very much. [00:00:36] Good evening, everyone. [00:00:37] Come on over here. [00:00:38] Okay. [00:00:39] Thank you. [00:00:40] Thanks for having us. [00:00:41] I do appreciate it. [00:00:42] My name is Keith Brock. [00:00:43] I'm the Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 86. [00:00:53] We hail from Hudson, Florida, right up the road. [00:00:56] The scouts of Troop 86 that are back here, they are working on their citizenship right [00:01:02] now, so specifically a merit badge that's called Citizenship in the Community, and they're [00:01:08] here to learn about some of the community issues. [00:01:10] This is a perfect opportunity for them, so we're taking advantage of it, and we appreciate [00:01:14] you having us down here. [00:01:16] At this time, I'd like to call the Senior Patrol Leader, Troop 86, Lucas Brock, to come [00:01:21] down. [00:01:22] Bring your color guard with you, please. [00:01:25] Thank you. [00:01:26] Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. [00:01:27] Color guard, attention. [00:01:28] Color guard, forward march. [00:01:29] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for [00:01:30] which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [00:01:31] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for [00:01:53] which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [00:02:00] Color guard, halt. [00:02:02] Color guard, cross. [00:02:12] Color guard, post the colors. [00:02:20] Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. [00:02:24] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for [00:02:29] which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [00:02:37] Ladies and gentlemen, you may be seated. [00:02:40] Thank you. [00:02:41] Stay here, guys. [00:02:42] Stand still. [00:02:43] I request that you come on down. [00:02:45] Please be quiet. [00:02:54] Thank you. [00:02:55] Thank you. [00:02:56] Thank you.

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3. 3

   Moment of Silence

   The council observed a moment of silence.

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   [00:03:24] Thank you. [00:03:25] Thank you. [00:03:26] Thank you. [00:03:43] We have a moment of silence, too, please.

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4. 4

   Approval of October 17, 2023 Regular Meeting Minutes

   approved

   Council approved the minutes from the October 17, 2023 regular meeting.

   • motion:Motion to approve the October 17, 2023 regular meeting minutes. (passed)

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   [00:03:45] All right, let's move on to the approval of the October 7, 2027 regular meeting minutes. [00:03:55] Move to approve. [00:03:56] Second. [00:03:57] All those in favor? [00:03:58] Aye. [00:03:59] Aye.

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5. 5

   Audit Presentation by Mauldin & Jenkins

   discussed

   Wade Sansbury of Mauldin & Jenkins presented the city's FY2022 annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR), issuing an unmodified (clean) audit opinion with no findings. The city's net position increased by $6.5 million to about $110 million, and the general fund balance held steady around $11 million. Council discussed the large CRA-to-general-fund receivable (~$7.7M) and the need for a long-term financial sustainability strategy.

   📍Main and 19 at our boat ramp🏢Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB)🏢Mauldin & Jenkins👤Joel Black👤Mike👤Peters👤Wade Sansbury#American Rescue Plan Act funds#Auditor's Discussion and Analysis (AD&A)#Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)#FY2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)#Single audit threshold ($750,000)#Yellow Book report

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   [00:04:00] Here we have a presentation by Maldon and Jenkins. [00:04:06] Maldon and Jenkins. [00:04:07] Maldon and Jenkins. [00:04:08] Maldon and Jenkins. [00:04:09] And we have Mr. Wade Sandsbury present to make the presentation on behalf of Maldon [00:04:17] and Jenkins this evening, and this is in relationship to the city's audit results. [00:04:26] Yes, good evening. [00:04:27] Can everyone hear me? [00:04:28] Yes. [00:04:29] Yes. [00:04:30] Great. [00:04:31] Great. [00:04:32] Well, thank you so much for allowing me to virtually be with you all today. [00:04:37] I'm actually up in northeast Florida today at some other client meeting, so I was really [00:04:43] happy that we could work this out in this format, but I've got a brief presentation [00:04:47] for you all tonight. [00:04:48] Can you see that on your screen, my PowerPoint? [00:04:52] Yes. [00:04:53] Okay, good. [00:04:54] Good. [00:04:55] So, again, brief presentation. [00:04:56] I know you all have a pretty busy meeting tonight, so I'll go quick, but if at any point [00:05:01] you want to ask me a question or something, just feel free to jump right on in. [00:05:05] Just to start out, just a little bit of information about who Maldon and Jenkins are. [00:05:10] We were founded in 1918. [00:05:12] We are a large regional audit organization here in the southeast. [00:05:16] We currently provide services to over 700 governments here in the southeast, so we're [00:05:21] very experienced serving governments like the city of New Port Richey. [00:05:26] Also, one thing that we're very proud of is that the current chair of the GASB, the [00:05:31] Governmental Accounting Standards Board, which oversees all governmental entities in the [00:05:36] United States, is currently being led by an ex-partner of ours, Joel Black. [00:05:42] He and I actually made partner together several years ago, so, again, very proud of him and [00:05:47] his accolades. [00:05:51] The report, obviously, this year is, once again, an annual comprehensive financial report [00:05:56] or an ACFR, if you will. [00:05:59] It's broken up into these various sections. [00:06:04] This year we have issued an unmodified audit report or audit opinion. [00:06:10] This is the type of opinion that you all wish to receive each and every year. [00:06:14] If you were to compare this year's opinion to last year's, it does look a little bit [00:06:18] different. [00:06:19] There were some auditing standards that changed that required us to also change the look and [00:06:24] feel of the overall audit opinion, but, in the end, it does still say kind of the same [00:06:28] thing that it has in the past, that the financial statements do present fairly the financial [00:06:34] position and the results of operations for the city as of and for the year ended. [00:06:39] In the back of the report is what we call our yellow book report. [00:06:43] This is our report on the city's tests or our test of the city's interim patrols, compliance [00:06:48] with laws, regulations, what have you. [00:06:51] We did not report any findings in this year's report, so good job to the overall city and [00:06:57] finance department there. [00:06:59] The city did not receive or expend in excess of $750,000 in federal or state awards this [00:07:06] year, so a single audit was not required to be performed for 2022. [00:07:12] There are also two other reports from us within the report, within the ACFR itself. [00:07:17] That's your management letter that's in requirements from the rules of the auditor general, as [00:07:23] well as an independent accountant's report on the city's investment of public funds. [00:07:27] Again, for both reports, there were no issues or matters to report noted. [00:07:32] Here we've got some required communications. [00:07:34] We always do this in a written format. [00:07:36] We have another document that I'll just briefly touch on in a minute. [00:07:40] It's called our AD&A, our auditor's discussion and analysis. [00:07:44] This is where we put forth all the required communications in a written format for the city. [00:07:51] Just one thing to point out, we of course are independent of the city and in accordance [00:07:54] with all auditing standards. [00:07:56] As I mentioned earlier, there were no financial statement related findings. [00:08:00] We did have a few recommendations for improvement, which were included in the AD&A. [00:08:07] Overall, the city did have a good overall year. [00:08:12] You had about $6.5 million of an increase in your total net position to end the year. [00:08:18] About $110 million in total citywide total net position. [00:08:23] So, again, a good overall year. [00:08:26] These next two slides are just some kind of high level general information about the city. [00:08:32] This is as of 2022. [00:08:33] The next slide is as of 2021. [00:08:36] So, spending per resident this year approximated about $1,700 for governmental overall activities. [00:08:43] The general fund, which is obviously the largest and most significant fund of the city, ended [00:08:47] the year about $11 million total fund balance. [00:08:51] That was pretty much a flat break even from that of the prior year. [00:08:57] It was a very small decrease. [00:08:59] And that's a good overall strong fund balance. [00:09:02] But just remember that there's a large amount of that that is tied up in the advances due to the CRA. [00:09:08] I think that's about $7.7 million of the general fund overall fund balance at the end of the year. [00:09:15] The city did end with about just a little over $1,000 per debt or of debt per resident for governmental activities. [00:09:24] End of the year, about 278 total employees earning about $43,000 on average employee salary. [00:09:30] And of course, salary and overall benefits are a big part of the overall general funds budget. [00:09:36] That's about 48% for 2022. [00:09:39] Here's the same information as of 2021. [00:09:41] Obviously, spending per resident was much higher in 21. [00:09:44] That's because you all had a lot more capital outlay in 21 than you did in 22. [00:09:51] Again, similar again total fund balance. [00:09:54] Debt per resident was a little bit higher. [00:09:56] We actually did a good job in reducing the debt in 2022. [00:10:01] We had only about 269 employees last year and about $42,000 in total employee salary. [00:10:09] This next slide is just some highlights on the general fund, you know, where the money comes from and where it goes. [00:10:15] The majority of your overall revenues are generated from taxes, which is very common for cities of your size. [00:10:23] Where does the money go? [00:10:24] General fund expenditures, majority of that is again going to public safety. [00:10:28] Again, very common to see that. [00:10:32] The next slide here is just a general fund five-year history. [00:10:37] In 2018, we're a little over $12 million and we're down to about $11 million, but we're kind of seem to be at a low point. [00:10:44] Hopefully, we'll be able to start increasing that fund balance going forward. [00:10:48] For your business type activities, you've got the water and sewer fund as well as the stormwater fund. [00:10:53] I always like to make sure that those funds are properly charging for its services and that it can cover the cost of its operations. [00:11:03] This chart clearly shows that the water and sewer, as well as the stormwater to a lesser extent, [00:11:09] certainly are having operating revenues exceed their operating expenses, which again is good and what I want to see. [00:11:16] Again, like I mentioned, we do have the auditor's discussion and analysis, which is a separate document that we provide. [00:11:22] It lists out all of our auditor required communications. [00:11:25] It also lists out all of the upcoming GASB standards and pronouncements that are out there that may or may not be applicable to the city in the future. [00:11:33] But the GASB has certainly been very, very busy over the last several years, [00:11:36] and we want to make sure that you all are updated on all of those GASB standards. [00:11:41] Within the AD&A, we also mentioned the fact that we at Malden Jenkins do provide free CPE. [00:11:46] That's continuing professional education for our clients. [00:11:50] So certainly anyone within the city's finance department or even sitting on this board, [00:11:55] if there was ever any topic that you all were interested in, [00:11:57] you can feel free to let us know and we could get you into those training events, [00:12:02] which are typically being done remotely in a virtual setting. [00:12:06] And that's really all I have for you all tonight. [00:12:07] Do you all have any questions for me? [00:12:17] Mike? [00:12:18] Yeah. [00:12:19] No, I think that it's good for us to see it. [00:12:23] I did see in your recommendations a suggestion to get regular financial information to the city council. [00:12:31] I know that's been very helpful. [00:12:33] Financial information to the city council. [00:12:35] I know that's been something we've asked for, [00:12:38] and I'm very familiar with timeframes that both staffing as well as other issues have caused. [00:12:47] Many of the cities in Florida, in terms of our timing, [00:12:51] also understand there's a shortage of accountants in the world. [00:12:54] So if anybody's listening and wants to go to college and become an accountant, [00:12:58] it's pretty good money if you can take your way through the coursework. [00:13:05] Our CRA is very large and much larger than most in the communities that have them, [00:13:12] which are just mostly downtowns. [00:13:15] And so I've asked, I think last year when you were here, [00:13:18] to see if your firm has sustainability, financial sort of projection capability. [00:13:28] It's not you as an auditor, but I guess your firm does provide some additional services. [00:13:33] I'm most concerned because the American Rescue Act did bring a lot of money to the city that helped us through the post-COVID time, [00:13:43] and because the CRA does eat the tax increase of most of our city's general ad valorem taxes, [00:13:52] that we be prepared and have a strategy how we're going to deal with our general fund in the future. [00:14:00] Because the CRA owes it so much money, it's a good opportunity for us to collect that back as a general fund. [00:14:06] And I think that was part of the strategy of six of that seven or eight million or however much you suggested, [00:14:12] which was paid by the city as a loan some years back. [00:14:17] I think the payback of that is one helpful revenue stream back to the general fund, [00:14:22] but I think we've got 26 years of this to go, and we're a very unique city. [00:14:29] And as you are top of your game, I guess my request would be that I'll talk to my colleagues again, [00:14:36] but it's important for us, I think, to understand our strategy going forward when we don't have quite as much federal assistance [00:14:45] and we just don't have the revenue increases when our whole city is under the CRA. [00:14:51] I'm a big proponent of the CRA, so I don't want to see it go away, [00:14:55] but I want to make sure that we can sustain ourselves through. [00:15:00] the renaissance that's happening in our city. [00:15:07] I don't know if that was a question, but if there's anything you have to respond to, I'm done. [00:15:14] Certainly, as of the end of 22, the city did have a pretty large amount of the American Rescue Funds that were unspent [00:15:27] that you actually could utilize the full $10 million exemption and basically utilize those for prior expenditures [00:15:39] from probably just your public safety usage, and that would be a viable expenditure. [00:15:45] Go ahead and go through a single audit process, and then you could really unencumber those funds and use those however you wanted to. [00:15:51] I certainly think helping to make the general fund whole from the CRA, that would be a potential usage there as well, [00:16:00] once you satisfy the requirements of the grant itself. [00:16:05] The amount owed by the CRA to the city this year was reduced. [00:16:12] That's obviously good to see, but that is a very large overall balance. [00:16:17] Certainly, the quicker it could get repaid, I think the better both the general fund as well as the CRA fund would be. [00:16:26] Of course, to your point on operational matters or whatnot, we certainly, as Moulton & Jenkins, we certainly do have governmental advisors. [00:16:36] We've actually been able to increase our overall staffing in numbers in that area recently with some new hires that have tremendous years of experience [00:16:46] helping governments like yourself do certain reviews and performance reviews and those types of things. [00:16:53] If you all were ever interested in receiving any of that kind of service from us, we'll be more than happy to talk with you all about that. [00:17:01] I like that. [00:17:04] The only question I had really was, and I think you've already touched on it with the CRA, was the fund balance of the CRA owing the city. [00:17:12] I know you have an opportunity to do these type audits throughout the state, throughout the country. [00:17:19] I just wanted to see if you would comment on the size of that debt as associated with the size of the CRA to the city. [00:17:33] I'm sorry, the size of the debt? [00:17:38] The CRA has to the city. [00:17:43] In a comparison maybe to other governments? [00:17:46] Yes. [00:17:47] I'm seeing a lot of judgments. [00:17:49] Okay, we do this. [00:17:50] How do we compare with other cities? [00:17:55] I know it's hard because some of them are not our size, but maybe the size of that debt in relationship to the entire size of the budget. [00:18:05] It is a very large balance for sure. [00:18:09] Each city and each city's CRA is different. [00:18:14] They've gone about financing potentially in different ways. [00:18:22] I think one thing that stands out or is a little bit unique to you all is that, and I'm not really sure exactly where that original loan came from or what those proceeds of the loan were originally utilized for, [00:18:41] but obviously in the last couple of years we've also had to audit and issue a separate report for the CRA. [00:18:47] In a lot of the other cities, the CRA itself actually has capital assets and a lot of the debt that it has incurred was utilized to acquire those capital assets. [00:19:06] When you looked at the CRAs independently, they had the assets to offset some of those liabilities and whatnot, [00:19:18] but the city in this case for you all owns all of those assets and the CRA really does not. [00:19:26] That balance due between the CRA and the city is a little bit unusual simply because of how you all handled it many, many years ago. [00:19:38] If I may, because I was the finance director who made the $6 million transfer when I was working for the city here, [00:19:49] and it was due to the fact that in 2007 when the economy dropped, the debt that had been taken by the city was used to a large part to build our recreation center [00:20:01] and make improvements in some of our public properties as well as acquire property. [00:20:06] When the CRA funds shriveled up, when our city's tax base dropped by over 40 percent, there was no money coming into the CRA. [00:20:17] And it was indicated before I got here that the CRA was just a collection agency and couldn't function. [00:20:25] So money was transferred from the utility department, over $6 million, [00:20:30] and that was transferred with agreement because it was due to a sale to the water supply authority. [00:20:38] Long story short, it went to the general fund so that the general fund could loan it to the CRA to pay down the debt for the rec center, [00:20:48] which by today's standards could be a questionable expense because of 2019 they changed the rules that you can't build government buildings. [00:20:56] The rec center maybe is still okay, but the lawyers are fighting over what you can build with CRA money. [00:21:03] Bottom line is the city owns a beautiful rec center. [00:21:06] The debt was taken by the CRA because it had the money, and the city has loaned that back. [00:21:12] So it's really a good thing that the debt is there. [00:21:16] It's not a bad thing because the city's general fund is not receiving any increase in its tax base [00:21:23] as 90-some percent of our properties are within the boundaries of the CRA. [00:21:28] So the CRA is collecting the increases in taxes paid by the taxpayers, [00:21:34] and it's a buy one, get one free because we are an uncharted county, [00:21:40] and so we get the county's tax money on all of that. [00:21:44] So we have a great cash flow coming into it. [00:21:47] It's unique, and comparing it to other cities across the state is probably going to be hard [00:21:53] because there are not very many cities that are on this same path that we are. [00:21:58] But I wanted to let you know. [00:22:01] It also sure doesn't help that the increase in tax value of the town, [00:22:06] the individual pieces of property, which is bringing more into it too. [00:22:10] Well, the success of the CRA brings more money to it and makes it able to pay back. [00:22:16] My concern, and I'll just say it, is if we pay it back too quickly [00:22:20] and we have 23 more years of this to go, [00:22:23] the general fund will all of a sudden find itself not getting that money. [00:22:28] And with over 50 percent of our taxes going to public safety and nearly that much to employees, [00:22:35] that's why I'm suggesting we need a long-term strategy. [00:22:40] And some of that includes sales tax and other taxes from the growth of the city. [00:22:45] So it's a complicated process. [00:22:47] It needs some attention and one that I'm happy to hear that you might be interested in. [00:22:55] And if the city manager finds you or another firm that is, [00:23:01] as we get regular financial data in the future, [00:23:04] I think the city is really poised to become really a magnet for this north side of the Pinellas Corridor. [00:23:15] And so I think we're in good shape. [00:23:18] And thank you for your report. [00:23:20] And to Mr. Peters, I look forward to that dialogue with us at the CRA meetings. [00:23:28] We are holding right now property that's being set up for some new construction on Main and 19 at our boat ramp. [00:23:40] And so we need that economic strategy to feel comfortable without becoming too sheepish. [00:23:46] Thank you. [00:23:49] No, that's all I had. Mayor? [00:23:52] I don't have anything else to add. [00:23:55] I'm glad the city is doing well. [00:23:57] I guess I do have one question, though. [00:23:58] You brought up the assets in other cities in the CRA that offset. [00:24:04] I mean, at some point when the CRA sunsets, those assets are going to have to be transferred, are they not? [00:24:12] Yes, that's correct. [00:24:14] Okay. [00:24:16] Thank you very much for your time. [00:24:19] Yes, sir. Thank you. Thank you all for your time. [00:24:21] We'll give you the rest of the evening off.

