On the agenda

1. 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
2. 4

   Approval of February 18, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes

   approved

   Council approved the February 18, 2025 regular meeting minutes by unanimous voice vote.

   • motion:Motion to approve the February 18, 2025 regular meeting minutes. (passed)5–0

   ▶ Jump to 0:38 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:00:38] Thank you. [00:00:39] Approval of the February 18th, 2025 regular meeting minutes. [00:00:47] Easy for you. [00:00:48] We're double in. [00:00:49] Move to approve. [00:00:50] Aye. [00:00:51] Second. [00:00:52] All those in favor signify by aye. [00:00:53] Aye. [00:00:54] Those opposed, five nothing.

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

3. 5

   Proclamation - Irish American Heritage Month

   approved

   Mayor Chopper Davis read a proclamation designating March 2025 as Irish-American Heritage Month in the City of New Port Richey. Brendan Kelly, Florida President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, accepted the proclamation and gave remarks honoring Irish-American contributions to the nation.

   • direction:Mayor proclaimed March 2025 as Irish-American Heritage Month in the City of New Port Richey. (passed)

   🏢Ancient Order of Hibernians👤Brendan Kelly👤Chopper Davis#Irish-American Heritage Month#March 2025

   ▶ Jump to 0:55 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:00:55] Proclamation. [00:00:56] No, yes, proclamation. [00:00:57] Put the glasses on. [00:00:58] No. [00:00:59] Can you come on down please, Brandon? [00:01:01] Oh, so she's getting that. [00:01:24] You can keep it. [00:01:25] Oh, I thought he was coming up here. [00:01:27] Oh, I'm not sure. [00:01:29] I thought he was coming up here. [00:01:31] Oh, I thought he was coming up here. [00:01:33] Oh, I thought he was coming up here. [00:01:34] No, he's not. [00:01:35] I'm not sure. [00:01:36] I thought he was coming up here. [00:01:37] Okay. [00:01:38] Come on, Owen. [00:01:39] I don't want to get up there. [00:01:40] I don't even know where I had my left one here last time. [00:01:41] The only meeting I had where I left one here. [00:01:42] You guys ready? [00:01:43] We're waiting. [00:01:44] Can you get in this? [00:01:45] This is a proclamation of the Office of the Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, where [00:01:49] as the Irish first came to Florida in the 1500s, first as missionaries and mercenary [00:01:54] soldiers and then as planters, traders, businessmen, doctors, and administrators, and whereas Father [00:02:01] Richard Arthur, an Irish-born priest from Limerick who was appointed parish priest for [00:02:06] St. Augustine in 1597 and ecclesiastical judge of Florida, established the first public school [00:02:14] in America and opened it to both boys and girls of all races, and whereas by 1776 nearly [00:02:20] 300,000 Irish nationals had emigrated to the American colonies and played a crucial [00:02:25] role in America's war for independence, and whereas five signers of the Declaration of [00:02:30] Independence were of Irish descent and three signers were Irish-born, and whereas over [00:02:36] the course of our nation's history, 22 presidents have proudly proclaimed their Irish-American [00:02:41] heritage, and whereas in 1792, Irish-born James Hoban provided the architectural plans [00:02:48] for the White House and served as one of the supervising architects for the construction [00:02:52] of the Capitol, and whereas Irish-Americans have played integral roles in our armed forces, [00:02:59] including Commodore John Barry who was recognized as the first flag officer of the United States [00:03:04] Navy, Captain Oliver Perry who achieved a major naval victory in the Battle of Lake [00:03:09] Erie, and the five Sullivan brothers who made the ultimate sacrifice for democracy and freedom [00:03:15] during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Now therefore, I, Chopper Davis, Mayor of the [00:03:20] City of New Port Richey, do hereby proclaim the month of March 2025 as Irish-American [00:03:25] Heritage Month in the City of New Port Richey and encourage all residents to celebrate the [00:03:29] diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Irish-Americans and to acknowledge the [00:03:34] important contributions made by them. [00:03:39] I'd just like to say that my family is pretty much English, German, and Dutch, and my mother [00:03:46] used to always say, a touch of Irish for luck, but I'm the mayor and I'm not sure that's [00:03:50] luck. [00:03:51] I do hope that three minutes doesn't apply to me because there's not an Irishman alive [00:04:07] that's given a speech in three minutes. I just want to let you know. Can't be done. [00:04:11] But I do know there's a Murphy over there somewhere, so I have a brother here, so he'll [00:04:16] take care of me. [00:04:19] Honorable Mayor, Davis, esteemed members of the Council, and fellow citizens, it is with [00:04:26] immense gratitude and profound respect that I address you today on behalf of the Ancient [00:04:31] Order of Ibernians. I'm Brendan Kelly. I'm the Florida President of the AOH. [00:04:36] First and foremost, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Mayor Davis for this [00:04:42] commendable proclamation. The Irish-American community has always been an integral part [00:04:48] and fabric of this great nation. [00:04:50] From the early days of settlement to the present, Irish-Americans have made an indelible contribution [00:04:57] to the social, economic, and cultural landscape of our country. This proclamation not only [00:05:03] honors the past, but also celebrates the vibrant and dynamic presence of the Irish-American [00:05:09] community today. [00:05:11] The Ancient Order of Ibernians has long been dedicated to preserving and promoting the [00:05:16] Irish culture, heritage, and history. Our organization was founded in 1836 and has worked [00:05:23] tirelessly to support Irish immigrants and their descendants, advocating for the rights [00:05:28] and providing for a sense of community and belonging. Today we are in all 50 states and [00:05:33] we represent 15 divisions in Florida. [00:05:37] This month is also an opportunity to celebrate the myriad of contributions that Irish-Americans [00:05:43] have to our society. We take pride in the achievements of illustrious figures such as [00:05:47] John F. Kennedy, the first Irish Catholic President of the United States, who inspired [00:05:51] a generation with his vision and his leadership. We honor literary geniuses of writers like [00:05:58] James Joyce and the groundbreaking work of scientists like John Tyndale. [00:06:03] In every field, from politics to arts to science to business to Irish-Americans have left indelible [00:06:10] marks. Irish-American Month is a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors. [00:06:17] Indeed, it is a time to remember all of our ancestors, Irish or not. I dare say that the [00:06:27] majority of you in this room are descendants of immigrants to America. While it is folklore [00:06:35] to refer to our ancestors as the Huzzah Masses and Wretched Reefers, we are anything but. [00:06:43] Our ancestors composed the strongest and bravest of their communities and they were the explorers [00:06:50] and the builders, the unbridled and the uninhibited. The greatest American generation did not create [00:06:56] itself. They were the product of those immigrants. [00:07:00] As we celebrate Irish-American Month, let us also recognize the importance of unity [00:07:06] and solidarity. Our community thrives on the bonds of kinship, friendship that have been [00:07:12] forged over the generations. It is through these connections that we find strength and [00:07:18] support and through these connections in which we continue to grow and prosper. [00:07:23] To the younger generation, I encourage you to embrace your heritage with pride and carry [00:07:28] forward the legacy of your ancestors. Learn about your history, participate in cultural [00:07:32] events and take an active role in your community. It is through the involvement that your traditions [00:07:39] will continue to thrive and evolve. [00:07:42] In conclusion, I again extend my deepest gratitude to Mayor Davis and to the City Council for [00:07:49] this proclamation. Your recognition of the Irish-American Month is a powerful affirmation [00:07:55] of our shared values and our commitment to cultural diversity together with our rich [00:08:00] tapestry of the city's heritage and look forward to a future filled with promise and opportunity. [00:08:07] Thank you and may your troubles be less and your blessings be more. Thank you. [00:08:38] Thank you. [00:08:42] Thank you all. [00:08:44] Thank you. [00:08:46] Thank you.