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6. 6Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 24:25
7. 7.a

   Cultural Affairs Committee Minutes - September 2023

   approvedon consent

   The Cultural Affairs Committee Minutes from September 2023 were approved as part of the consent agenda.

   • motion:Motion to approve the consent agenda, including the Cultural Affairs Committee Minutes. (passed)

   #Cultural Affairs Committee Minutes - September 2023

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   [00:38:19] Move for approval of consent agenda. [00:38:21] Move for approval. [00:38:22] Second. [00:38:23] All those in favor? [00:38:25] Aye. [00:38:26] The library advisory board minutes. [00:38:29] Move for approval. [00:38:31] That's part of the consent agenda. [00:38:33] All right, business items.

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8. 7.b

   Library Advisory Board Minutes - August 2023

   approvedon consent

   The Library Advisory Board minutes from August 2023 were approved as part of the consent agenda.

   • motion:Approve the consent agenda, including the Library Advisory Board minutes from August 2023. (passed)

   #Library Advisory Board Minutes - August 2023

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   [00:38:19] Move for approval of consent agenda. [00:38:21] Move for approval. [00:38:22] Second. [00:38:23] All those in favor? [00:38:25] Aye. [00:38:26] The library advisory board minutes. [00:38:29] Move for approval. [00:38:31] That's part of the consent agenda. [00:38:33] All right, business items.

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9. 7.c

   Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval

   approvedon consent

   Item was approved as part of the consent agenda with a motion, second, and unanimous voice vote.

   • motion:Move for approval of the consent agenda, which included this item. (passed)

   ▶ Jump to 38:19 in the video

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   [00:38:19] Move for approval of consent agenda. [00:38:21] Move for approval. [00:38:22] Second. [00:38:23] All those in favor? [00:38:25] Aye. [00:38:26] The library advisory board minutes. [00:38:29] Move for approval. [00:38:31] That's part of the consent agenda. [00:38:33] All right, business items.

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10. 8.a

    Board Re-Appointment: Anna Mae Petokas McNally, Cultural Affairs Committee

    Council considered the re-appointment of Anna Mae Petokas McNally to the Cultural Affairs Committee. McNally has served on the committee since 2019, and her term expired in September 2023. The term of appointment is two years.

    👤Anna Mae Petokas McNally#Cultural Affairs Committee

    ▶ Jump to 38:37 in the video

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    [00:38:37] The board reelect Ann Mack. [00:38:41] Help me. [00:38:43] Anna Mae. [00:38:44] Anna Mae McNally. [00:38:46] Anna Mae McNally to the cultural affairs committee. [00:38:49] Yes. [00:38:52] Miss McNally is a current member of the cultural affairs committee and she has served since [00:39:00] 2019 and her term expired on September of 2023. [00:39:08] The term of appointment on cultural affairs committee was for two years.

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11. 8.b

    Board Re-Appointment: Heather Fiorentino, Police Pension Board

    approved

    Council reappointed Heather Fiorentino to the Police Pension Board for a four-year term spanning through November 10, 2027. She had taken over an unexpired term on March 7, 2023.

    • motion:Reappoint Heather Fiorentino to the Police Pension Board for a term ending November 10, 2027. (passed)5–0

    👤Heather Fiorentino#Police Pension Board

    ▶ Jump to 39:09 in the video

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    [00:39:13] She has indicated that she is interested in reappointment and therefore if you see fit [00:39:20] to reappoint her and she has been a valuable member to the committee, her reappointment [00:39:25] would span through September 3rd of 2025. [00:39:30] And we're recommending reappointment of Anna Mae Patokas McNally. [00:39:37] All right, move for approval. [00:39:40] Move for approval. [00:39:42] Second. [00:39:43] All those in favor? [00:39:44] Aye. [00:39:45] It's a five zip. [00:39:46] Moving on to the board reappointment of Heather Farentino to the police pension board. [00:39:53] Miss Farentino took over an unexpired term on the police pension board on March 7th of 2023. [00:40:02] The term is due to expire on November 10th of 2023. [00:40:08] The terms of office related to the police pension board is for a four year period of time [00:40:14] and therefore if you agree to reappoint her to the board, her term would span through [00:40:23] November 10th of 2027. [00:40:29] Move for approval. [00:40:30] All those second? [00:40:31] Second. [00:40:32] All those in favor? [00:40:34] Aye. [00:40:35] Those opposed? [00:40:37] Five zip. [00:40:39] Moving on to litigation in engagement agreement with PFAS.

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

12. 8.c

    Request for Approval to Reinstate Ron Becker to the Pasco County Library Cooperative Board

    approved

    Council unanimously approved reinstating Ron Becker to the Pasco County Library Cooperative Board for another term, following a unanimous recommendation from the Library Advisory Board. Becker thanked council and praised the local library staff and Friends of the Library.

    • motion:Move approval of Mr. Becker's appointment to the Pasco County Library Cooperative Board. (passed)5–0

    🏢Centennial Library🏢Friends of the Library🏢Pasco County Cooperative Library Advisory Board🏢Regency Park Library👤Andy👤Ron Becker#October 23, 2023 Library Advisory Board meeting#Pasco County Library Cooperative Board

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    [00:40:44] Yeah, you missed one. [00:40:47] Oh, litigation request for approval. [00:40:50] We have a request to reinstate Mr. Ron Becker. [00:40:55] I don't have that on my sheet. [00:40:57] Okay, then would you like me to read the title? [00:41:00] He can read it. [00:41:02] Request for approval to reinstate Ron Becker to the Pasadena County Library Cooperative Board. [00:41:07] And we have Mr. Becker in attendance this evening. [00:41:11] Mr. Becker has served on the Pasco County Cooperative Library Advisory Board for a period [00:41:18] of one year and at the October 23rd, 2023 Library Advisory Board meeting, that group [00:41:28] voted unanimously in favor of recommending that Ron Becker continued on the Pasco County [00:41:35] Library Cooperative Board. [00:41:38] And this evening, you are to consider the appointment and the recommendation of the [00:41:45] Library Advisory Board of Mr. Becker to continue to serve the City of New Port Richey in the [00:41:52] role of a seated member of the Pasco County Cooperative Library Advisory Board, if you [00:42:02] feel that he is adequately fit to appoint him, then we will communicate that to the [00:42:08] Pasco County Commissioners for their subsequent approval. [00:42:11] I noticed he got a little fidgety there. [00:42:14] Would you like to come up and speak? [00:42:17] For a while there, I thought I was going to get away without having to do this. [00:42:24] I just want to tell you how appreciative I am of your confidence in me. [00:42:31] And also to give a plug to our local public libraries you can see in attendance yet again [00:42:38] today. [00:42:39] We are one of two independent public libraries that are not part of the county library system [00:42:46] per se, and I represent one of those on that county board. [00:42:51] We do a lot of cooperative things together. [00:42:55] We can use their libraries, they can use ours. [00:42:58] And during the time of renovations of the public, the county libraries, more people [00:43:05] than ever are using our library. [00:43:07] For instance, now the Regency Park Library is being renovated so many people from that [00:43:13] region are coming here before that. [00:43:15] It was the Centennial Library and Holiday where many people used that. [00:43:20] And of course we are invited to use theirs as well. [00:43:24] But the point I want to make is that at meetings where I represent us, when I give my reports, [00:43:30] people are just astounded by what we accomplish here. [00:43:34] And so I just want to give a shout out to Andy and the staff of the library, [00:43:41] and to the incredible friends of the library. [00:43:47] You probably were around this weekend during one of the activities, the fundraising activities, [00:43:53] and all that they do for this library and this city. [00:43:56] There is so much that the library does, especially in times like this, [00:44:00] where you can really get a positive feeling. [00:44:04] We serve this community in so many different ways. [00:44:08] And as you know, I've been around libraries for a very long time, 45 years, [00:44:13] in a university research library. [00:44:16] I served as a trustee in my local library in New Jersey, [00:44:20] and I've really never had the experience, the warmth of everybody, [00:44:23] and everybody pulling together the way we do here in Newport, Virginia. [00:44:27] We very much appreciate it. Thank you. [00:44:30] You're selling yourself to get elected. [00:44:39] Any public comment on what he had to say? [00:44:42] No, they're just backing him, I guess. [00:44:44] Move approval of Mr. Becker's appointment. [00:44:47] Second. [00:44:48] All those in favor? [00:44:50] Aye. [00:44:51] That's 5-0. [00:44:52] Moving on to litigation engagement agreement with PFAS.

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

13. 8.d

    Litigation Engagement Agreement RE: Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

    approved

    Council approved a litigation engagement agreement with four law firms to pursue PFAS class action settlement claims against 3M and DuPont, related to contamination detected in the Orangewood Lakes Utility well the city acquired in 2019. The motion authorized the city manager as primary contact, committed the city to not opt out of the pending settlement, and directed any recovery (estimated $500K-$1M) be placed in a dedicated interest-bearing account for potential future remediation costs.

    • motion:Approve litigation engagement agreement with four law firms, authorize city manager as primary contact, commit not to opt out of pending settlement, and place any recovery in a dedicated interest-bearing account. (passed)5–0

    📍south of Massachusetts Avenue and west of Olsteen Road🏢3M🏢Barron & Budd🏢DuPont🏢EPA🏢Hobby and Hobby🏢Kosick, Sumic, Parseola, Taylor🏢Orangewood Lakes Utility🏢SWFWMD🏢Tampa Bay Water🏢Young Partners👤Clark Hobby👤Kelly👤Robert Rivera#$12 billion proposed settlement#25% contingency fee#Orangewood Lakes Utility acquisition#PFAS class action settlement#Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

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    [00:44:57] It is related. [00:45:00] to what is referred to as PFA's, and they are forever chemicals. The specific request [00:45:13] is to enter into a litigation engagement agreement with four law firms. The first is Barron & Budd, [00:45:23] the second is Kosick, Sumic, Parseola, Taylor, the third is Young Partners, and the last [00:45:34] is Hobby and Hobby. The second part of the agreement is to authorize the city manager [00:45:44] to serve as the primary individual to communicate with the attorneys on behalf of the city. [00:45:51] The third part of the request is that you must indicate as part of the motion that [00:45:57] we cannot opt out of a proposed settlement agreement with the primary defendants who [00:46:03] are 3M and DuPont in this case. And with that being said, I'm going to leave the discussion [00:46:11] part to Mr. Rivera and to Clark Hobby himself, who is in attendance this evening, to help [00:46:17] us represent this agenda item. Do you want to start off, Robert, and then we'll ask Clark? [00:46:24] So what I'd like to start off by telling you is in 2023 September, the city was notified [00:46:30] of two proposed class action settlements, and that involved DuPont and 3M companies [00:46:37] due to the fact that PFA's had been detected in water supplies related to chemicals that [00:46:43] were manufactured back in the 1940s. Some of these chemicals everybody pretty much knows. [00:46:50] Main culprits were fire suppressant chemicals. We had water repellents that were used in [00:46:57] fabric and clothing and carpets, nonstick pans, cookwares, shampoos, cosmetics, fast [00:47:06] food containers, paint products, just so many different types of products, everyday [00:47:13] products that everybody used, has created this contaminant in our water, soil, air, [00:47:20] as well as our food. In March of 2019, you may recall that the city acquired the Orange [00:47:29] Wood Lakes Utility, which was a private utility that was south of Massachusetts Avenue and [00:47:36] west of Olsteen Road. Once we acquired it, the system did have one groundwater well that [00:47:44] they used to supply to their customers. The city immediately disconnected and abandoned [00:47:50] that well in accordance with SWFMUD requirements and took and switched over to city supplied [00:47:56] water, which you all know, the city's part of the Tampa Bay Water Group. In October of 2023, [00:48:03] staff had discussions with Mr. Clark about the PFA's and how the city may be affected by these, [00:48:12] this class action suit. Water samplings had indicated that the Orange Wood Lakes [00:48:19] system well had detected PFAs at various levels. This made the city eligible to be a part of this [00:48:27] class action settlement. In this case, with discussions with Mr. Hobby, it was derived that [00:48:35] the city could be eligible between $500,000 and $1 million. At this time, there is no budget impact. [00:48:43] We did want to note that Mr. Hobby's firm is representing Pasco County as well as Zephyr Hills. [00:48:52] In addition, the proposed agreement is the same for both of these agencies as he's proposing [00:48:57] for the city. It has a contingency fee rate of 25% of any of the gross recovery the city may receive. [00:49:06] So we're going to recommend that you do approve this, but we also wanted to add another [00:49:11] recommendation too. This is a moving thing that we're talking about. Right now, the EPA hasn't [00:49:18] settled on all of the requirements that they're going to mandate or that they possibly could [00:49:25] mandate for remediation. So staff's recommendation would be that any of the funds that the city may [00:49:31] require would go into a account that would be interest-bearing, that would have, obviously, [00:49:39] you'd have to have requirements, city council's approval to be able to utilize those funds so that [00:49:44] maybe 10 years down the road, once all of these remediation requirements come to fruition, [00:49:52] we would have those funds to be able to utilize them if we had to do anything when it came to [00:49:57] this topic. So with that, I'll turn it over to Mr. Hobby and he can answer any of your [00:50:02] detailed questions that you may have on this. [00:50:05] Do you want to add something anymore? [00:50:07] I'll be brief just to say the reason why I brought this to the city manager's attention was we were [00:50:14] working with the county and city of Zephyr Hills, and the firms that we work for, two of whom are [00:50:20] the lead litigants in this large class action case, and there's a proposed settlement before [00:50:27] the court that has a fairness hearing, and the next one hearing is in December, and the other [00:50:33] one, I believe, is in February, but they involve about $12 billion in this settlement, and we [00:50:39] became aware that there was an elevated level in at least one of the capped wells in Orangewood, [00:50:45] and while we don't anticipate that there's not going to be any public health and safety [00:50:50] issues immediately or anything like that, I think, in speaking with staff, it's a good idea [00:50:58] to try to get in the settlement. We think there could be a significant recovery, as Robert [00:51:03] indicated, but also we don't know, based on the ultimate levels that the EPA may set, there may be [00:51:10] some minor cleanup that would occur later, but in our opinion, if you opt into this settlement, [00:51:17] we can process the settlement for you, and we feel like there's a good chance of recovery, [00:51:23] and it may be a little bit of a windfall to the city if it's not needed, and just a couple [00:51:28] of other interesting things about the way this settlement is structured that's before the court. [00:51:33] It doesn't, there's also a period of seven more years where if we got elevated readings above and [00:51:40] beyond what's occurring now, we would preserve the right to have further claims there. There are [00:51:45] claims that could be filed for property damages that have not been part of this settlement against [00:51:50] the two main firms involved, which were 3M and DuPont, and then lastly, just, you know, the idea [00:51:59] of this is working with these big firms, we feel like they are going to give us the best chance [00:52:05] for the city to get the best settlement through the process. So other than that, happy to answer [00:52:10] any questions you might have. Same exact agreement that we have with the county and Zephyr Hills, [00:52:16] same, everything down to the last note on it. [00:52:22] Kelly? No, I don't have any questions. [00:52:26] Now these, I guess these funds, are they stipulated to be used for certain types of [00:52:31] items, or is it something that we can just set aside? [00:52:34] They are not, but I think Mr. Rivera's right in that it would be a good idea to segregate these [00:52:40] funds for some intermediate period of time to make sure that there isn't a cleanup that's [00:52:44] associated with them. I'm just recommending that they be placed in a dedicated account. [00:52:50] Right. The only other thing, and as the city manager noted, if you do make a motion to approve [00:52:56] this, we need a specific motion to say that you do not want to opt out of the pending settlement. [00:53:06] Thank you. Well, yeah, that was kind of my question. So if I understand correctly, whether [00:53:12] or not we would receive any settlement on this, is there still potential that we would be on the [00:53:17] hook for some remediation of the well or the water at a later date, that EPA would request that? [00:53:25] It's a possibility right now. We don't have any reason to believe that there would be any [00:53:30] significant costs in it, but the EPA has a rule that they've proposed to adopt that would set [00:53:37] levels much lower than they have been historically with PFOS, and that's because they finally [00:53:44] acknowledge that this is a forever chemical and that it's cancer causing. So while we don't [00:53:49] anticipate immediately there will be any action, we just want to be prudent about it and get as [00:53:55] much money in the settlement as we can in case there are any costs for remediation. Thank you. [00:54:00] It's been suggested that it's important for us to get in line, I guess, and make the [00:54:10] move now so time is of the essence. The 25% possible $250,000 fee to attorneys would be split with the [00:54:23] other firms that you're partnering with. That's the total, right. [00:54:32] Whoever I said about getting into accounting, you might want to think about that. [00:54:41] I'm working with Tampa Bay Water and I'm very aware of what's going on here, and there's [00:54:46] definitely, for your information, a timely movement right now because of this suit in [00:54:51] December. So we need to get a board right now. Tampa Bay Water is working with all the [00:54:58] different entities and I suspect you're probably involved with them too. [00:55:01] There are other firms involved, I'm not, but yes, we knew that you're getting your present [00:55:08] drinking water from the Tampa Bay Water agreement, but it was only late in the game that we found [00:55:14] out about the Orangewood Wells and the fact that even though they were capped, you're still [00:55:19] eligible for compensation. And then, just Robert, we actually checked for PFAS quarterly, [00:55:26] is that right, in the wells that we're running now? Right now, there's been talk about the levels, [00:55:33] about what the EPA may require, and we're well below that, but we still haven't detected. [00:55:39] Yeah, and I think it's quarterly we have to do it. So it's definitely, to let you know, [00:55:45] we need to get a board right now. And one thing you keep bringing up is that once you jump a board, [00:55:50] you can't jump out. So that's important to make you aware of that once we're in, we're in. So [00:55:57] that's all I really have unless you have another question. [00:56:00] No, Mr. Mayor, if there's no public comment, I'm ready, we'll make that motion. [00:56:04] Is there any public comment? Seeing no one come forward, bring it back as a move for approval. [00:56:10] And we're approving, I'm not only going with this firm, but we're approving to stay in [00:56:15] right? Yes, sir. And we're also approving to put it in a fund to down the road. Correct. Okay, [00:56:23] those are really three things we're doing. All right, all those in favor? Oh, we haven't made [00:56:27] a motion. Oh, okay, I'm sorry. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Those opposed? [00:56:34] So it's five zip. Thank you. All right. Renewal of agreement with Jones Edwards.

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

14. 8.e

    Recommendation of Firm for RFP24-001 State Lobbying Services

    approved

    Council awarded a one-year state lobbying services contract under RFP24-001 to The Southern Group in the amount of $43,200, based on a selection committee's ranking of six proposals and three finalist interviews. Council members discussed the merits of finalists Sunrise Consulting (Sean Foster) and The Southern Group (former County Commissioner Mike Moore), ultimately approving the staff recommendation.

    • motion:Approve staff recommendation to enter into a one-year contract with The Southern Group for state lobbying services in the amount of $43,200. (passed)

    🏢Pittman Law Group🏢Sunrise Consulting🏢The Southern Group👤Mike Moore👤Mr. Hall👤Mr. Rivera👤Sean Foster#RFP24-001#State Lobbying Services

    ▶ Jump to 56:43 in the video

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    [00:56:43] Nope, we are lobbying, state lobbying. I don't have, let me, I don't have this, [00:56:47] I have an old sheet. Here, let me give you this recommendation of firm RFP 24-001 state [00:56:53] lobbying services. We share. All right, who's going to bring? I'll present that if you'll allow me. [00:57:02] The request for proposals was let to solicit qualified and experienced firms for lobbying [00:57:18] services on behalf of the city. There were six responses to the RFP received. They were [00:57:30] were viewed and ranked by a selection committee. And in the end, there were three firms that were [00:57:38] invited in for interviews before the selection committee. And they were Sunrise Consulting, [00:57:50] Pittman Law Group, and the Southern Group. And they were asked 14 questions about the firm's [00:58:00] experience. We were looking in particular for firms with great, great breadth, particularly [00:58:09] in the legislative area, as well as in appropriations, because we thought that those [00:58:16] were the two most important areas for this city in terms of our needs for lobbying effort and [00:58:24] gaining support for our request for funding assistance. At the end of the scoring by the [00:58:35] three that sat on the committee, and that was Mr. Rivera, Mr. Hall, and I, we rated the Southern Group [00:58:49] as the top rated firm. And our recommendation to you is to enter into a one-year contract [00:58:59] with them in the amount of $43,200. And they were not the lowest rated firm, [00:59:14] but they were the second lowest rated firm of the six that submitted proposals to the city. [00:59:20] Do you have any public comment? Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring it back. [00:59:30] I move approval of staff recommendation for the Southern Group. [00:59:34] All right, we have a second. [00:59:37] I'll second. [00:59:39] Yeah, I think, I know that one of the members of that group is a former county commissioner, [00:59:45] Mr. Moore, who also is a very big advocate of tourism and the sports coast tourism, [00:59:55] and so I think he probably would be well-suited. [01:00:00] Given his connections, not only in Tallahassee, but also his ability to understand the workings of our county commission partners, if that's legal, I think it is at this point. [01:00:15] So, [01:00:18] yeah, so I'm, [01:00:21] I'm happy we're taking this step. [01:00:24] I, for one, would have enjoyed, I think, listening on the [01:00:27] panel for the interviews, however, we'll make it based upon what we have. [01:00:34] And maybe, let's just back up a little bit, and if I'm, two questions. [01:00:40] I understand that the Southern Firm is, their proposal is to enter into a three-year contract, right? [01:00:48] They did indicate that they'd be willing to, to enter into a three-year contract. [01:00:58] They all indicated that they'd like to, our specification, so we'd like a one-year contract. [01:01:04] Oh, because I, the chart showed that everyone was one year, but they were at three years. [01:01:09] So I just wanted to, I didn't know if that was a, you know, we're, if we're biting into three years, if we should, should, okay, one year. [01:01:16] And then, maybe, part two, our next question was that, I know that we've used firms in the past. [01:01:28] I think the last time was prior to me being on the city council. [01:01:34] I was just curious if anyone recalls who we used and what the results were at that time. [01:01:42] The only company that we've worked with during my tenure with the city has been with Sunrise. [01:01:48] It was Sean, it was Sean Foster, serving as the principal of the firm. He still serves as the principal of the firm. [01:01:57] And I know Sean is very ingrained within this local community, as well as throughout the state in some areas as well. [01:02:09] I think his career started with, in Tallahassee as a representative, or as an aid for a representative for both state and federal at one point. [01:02:23] And I know that he knows the city particularly well and deserves consideration. [01:02:30] I'm sure that's why, one of the reasons why he was selected as one of the three finalists, so to speak, to come in. [01:02:38] But he has, I think he has a great heart for the city. [01:02:44] I'm not saying the others don't, but I just know that from personal experience that he really has interest here, and heavy. [01:02:53] That certainly is true, and it's one of the things that made it very difficult to make a decision. [01:03:00] And one of the reasons I'm grateful that we had a scoring matrix, and because it really made it about the total number of points received by the firm, [01:03:09] without any deference to who gave what number of points to which of the three applicants. [01:03:17] And I did extend myself to Sean in advance of tonight's meeting to advise him of his ranking. [01:03:26] I think they all wanted very much to do business with the city and demonstrated that through the quality of their presentation to us. [01:03:36] And I acknowledged to him that it was difficult because we know of his vestige to the city. [01:03:43] On the other hand, Mike's very eager and would like very much to do a good job for the city and has a lot of resources at his fingertips. [01:03:53] So it was a very difficult decision. [01:03:57] And I'm sure it remains so. [01:04:01] I've had opportunities to meet other folks that are part of the Southern Group from time to time, and they are a large group throughout the state. [01:04:09] And my only reservation with the Southern Group is that we get a full hands-on treatment from them. [01:04:24] I look at a list of clients. [01:04:26] They consider a lot of large clients, and the Sunshine Group does as well. [01:04:35] But I just back up again, and I'll repeat what I said to begin with. [01:04:43] I'm very happy that we're taking this step. [01:04:46] I would ask my fellow council members to consider that even though this is a one-year deal, [01:04:55] that this type of activity will pay for itself multiple times over if we have a successful lobbyist that works with us. [01:05:06] So I think we make this selection that we just keep tabs on it and consider the results. [01:05:15] It's just not legislation, but also appropriations. [01:05:20] And I think that we've witnessed other cities within this county actually getting appropriations funding [01:05:31] for items that we very well may have been able to as well if we had properly applied and so forth. [01:05:40] We don't always have blood relatives sitting in the legislature either, as some cities do. [01:05:48] But that's quite all right. [01:05:51] I'm just happy we're taking this step. [01:05:55] Yeah, I agree. [01:05:56] I think we really need to have someone advocating for us up in Tallahassee. [01:06:01] I mean, I guess there's pros and cons to having a big group versus a smaller group on both sides. [01:06:08] I know Sean personally, and I know he has a great heart and cares about his community. [01:06:14] And I've worked with him several times. [01:06:16] But I've also worked with Commissioner Moore on some items too. [01:06:21] So I know he has a heart for the community also. [01:06:26] So I think I'm glad we're making that step forward. [01:06:30] I agree. [01:06:31] I think that's a step that we needed to do. [01:06:33] And I agree that both firms, I think, are equally talented and will do a great job for our city. [01:06:40] I know both of them very well. [01:06:44] And I do think that Sean Foster with Sunrise Consulting probably is a little bit more entrenched within our city than Mike Moore is. [01:06:53] But Mike's got definitely a big heart for our county and for the area. [01:06:59] And he's working really hard in Tallahassee with a lot of our representatives to make some changes for us. [01:07:05] And I think that it's sometimes good to make some changes too, so not to use the same lobbyists all the time. [01:07:14] So I think that that's a good thing. [01:07:15] And I think a one year will give us a chance to see what kind of a job they do for us in that year [01:07:20] and see if that's the group we'd like to continue with. [01:07:23] I think you almost can't sit up here and not know those two individuals. [01:07:28] And I think by choosing this firm, we're choosing somebody that we don't have to educate on what's going on in New Port Richey. [01:07:36] And I think that's real important because it takes a few months to get acclimated sitting up here, [01:07:43] much less starting to send somebody off to Tallahassee that we're still trying to train about what our city's about. [01:07:50] So definitely I like this choice. [01:07:53] Any other comments? [01:07:55] If not, we'll head on. [01:07:58] Anything else? [01:07:59] Okay, all those in favor? [01:08:00] Aye. [01:08:01] Aye. [01:08:02] Those opposed?

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

15. 8.f

    Renewal of Agreement w/Jones Edmunds RE: GIS Services

    approved

    Council approved renewing a professional services agreement with Jones Edmunds for GIS services at an estimated $34,000 on a time and materials basis, to be completed within six months. The work continues cleanup of parcel and address data following last year's utility data cleanup, supporting integration with the city's Tyler Technologies permitting application.

    • motion:Move approval of renewal of professional services agreement with Jones Edmunds for GIS services, estimated $34,000 on time and materials basis. (passed)

    🏢Jones Edmunds🏢Tyler Technologies👤Mike👤Mr. Green👤Pete#Account 10-24-431-199 (technology solutions professional services)#FY 23-24 budget#GIS parcel and address data cleanup project#InterGov

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    [01:08:03] Zip. [01:08:04] Moving on. [01:08:07] Now with recent agreement with Jones and Eduardo. [01:08:14] This action before you is to consider approval of a proposal to renew a professional services agreement [01:08:22] for a graphical information system. [01:08:25] The proposal is estimated to be in an amount of $34,000 on a time and material basis, [01:08:35] and it is estimated to be completed within six months. [01:08:40] Mr. Green, you want to tell us a little bit more about the specifics? [01:08:44] Yes. [01:08:46] Thank you. [01:08:49] What I'm proposing tonight is to renew an agreement with Jones Edmonds, who we, in the past, [01:08:57] last year, of course, to do some GIS services and provide some support. [01:09:06] What we completed last year was we had some issues with our GIS server and the data, [01:09:13] and we did some cleanup to help out with the utility data for public works. [01:09:19] This is a continuation to provide more information on our parcel and address data for more GIS data [01:09:29] to provide more statistical information about zoning and building within the city. [01:09:36] So what I come to the Council today is to seek approval on renewing this agreement with them. [01:09:46] The funding source of this was budgeted in 23-24 professional services line item [01:09:54] in the technology solutions budget, 10-24-431-199. [01:10:03] So do we have any public opinion? [01:10:06] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for approval. [01:10:12] Move approval. [01:10:13] Second. [01:10:15] Any other comments? [01:10:16] Pete? [01:10:17] No, sir. [01:10:18] Good. [01:10:19] No, thanks. [01:10:20] Mike? [01:10:21] Yeah, I got a question. [01:10:22] Sorry. [01:10:24] So is this – I know this is a continuation of a project that's already been started. [01:10:28] What's our completion date schedule? [01:10:31] Six months from now. [01:10:32] All right, six months. [01:10:33] So this six-month deal will get us there, right? [01:10:36] Correct. [01:10:37] And so then that GIS data is obviously used for public works and our building department folks, right? [01:10:44] Is that also accessible by citizens? [01:10:49] Not at the moment. [01:10:51] Basically – so last year when we did the project, like as I stated, we cleaned up the data. [01:10:57] We got a new server. [01:11:00] The first part that we started with was working on the utility data. [01:11:04] This address and parcel cleanup and some additional server support will allow us to provide more information to our application, [01:11:16] our Tyler Technologies application that we use for permitting through InterGov. [01:11:23] And at that point, that will lead us into our next phase to allow us to be able to share that data [01:11:30] and be able to utilize that data for the public. [01:11:34] So this is the next phase, but we're using this to clean up our data on the address and parcel information. [01:11:41] So we are down that path, right? [01:11:43] That is correct. [01:11:44] That's what we're working towards, right? [01:11:45] Yes, sir. [01:11:46] Once this completes in six months, would we immediately move into the next phase? [01:11:54] Once we clean up this data, we'll develop a routine to update, to receive timely updates with the county, [01:12:06] with our parcel and address data so that we have a continuous routine so that we can make sure that the data that we do have [01:12:15] gets massaged in to be able to display with accuracy as the zoning and building [01:12:20] and all of the structural things that occur throughout the city. [01:12:24] So this will allow us to get to that phase to have real-time information. [01:12:29] But until then, we're working through cleaning up this data. [01:12:33] Once this data is ready, we'll be able to utilize it in our applications [01:12:37] and then be able to make it available to the public at some point. [01:12:42] Any other questions? [01:12:44] All right.

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

16. 8.g

    Renewal of Agreement for ESRI Software

    approved

    Council approved a three-year renewal of the enterprise agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) for GIS software, totaling $87,900 ($29,300/year). Staff explained ESRI is a sole-source provider and the licenses support web-based GIS applications now used by Public Works on iPads.

    • motion:Approve renewal of the three-year ESRI enterprise software agreement at $87,900 total ($29,300/year). (passed)

    🏢Environmental Systems Research Institute👤Ms. Manns👤Robert#ESRI enterprise agreement#GIS software#Public Works GIS

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    [01:12:46] All those in favor? [01:12:47] Aye. [01:12:48] Aye. [01:12:49] Those opposed? [01:12:50] It's 5-zip. [01:12:51] Moving on to the next one. [01:12:55] Renewal of the agreement for ERSI software. [01:12:59] Yes. [01:13:00] This is actually a three-year agreement, and the total amount of the contract is $87,900, [01:13:09] payable over three years at the amount of $29,300 per year. [01:13:17] The payment is through an enterprise agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, [01:13:26] and the ESRI agreement provides for some benefit to the city by purchasing through them for some of our software needs. [01:13:44] And do you want to talk about that a little bit for us, Robert? [01:13:47] Sure. [01:13:49] Just to continue on what Ms. Manns was saying, [01:13:52] essentially they have a sole source letter that indicates essentially that ESRI is the sole proprietary with the software, [01:14:04] and the software is utilized by a lot of cities that utilize GIS, [01:14:12] and there are benefits to licensing with them with particular applications, specifically with, just like I was talking about with GIS prior with Public Works, [01:14:24] with the data we cleaned up last year and the server upgrades and everything, [01:14:30] the Public Works now uses iPads as opposed to, like, using big computers and VPN because it's web-based now. [01:14:40] So licenses to do those type of tasks and take advantage of some of the various softwares that ESRI provides, [01:14:53] this will allow us to have some advancement, but also it's a bargain. [01:15:00] for us as a city because of this agreement. [01:15:08] Move for approval? [01:15:14] Public? [01:15:15] Anybody in the public? [01:15:16] So bring it back. [01:15:17] It's still here. [01:15:18] Yeah. [01:15:19] I'll go to it now. [01:15:20] Move for approval. [01:15:25] I move we approve. [01:15:26] Second. [01:15:26] Do we have any questions? [01:15:27] All those in favor? [01:15:31] Aye. [01:15:32] Aye. [01:15:32] Aye. [01:15:32] Aye. [01:15:32] Those opposed? [01:15:34] Okay, moving on. [01:15:35] The next is approval of firefighters cancer decamination equipment grant [01:15:39] award and equipment purchase. [01:15:42] Very good news. [01:15:44] From the fire chief who wrote a grant award or a grant application, pardon [01:15:52] me, to purchase a Plymo vent exhaust removal system, which would be [01:16:00] implemented in conjunction with the new fire station number two. [01:16:06] He wrote a grant in the amount of $64,950 and the grant was awarded. [01:16:19] It requires a 25% match on the part of the city, which calculates out to $16,237.60. [01:16:32] That funding of course is available within the budget for fire station project number

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

17. 8.h

    ↳You arrived here from a search for “National Fire Protection Association” — transcript expanded below

    Approval of Florida Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment Grant Award and Equipment Purchase

    approved

    Council approved acceptance of the Florida Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment Grant and the direct purchase of the Climo Vent Source Capture Exhaust Removal System from Safe Air Corporation for the new fire station. The grant covers most of the $64,950 cost; the city's 25% match (~$16,000) will be absorbed by the $35,000 already budgeted for ventilation.

    • motion:Approve acceptance of the Florida Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment Grant award and direct purchase of the Climo Vent Source Capture Exhaust Removal System from Safe Air Corporation. (passed)5–0

    🏢National Fire Protection Association🏢Safe Air Corporation🏢State Fire Marshal's Office👤Ms. Manns#Climo Vent Source Capture Exhaust Removal System#Florida Firefighter Cancer Decontamination Equipment Grant#new fire station project

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    [01:16:39] two, and I think the author of the grant should tell us just a little bit about [01:16:47] the system. [01:16:51] Sure. [01:16:51] Thank you, Ms. [01:16:51] Manns, the council and mayor. [01:16:54] This all came about due to the fact that since we began the design phase of the [01:16:59] new fire station, the standard for exhaust removal inside fire stations with the [01:17:08] National Fire Protection Association has become more stringent. [01:17:12] So knowing that staff positioned ourselves to apply for a grant that we knew that [01:17:19] was coming down the pipeline through the state fire marshal's office and we feel [01:17:25] very fortunate to have received this grant due to the fact that it was very [01:17:28] limited in funding statewide. [01:17:32] So it's very important to our staff, it's very important to the city that we [01:17:36] invest in the health and safety of our firefighters and have an exhaust removal [01:17:43] system that's compliant with the standards. [01:17:45] And this goes along in line with the many features inside the new fire station that [01:17:52] have an emphasis on health and safety. [01:17:55] So that being said, staff requests that city council approve acceptance of the [01:18:01] grant award as stated and the direct purchase of the Climo Vent Source Capture [01:18:06] Exhaust Removal System from Safe Air Corporation. [01:18:10] Any public comment? [01:18:13] I'll bring it back for approval. [01:18:14] Move for approval. [01:18:15] Second. [01:18:17] Any comment? [01:18:19] I have just one public, you know, safety for firemen, that's all I can say. [01:18:23] That's earthen. [01:18:25] Sixty-five thousand is the maximum for the project cost. [01:18:30] The city is up to 16,000 and then you say the project is budgeted at 35,000. [01:18:38] So once again, are we upgrading what was budgeted and having something better? [01:18:45] Maybe if I'm missing some of the backup material, I apologize. [01:18:50] Sure, sure. [01:18:51] I'll answer that question. [01:18:52] So originally the ventilation system was budgeted at $35,000 for the project. [01:18:58] And these types of source capture systems are much more expensive. [01:19:02] So that's why we identified a grant opportunity. [01:19:06] So that $35,000 will absorb the $16,000 part of the 25% for the city's matching [01:19:16] grant portion of the $64,950 for the upgraded ventilation system. [01:19:23] So for less than we had budgeted is the bottom line then, 16 instead of 35. [01:19:28] Thank you. [01:19:30] Anything else? [01:19:31] All those in favor? [01:19:33] Aye. [01:19:33] Those opposed? [01:19:34] It's five nothing. [01:19:36] Moving on to the next one is the approval of the United States Department of Justice grant. [01:19:42] Yes. [01:19:42] This is a grant which was secured from our police department in order to reduce crime [01:19:50] through technology and community engagement, in large part to conduct [01:19:57] additional forensic investigations internally. [01:20:01] The grant is in the amount of $183,120. [01:20:07] It does not require a match from the city. [01:20:12] Chief Cochin, you want to tell us a little bit about the grant more? [01:20:15] Yes. [01:20:16] Thank you, Ms. [01:20:16] Manns, mayor, council members. [01:20:18] In line with our mission, this is a really big catch, if you will. [01:20:22] We applied for this grant and as you know, if a violent crime does occur in our city, [01:20:28] it's very important that these people are arrested and brought to justice quickly. [01:20:32] And this $183,000, no match required, is going to allow us from a forensic [01:20:39] standpoint and our new CST has a master's degree in forensics. [01:20:43] So we're providing her and our department with all this necessary equipment to [01:20:48] respond to these incidents very quickly instead of vomiting out to FDOE and [01:20:52] other agencies, which takes time. [01:20:54] The other big part of this grant is community engagement. [01:20:56] So that's where we will go out in the community, our business community, HOAs, [01:21:00] our residential areas, and talk to people about crime prevention strategies, [01:21:03] kind of engage the community. [01:21:04] So it's really, it's a two-part grant, but I think last time you told me not to [01:21:10] be shy about bringing grants before you. [01:21:12] So we're not being shy and there's no doubt about this, $183,000, we're really [01:21:18] proud of it and Megan Hayes and Detective Crowe were very instrumental in writing [01:21:23] this grant and we ask that you approve it. [01:21:26] Obviously there's no budget impact because there's no match required and we intend [01:21:30] to get going on this grant as soon as you approve it. [01:21:32] Thank you. [01:21:33] Any public comment? [01:21:35] Seeing no one from Ford, we'll bring it back for approval. [01:21:37] Move for approval. [01:21:38] Second. [01:21:39] Any comments? [01:21:41] Good job.

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

18. 8.i

    Approval of United States Department of Justice Grant

    approved

    Council reviewed the City Hall HVAC replacement project closeout, including a deductive change order of $21,697 and a final pay request of $37,543.92 from Air Mechanical and Service Corporation (AMSCO). The project fulfilled all recommendations from a 2022 engineering deficiency analysis and was approved unanimously, funded by Penny for Pasco dollars.

    • motion:Approve the deductive change order and final pay request for the City Hall HVAC replacement project closeout. (passed)5–0

    🏢Air Mechanical and Service Corporation🏢Razorback LLC👤Rivera#Capital Improvement Program#City Hall HVAC Replacement Project#Penny for Pasco

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    [01:21:42] Awesome. [01:21:43] Better ways to engage the community with it is great. [01:21:46] All those in favor? [01:21:48] Aye. [01:21:49] Those opposed? [01:21:50] Five zip. [01:21:51] Moving on to the next one is City Hall HVAC replacement project closeout. [01:21:56] In this case, we have before you a closeout, which includes a final pay [01:22:03] request and a deductive change order and Mr. [01:22:06] Rivera will present the agenda item. [01:22:09] Thank you, Ms. [01:22:10] The final or the deductive change order is in the amount of $21,697. [01:22:17] The final pay request is in the do not exceed amount of $37,543.92. [01:22:26] This is from Air Mechanical and Service Corporation at AMSCO. [01:22:31] They are the contractor that has our maintenance agreement on our HVAC systems. [01:22:37] As you are aware, the system here at City Hall was the oldest one in operation. [01:22:42] The majority of the components were installed in 1989. [01:22:47] In 2022, we had an engineering firm do a deficiency analysis. [01:22:53] This project fulfills all of their recommendations. [01:22:58] And so with that, we would recommend that you approve the deductive change order [01:23:02] as well as the final pay request. [01:23:04] And the project is included in the current capital improvement program [01:23:09] and funds are allocated and identified as penny per pasco dollars. [01:23:14] All right. [01:23:14] Do we have any public comment on this? [01:23:16] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for approval. [01:23:20] I move we approve. [01:23:21] I'll second. [01:23:22] Do you have any comment? [01:23:25] What's the timetable? [01:23:28] We're completed. [01:23:30] Final payment. [01:23:30] I just want to make sure. [01:23:31] All right. [01:23:32] Just send them the money. [01:23:33] Thanks. [01:23:34] It's a little warm in here, don't you think? [01:23:42] All those in favor? [01:23:43] Aye. [01:23:44] Aye. [01:23:44] Those opposed? [01:23:45] It's five zip. [01:23:46] Moving on to the next one. [01:23:48] A request for purchase of jet vac sewer cleaner. [01:23:51] Nope. [01:23:51] We have water treatment plant first. [01:23:53] Oh, water treatment. [01:23:53] Excuse me. [01:23:54] Water treatment plant, ground storage, reservoir one and two, maintenance. [01:24:00] Yeah. [01:24:00] The proposal, it has been submitted by Razorback LLC in the amount of $142,017. [01:24:10] And it relates to work that needs to be conducted at the city's water treatment [01:24:17] plant, ground storage reservoirs. [01:24:21] And Mr. [01:24:21] Rivera will talk to you about the specific scope of work at the plants to reservoirs. [01:24:29] So in 2021, we performed an inspection utilizing a consultant that called out [01:24:36] several deficiencies after the inspection of both tanks at the water treatment plant. [01:24:44] There were sandblasting, cleaning in the inside and the exterior. [01:24:49] We have concrete cracking, all those typical types of maintenance items [01:24:53] that need to be performed due to age. [01:24:57] And so with that, we were able to contract the Razorback and piggyback [01:25:02] on a contract that was a city of West Palm beach existing contract. [01:25:09] The piggyback proposal does satisfy all the recommendations of the report.

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

19. 8.j

    City Hall HVAC Replacement Project Close Out

    approved

    Council approved a piggyback contract with Razorback for the City Hall HVAC Replacement Project, coming in $32,083 under the budgeted amount. Razorback has previously worked successfully with the city on water and wastewater treatment plant projects.

    • motion:Move approval of the Razorback piggyback contract for the City Hall HVAC Replacement Project. (passed)5–0

    🏢Razorback#City Hall HVAC Replacement Project

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    [01:25:15] We have worked with Razorback previously at both the water treatment plant, as [01:25:20] well as the wastewater treatment plant. [01:25:22] They've always been responsive to staff's direction. [01:25:27] They have finished their projects on time as well as under budget. [01:25:31] With that, we would recommend that you do approve this piggyback contract. [01:25:35] We would also like to state that our budget numbers that we had in the capital [01:25:40] improvement program were hard numbers. [01:25:43] And this proposal came in $32,083 lower than what we had originally [01:25:50] budgeted for this type of work. [01:25:51] So with that, we would recommend that you approve it. [01:25:55] Without a doubt. [01:25:56] Any public comment? [01:25:59] Bring it back for approval. [01:26:00] Move approval of the Razorback piggyback. [01:26:05] Second. [01:26:07] Any comment? [01:26:09] All those in favor? [01:26:10] Aye. [01:26:11] Those opposed? [01:26:12] Five zip. [01:26:13] Now moving on, request the purchase of a jet bag sewer cleaner, stormwater utility. [01:26:19] The purpose of this agenda item is to request the authority to purchase a [01:26:27] 2024 combination jet vacuum sewer cleaner. [01:26:32] It is also to solidify the financing for the purchase. [01:26:40] And it is also to request permission to declare the existing stormwater utility [01:26:49] jet back truck number 73 as declared surplus property, Mr. Rivera. [01:26:56] Thank you. [01:26:57] And all of this, the purchase price, those numbers and specs are all [01:27:01] based on the source well contract. [01:27:04] The unit is replacing the existing stormwater utilities back truck. [01:27:09] It is a 2003 with approximately 208,000 miles on the odometer. [01:27:16] The equipment is used by the stormwater utility. [01:27:19] It is also used by the sewer collections division. [01:27:24] They do have one in service, but obviously if theirs goes down, each [01:27:29] division can utilize each other's. [01:27:32] This one in particular will be mainly used to clean inlet control structures, [01:27:37] stormwater, pipes and culverts. [01:27:40] These are all maintenance requirements that are part of the city's national [01:27:47] pollutant discharge elimination system, or as everybody knows, our NPDES permit [01:27:52] that we have to report every year. [01:27:55] And so when it comes to our second request, like we had talked about, we [01:27:59] wanted to have you authorize the declaration surplus assortment of the [01:28:04] existing system so that we can utilize public auction surplus online. [01:28:10] The city has used them since 2016. [01:28:15] We did review their terms and conditions. [01:28:17] Currently they haven't changed. [01:28:19] There is no cost to the city because the purchaser has to pay the 7% of [01:28:25] that auction house directly to them. [01:28:28] And so that I want to recap and detail our recommendations. [01:28:35] The recommendation for you is again to purchase the vac truck through [01:28:43] Jet Vac Equipment Company. [01:28:45] It's in a total amount not to exceed $499,824.56. [01:28:55] Also approve the financing through Truitt's Bank, and that is a five-year [01:29:01] finance agreement with five annual payments of $119,336.

    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.

20. 8.k

    Water Treatment Plant – Ground Storage Reservoirs 1 & 2 – Maintenance Repairs

    This transcript segment primarily covers the conclusion of the Jet Vac Equipment purchase (item 8.j) and begins discussion of ITB 23-025 Grounds Maintenance Contract. The actual item 8.k regarding Water Treatment Plant Ground Storage Reservoirs maintenance repairs is not substantively discussed in this transcript excerpt.

    • motion:Approve Jet Vac Equipment Company purchase not to exceed $499,824.56, finance agreement with Truist Bank, and declaration of vehicle as surplus for auction via Public Group, LLC. (passed)

    🏢Jet Vac Equipment Company🏢Public Group, LLC🏢Sourcewell🏢Truist Bank👤Crystal👤Mr. Rivera#ITB 23-025 Grounds Maintenance Contract Bid Award#US-19 mowing contract

    ▶ Jump to 1:29:07 in the video

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    [01:29:09] This is at 6.21% APR. [01:29:13] And then again, authorize the declaration of surplus equipment. [01:29:18] And just wanted to make a side note with the source vote contract. [01:29:22] They did have financing available. [01:29:27] That financing APR was at 6.9. [01:29:31] So that's when I decided to reach out to Crystal and she reached out to some of [01:29:36] her contacts that the city uses and a lot of the input that we got is the 6.2 [01:29:42] in today's industry is a very solid number. [01:29:48] Any public comment? [01:29:50] Mr. Mayor, I'd move approval of the Jet Vac Equipment Company purchase not to [01:29:57] exceed $499,824.56. [01:30:00] $500,000 as well as the finance agreement with Truist Bank and also to approve their request to declare the vehicle surplus and process it for auction using the public group, LLC. [01:30:14] Do you need a second? Second. [01:30:16] Okay, any other comment? [01:30:19] I just can't believe you did 280,000 miles in five square miles. [01:30:23] Yeah, good job with that. [01:30:26] That grants 24 hours a day, seven days a week. [01:30:29] Do they have an hour meter? [01:30:31] That's what you do. You take your miles and then you also have your odometer that has the hours and there's a formula that you take and it converts everything to your miles. [01:30:43] Oh, okay. [01:30:45] Mr. Mayor, just forgive me for getting off topic, but I see the scouts out there. [01:30:50] I know we've got a number of these other technical things in front of them. [01:30:55] I know they've probably got school tomorrow, so I don't know if they have to stay in order to get the beautiful badge you're going to get for doing this, but I wanted to make sure that they knew they... [01:31:07] You could leave if you'd like. [01:31:09] Yeah, before you go to sleep. [01:31:12] Until we get to you and communication. [01:31:16] All those in favor? [01:31:18] Thank you very much for coming today. [01:31:20] Thank you. [01:31:21] Thank you. [01:31:27] All those in favor? [01:31:29] Aye. [01:31:30] Those opposed? [01:31:32] Okay, moving on to... [01:31:37] Okay, FTB 23-025 Moving Grounds Maintenance Contract Bid Award. [01:31:44] Or I guess it's aye. [01:31:46] The bid award relates to the grounds maintenance for facilities in our right-of-way and it was recently put out to competitive bid and Mr. Rivera has a recommendation for you on that. [01:32:06] First I want to start off by saying you'll notice that your next three items are all mowing contracts and you're probably asking why we've separated them. [01:32:15] All three of them are different. [01:32:17] We've got the first one here that is just for basic right-of-way maintenance. [01:32:23] The second one we have city hall complex, fire station, the recreation grounds, those types of detailed landscape items where they're pulling weeds and they're doing a little more detailed work. [01:32:38] And then we have the US-19, which requires different licenses for you to be able to work on 19. [01:32:46] And so with this type of work, we found out that if we can divide it and separate it the way we have, we try to get a little more competition where we can get some of these companies that want to bid on some of this. [01:33:00] So that's why you see the three here. [01:33:03] This one here is for basic what I would say right-of-way mowing in the amount not to exceed $102,789.55. [01:33:14] The existing contract was executed in 2019. [01:33:20] That was at $90,345. [01:33:24] So we feel that this is a really good number for us. [01:33:29] The other thing that we really like about this is the company has worked with us before.

    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.

21. 8.l

    Request to Purchase Jet/Vacuum Sewer Cleaner – Stormwater Utility

    approved

    This transcript segment does not cover the Jet/Vacuum Sewer Cleaner item; instead it captures three landscape maintenance bid awards (ITB 23-026 municipal complex/Sims Park/Orange Lake/Fire Station 2, and ITB 23-027 US-19 center median) and the start of a police collective bargaining ratification. Council approved the landscape contracts with Design Landscape Management as primary and Average Joe as backup, all by 5-0 votes.

    • motion:Approve the primary and backup bids for grounds maintenance (three-year contract). (passed)5–0
    • motion:Approve ITB 23-026 Landscape Maintenance Management contract award to Design Landscape Management not to exceed $50,667.50. (passed)5–0
    • motion:Approve ITB 23-027 US-19 center median landscape maintenance low bid to Design Landscape Management Services at $29,661.48. (passed)5–0

    📍Orange Lake📍Sims Park📍US Highway 19 medians📍fire station number two📍municipal complex🏢Average Joe🏢Design Landscape Management🏢West Coast Florida Police Benevolent Association👤Mr. Rivera#2184/2080 work hours equalization#5% COLA#ITB 23-026 Landscape Maintenance Management#ITB 23-027 US-19 center median#Ratification of PBA collective bargaining agreement

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    [01:33:36] And so we're well aware of their standards. [01:33:40] We also wanted to request that the second bid that came in at $128,160 be approved as well just in case something happens to where we have to grab another contractor. [01:33:58] We have had this type of activity to where we've had to go ahead and re-bid in the middle of the summer growing season when everything is really busy. [01:34:10] Companies have either gone out of business or one's taken over one and this and that. [01:34:15] And it's happened quite a few times where we've had to scramble. [01:34:20] And so when we have an opportunity where we see that we've got two contractors, their numbers are pretty close to one another. [01:34:28] They've been around a while. [01:34:30] We just thought, you know what, why don't we go ahead and present to where we would have a redundancy to where we would be able to go ahead and if something happened to the first company, we'd be able to go in and grab the second one. [01:34:43] We've talked with the second place bidder and they have agreed to hold their price as well in case anything happened. [01:34:51] And so we feel very confident that we'd be able to incorporate an agreement with them. [01:34:58] So with that, we'd ask that you approve this agreement. [01:35:02] How many years is it for? [01:35:04] It's for three. [01:35:05] Great, okay. [01:35:08] Any public comment? [01:35:10] Bring it back for approval. [01:35:13] Mayor, I'll move we approve the two bids, the primary and backup bid for the grounds maintenance. [01:35:21] Second. [01:35:24] I'll second. [01:35:26] Any other comment? [01:35:29] Seeing nothing else, all those in favor? [01:35:32] Aye. [01:35:33] Those opposed? [01:35:34] It's a five zip. [01:35:35] Moving on to the next portion. [01:35:36] Just for note though, the average Joe was above average. [01:35:40] Just saying. [01:35:41] Average Joe? [01:35:42] Average Joe was the highest. [01:35:44] Oh, oh, oh. [01:35:45] Average Joe was highest. [01:35:50] The ITB 23-026 Landscape Maintenance Management contract bid award. [01:35:57] This bid award relates as Mr. Rivera indicated. [01:36:01] This one covers the municipal complex, Sims Park, Orange Lake, and fire station number two, or future fire station number two. [01:36:10] And Mr. Rivera, you want to tell us about the contract bid award? [01:36:14] This is in the amount not to exceed $50,667.50. [01:36:20] This is with Design Landscape Management. [01:36:25] The 2019 contract was $36,050. [01:36:31] And this one includes an additional grounds to go ahead and take care of, so we feel like that's in line. [01:36:40] The average Joe bid was submitted was at $54,600. [01:36:46] And again, we've worked with both of these contractors, and we feel confident that they would be able to perform the job, [01:36:53] and the other one would be able to step up if they needed to, so we would recommend it. [01:36:58] Any public comment? [01:37:00] Bring it back for approval. [01:37:03] So moved. [01:37:04] Second. [01:37:07] Comment? [01:37:08] I have a question. [01:37:09] Is this the contract that would include the activity for maintaining Sims Park? [01:37:17] Yes, sir. [01:37:19] This is the one, right? [01:37:20] Mm-hmm. [01:37:23] All those in favor? [01:37:24] Aye. [01:37:25] Those opposed? [01:37:26] Five zip. [01:37:27] Moving on to the last one. [01:37:29] ITH 23-027, US-19 center median. [01:37:36] Yes, it is. [01:37:37] The contract relates to the medians on US Highway 19, and Mr. Rivera, who are we going to award this one to? [01:37:49] Design Landscape Management Services, again. [01:37:54] They had submitted a low bid of $29,661.48. [01:38:01] On average, Joe had submitted a $39,000 do-not-exceed amount. [01:38:07] The original 2019 contract was at $29,080, and again, we haven't had any problems with either one of the contractors, [01:38:18] so we'd recommend that you do approve the low bid. [01:38:22] There's a second. [01:38:24] Any public comment? [01:38:25] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for approval. [01:38:28] Move to approve. [01:38:29] Second. [01:38:30] Any other comments? [01:38:32] So who's the existing contractor for the medians for us now? [01:38:37] DLM. [01:38:39] Same, so it would be more of the same one. [01:38:41] So I'm just curious, because I have to make a comment. [01:38:44] I think I've made it before, but if you drive US-19, you can tell when you enter the city, [01:38:50] and you leave the city based upon the maintenance of the islands. [01:38:55] So I'm proud that they do such a great job. [01:38:58] Thank you. [01:38:59] All those in favor? [01:39:00] Aye. [01:39:01] Those opposed? [01:39:02] Aye. [01:39:03] Five-nothing, moving on. [01:39:04] Ratification of collective bargaining agreement between the West Coast Florida Police Benevolent Association [01:39:09] and the City of New Port Richey. [01:39:14] This year, the Police Benevolent Association was eligible to introduce two contract items [01:39:25] in addition to a wage reopener related to their labor agreement. [01:39:32] When discussions ensued this year, they introduced some pension issues that they wanted to discuss, [01:39:47] as well as items related to hours of work. [01:39:53] They also indicated that based on inflation, their interest was for a 9% COLA increase, [01:40:10] and discussions took place with the union related to those items. [01:40:19] And on October 10th, some discussion materialized, which resulted in a tentative agreement with the union [01:40:33] and management, and it related to specifically the terms which I'm presenting to you this evening [01:40:44] as they were presented to the union and ratified by the union on October 20th, 2023. [01:40:55] And they are as follows. [01:40:57] The pension benefits were dropped from consideration by the union and by the city, [01:41:09] and the hours of work equalized the number of hours worked between patrol and the specialized units, [01:41:20] which are the administrative personnel, the detectives, and the canine units. [01:41:28] Currently, the patrol officers work 2184 hours annually, and the specialized units work 2080 per year. [01:41:41] So in order for it not to be a disincentive, as some patrol officers feel, [01:41:50] to go from a 2184 shift to a 2080 shift and potentially lose revenue, [01:41:57] we've equalized the shift so that everyone will be on a 2184 shift in the department. [01:42:05] And the bargaining members will all receive a cost-of-living adjustment of 5%.

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22. 8.m

    ITB23-025 Mowing & Grounds Maintenance Contract Bid Award

    Transcript segment is misfiled — it covers ratification of the West Central Florida PBA collective bargaining agreement and subsequent council communications, not the ITB23-025 mowing contract bid award. Council unanimously approved the PBA agreement 5-0.

    • motion:Ratify the collective bargaining agreement between West Central Florida PBA and the City of New Port Richey. (passed)5–0

    📍River Road🏢Florida Sports Coast🏢Home Depot🏢Newport Richey Main Street🏢West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association👤Kelly👤Robert#Extended July scallop season#ITB23-025 Mowing & Grounds Maintenance Contract (agenda heading)#Pool pump house repairs / pool reopening update#West Central Florida PBA collective bargaining agreement ratification

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    [01:42:14] This is what we negotiated and felt that it was a reasonable settlement. [01:42:20] It is in line with what most, the average of what most communities in this area are receiving, [01:42:29] and we think that it's fair and appropriate and keeps them at market, [01:42:34] which is what we determined and solidified for them a year ago at this time. [01:42:45] And with that, I'm recommending to you that you consider ratifying the pay provisions [01:42:52] and the work week change for the collective bargaining unit, West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association. [01:43:03] Do you have any public comment? Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for approval. [01:43:09] I'll move for the ratification of the collective bargaining agreement as presented [01:43:14] between West Central Florida PBA and the City of New Port Richey. [01:43:18] Second. [01:43:20] Any other comments on it? [01:43:22] Well, it's always nice when we have something that's already been agreed to, [01:43:28] and I do thank the city manager for getting this agreement made. [01:43:35] In my distant past, we had a lot of hard meetings in the room behind, [01:43:41] so it's always better to get settlements and agreements, [01:43:46] and I appreciate the work of the union as well as the administration in coming to agreement. [01:43:54] Give me a second. [01:43:56] Yeah, I'll ditto that. Thank you. [01:44:00] I just want to say that I can't believe this room's only got one police officer in from the union. [01:44:08] There was more here for your swearing in, Chief. [01:44:12] I was going to say they were happy about the agreement. [01:44:16] Yeah, all the way to the bank. [01:44:17] I'm unanimously in favor of the agreement, [01:44:20] and I should additionally mention that the 5% contracts are active until October 1st. [01:44:26] All those in favor? [01:44:27] Aye. [01:44:28] Aye. [01:44:29] Those opposed? We have five nothing. [01:44:30] Communication, we'll start with you, Kelly. [01:44:32] Okay, so our road is being paved on River Road. [01:44:36] Some asphalt went down today. [01:44:38] It did. [01:44:39] The dust is going away. [01:44:40] We're very thankful for that. [01:44:43] They did a really good job today in directing traffic out of the way so they could get that paving done, [01:44:49] so that was exciting. [01:44:51] It's just it looks a little weird that there's no curbs on the other side of the road. [01:44:57] Maybe when it's done it'll look different, but that there's no homeless people. [01:45:00] curbing on one side of the road looks a little bit odd, but I guess we'll see when it gets done how that looks. [01:45:06] I [01:45:07] attended the New Port Richey Main Street membership meeting this week. They did a great job. [01:45:12] They have a lot of participation, a lot of businesses and residents [01:45:17] jumping in to help participate with them. So that's exciting to see. They are looking for [01:45:23] for the city to get a little bit more involved with them. [01:45:25] So hopefully we can do that and help them move forward. [01:45:28] They're doing a great job. [01:45:29] And I think that they're finally on track to really start moving forward and to really have more involvement. [01:45:34] I think in the past we've had like six people doing everything and and now they've got a really great group. [01:45:39] So I'm looking forward to the things that they're going to be doing in the future. [01:45:44] I did get a question about an update on the pools. [01:45:49] I can provide an update on the pool. [01:45:51] At this point the pumps have been removed from the pump house and they are being rebuilt. [01:45:58] We have contracted for the electrical work also [01:46:03] to be [01:46:05] done in the pump house and [01:46:10] we can't at this point estimate [01:46:13] when the pools will be back in operation. [01:46:17] I can tell you though that the activity pool, the lap swimming pool, will be the first pool that will be restored and [01:46:25] we'll have a lot better of an idea. Robert, what do you think? Maybe two weeks we'll know? [01:46:30] Oh, definitely. I'd like to be able to have some concrete a concrete time frame by next week. [01:46:36] Yeah. [01:46:37] When that will be. [01:46:40] That's really all I have. [01:46:46] I guess you can always tell when when Christmas starts because it's the [01:46:50] day of Halloween. [01:46:52] They already start with the decoration. [01:46:54] So I've already seen a couple of shops downtown with the with their Christmas gear already up. [01:46:58] So we're in full swing already. I went to Home Depot to buy some [01:47:02] Halloween lights the day before Halloween and they were gone and there was Christmas lights there already. [01:47:09] So we skipped right on by Thanksgiving, but looking forward to the holiday season. [01:47:17] Thank You Mayor. Just a couple updates. [01:47:22] Florida Sports Coast took a presentation [01:47:26] recently on from Florida [01:47:29] Fish and Game folks regarding [01:47:32] this past extended scallop season. As you know, [01:47:36] the entire month of July was designated as viable scallop season [01:47:42] for the first time after having [01:47:45] had only [01:47:46] somewhere in the neighborhood of what 12 days or two weekends a week in between prior to that. [01:47:51] So their report and study their post season study indicated that the [01:47:59] the extended season did not put undue pressure on the scallops and [01:48:05] that they looked for the [01:48:10] Florida Sports Coast committee to give a board to give a recommended time frame for future [01:48:18] scallop seasons and the board recommended not quite the full month [01:48:23] and rather than start it in a July 1st weekend when there's all kinds of activity going on and [01:48:30] to delay it a little bit later and I think it's around the 16th of July and it will go into August for [01:48:37] four, there'll be actually four full weekends in the scallop season. Is the recommendation of the board, I think [01:48:46] it still has to go through another approval process. [01:48:49] Rather than the entire month, they also wanted to just make sure [01:48:53] at least for the time being that there's no undue pressure placed on

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23. 8.n

    ITB23-026 Landscape Maintenance Management Contract Bid Award

    This segment of the transcript does not contain discussion of the Landscape Maintenance Management Contract Bid Award (ITB23-026). Instead, it captures off-topic council conversation about scallop season, water quality, and septic-to-sewer concerns near Trouble Creek, with a council member referencing prior conversations with Mr. Rivera about grant opportunities.

    📍Trouble Creek👤Andy👤Mr. Rivera#Homosassa scallop population#ITB23-026#stormwater/septic master plan study

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    [01:48:58] the scallops and plus, I don't know if you know this, but you move it back in the season [01:49:02] these scallops only they only live a year. They come out and hatch and do their thing and [01:49:07] and then they're done, but so [01:49:11] so the later in the season you catch them the bigger they are. [01:49:13] So the ones you catch in August will be back bigger than ones in July and certainly not June. [01:49:18] So a tidbit, I didn't know about scallops. So I just wanted to share that with the [01:49:24] council. [01:49:26] So we're going to nap until then? [01:49:28] We're going to where? [01:49:30] We're going to take a nap until then? [01:49:32] Until then, yeah. [01:49:34] Well, I'm glad the scouts are gone before I mentioned [01:49:38] talking about the scallops doing their thing in July [01:49:42] because when they do their thing in July [01:49:45] that's when they're propagating. So I'm happy to hear that they've delayed the [01:49:51] season by a few weeks because that allows a little more [01:49:55] propagation of the species from what I understand. So that's [01:50:00] warms my heart to know that they can do their thing in peace for a few months, weeks before [01:50:07] they get caught up while they're [01:50:10] still reproducing for the next year. I didn't know they only lasted a year though. So that's interesting knowledge. [01:50:17] And the main colony is located in Homosassa. That's where they all mainly come from. [01:50:23] And the biggest thing as far as a healthy population will be the quality of water. [01:50:29] If you need a captain to take you out scalloping, get a hold of Andy. [01:50:35] So thank you for that and I think it's a great segue to the fact that you mentioned the quality of the water [01:50:41] and I think that's such a big and important issue for our river. We've got to septic out and continue to [01:50:50] hope that we can take some of our areas. I've spoken to Mr. Rivera for many years about trying to get [01:50:58] a grant in there and do something in the area of Trouble Creek because [01:51:03] he had indicated to me the odor that comes when tides rise and I'm very concerned. [01:51:09] And there's a lot of money out there so I hope that we would continue to consider finding out the results of our study [01:51:18] that's been going on for the master plan. If there are plans for that and if there are not, what it would take to do that. [01:51:26] The review of the minutes, there were a number of issues that were brought up and that I discussed.

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24. 8.o

    ITB23-027 US Hwy 19 Center Medians Landscape Maintenance Services Bid Award

    The agenda item was titled as a bid award for US Hwy 19 Center Medians Landscape Maintenance Services, but the transcript provided contains unrelated remarks about annexation and a potential proposal from the Great Explorations science museum to occupy the building the health department is vacating.

    📍corner of Bank and Main🏢Great Explorations Science Museum🏢Pasco County Health Department👤Peters#Brainstorms museum (1992 proposal)#FRA conference#ITB23-027 US Hwy 19 Center Medians Landscape Maintenance Services Bid Award

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    [01:51:34] I just want to go once more to the issue of the annexation. [01:51:41] And something that I learned at the FRA conference, I'm happy to see that Mr. Peters was also there, [01:51:50] that, I lost my train of thought there for a moment, let me come back to that. [01:52:00] And move to some good news too, which is that the city manager in her report indicated to you that the [01:52:09] great exploration science museum people were in town and they looked at the building that the health department is getting ready to move out of. [01:52:16] Some time ago I handed out to you the paper that showed the brainstorms museum way back in 1992. [01:52:29] Where we were trying to have a hands-on science museum in town as a way to stimulate economic growth in the city's downtown. [01:52:38] The location for that museum was going to be that bank building on the corner of Bank and Main. [01:52:44] And so just fortuitous that the great explorations people have been talking about expanding their footprint into North Pinellas [01:52:55] and the Pasco area. And just a few days ago got a report that talked about the need for that kind of hands-on science education. [01:53:06] And that they have, their board has approved for them to move forward to make a proposal to the city. [01:53:15] I'm suspecting as a tenant of that building it's going to be vacant soon. [01:53:19] And I hope that we will have an opportunity to hear from them. They're very energetic. [01:53:25] They like the city. The city manager showed them the building and they came back excited.

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25. 8.p

    Ratification of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association and the City of New Port Richey RE: Pay Provisions and Work Week and Overtime

    Item was not actually discussed; the transcript captures off-topic council conversation about a potential downtown daycare/after-school facility and the Mayor's update on drafting a resolution regarding recreation center service areas with the county under annexation/utility discussions.

    🏢Kapok Tree Inn🏢St. Anthony's Hospital🏢Trinity Boys Club🏢YMCA👤Debbie👤Peter#Annexation utility agreement#Collective Bargaining Agreement ratification (agenda item)#Recreation center service area resolution

    ▶ Jump to 1:53:30 in the video

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    [01:53:31] So I think that's some potential good excitement for something that's not a bar that does produce some of that thirst for knowledge that we want our children and people to have. [01:53:44] Peter, where do those folks get their revenues from? [01:53:47] Well, they have a lot of agreements with the school system that bring the kids in. So there's a lot of importing of that. [01:53:55] In St. Pete they have actually in their building, this is the fourth building they've moved into over the years, but they have a daycare center. [01:54:04] And it's successful because they're right near St. Anthony's Hospital where I was born. [01:54:10] And whatever they're calling it now, I guess it's a daycare hospital. [01:54:15] But that particular, they now are in, I want to say, the old Kaypok Tree Inn area or somewhere there off of 4th Street. [01:54:26] And they have a daycare. And so many of the doctors are sending their, having their children stay in that environment. [01:54:36] So the fact that we're so close to another daycare facility and the fact that this is after school children opportunities, whatever it is, they're working a proposal. [01:54:46] I don't know what it is, but I'm excited to find out what they provide to the city manager. [01:54:53] And I think it's encouraging that people are excited about our downtown and see it as an opportunity. [01:54:59] So sharing that, I do remember where I was talking about the annexation, that the utility agreement for a few million dollars we were going after, [01:55:09] led to a discussion about me coming back with a resolution to try to look at service areas. [01:55:16] And so I started to put that together to get to the attorney. [01:55:21] Didn't make it in time for the agenda, but in order for us to meet the county commission with this, [01:55:29] the statute calls for direct involvement from the two legislative bodies in that discussion. [01:55:37] And it does provide, I think, we have a good chance. [01:55:44] And the city manager, Debbie, told me earlier today that you're getting the results of the recreation center usage between the membership of the city and the county members. [01:55:56] Or that we have a, hopefully that if we have some data, we'll need to take that. [01:56:02] But one of the things we'll have to do that's required under the statutes is to draw the service area on a map. [01:56:09] And so I looked on the county's recreation page on the county. [01:56:14] There are four county recreation centers. [01:56:19] There are a lot of ball fields. [01:56:21] They list the type of recreation by rec center, ball field, preserves, and historical type facilities, community centers. [01:56:34] But there are only four that they have. [01:56:35] We are number five. [01:56:37] And I would suggest that the Trinity Boys Club or the YMCA would be probably the sixth of those facilities because it does have a gymnasium and quite a big campus. [01:56:55] So if there are six and we represent about two and a half percent of the population, we're probably serving 15 or 20 percent of the population. [01:57:06] So I'm going to see if I can get with the city manager and look at the locations of the other facilities because we'd have to draw a map and say these are our customers. [01:57:17] They come to our facility and we would like to have you provide a share of that.

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26. 9Communications▶ 1:57:21
27. 10Adjournment▶ 2:13:24