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

4. 6

   Audit Presentation by Mauldin Jenkins

   Wade Sandsbury, partner with Mauldin & Jenkins, presented the city's audit for fiscal year ending September 30, 2023 virtually. The firm issued an unmodified (clean) audit opinion, the highest level of assurance, but noted two Yellow Book findings: missing the state filing deadline and the need for several large dollar journal entries. The city's general fund ended with about $10 million fund balance (a 9% decrease) and a federal single audit was performed on ARPA funds.

   🏢GFOA🏢Governmental Accounting Standards Board🏢Mauldin & Jenkins👤Crystal Dunn👤Joel Black👤Wade Sandsbury#ARPA federal single audit#Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)#Auditor's Discussion and Analysis (AD&A)#FY 2023 Audit#Yellow Book findings

   ▶ Jump to 9:00 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:09:01] Okay. Presentation by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. [00:09:07] Mr. Mayor, you skipped an item. [00:09:10] Proclamation? Oh, I'm sorry. Audit presentation by Maudine Jenkins. [00:09:19] Yes, Mauldin Jenkins will be presenting virtually. They have, we have Mr. Wade Sandsbury who [00:09:29] will be presenting. He has worked very closely with Mrs. Dunn on the audit this year and [00:09:35] we'll let Crystal start off. [00:09:41] Is Wade connected? He's prepared a presentation for this evening to walk through the audit, [00:09:47] explain the process and to explain the outcome. [00:09:51] Could you get a little closer to it? [00:09:55] Better? Okay. Is he connected? [00:10:01] Yes. Are you ready? [00:10:03] We're ready. [00:10:05] Okay, great. [00:10:08] Good evening, Mayor and Council Members. My name is Wade Sandsbury. I'm a partner with [00:10:14] Mauldin and Jenkins. Happy to be here with you all tonight, albeit virtually. I've been [00:10:20] a little under the weather for the last week or so, so it's a good thing that I'm not there [00:10:25] amongst you tonight. I went to get everyone what I have. But hopefully my voice will last [00:10:34] for this night, but we'll see. [00:10:37] So, if you've got the presentation in front of you, we'll just go to, let's go to slide [00:10:44] two. This is a slide, just a little bit of information about Mauldin and Jenkins. We [00:10:49] were founded in 1918. We were a large regional accounting firm here in the southeast. We [00:10:55] do currently provide professional services to over 700 governments here in the southeast, [00:11:01] including about 180 governments that annually receive the GFOA Certificate of Excellence. [00:11:07] We do also do a significant amount of both federal and state single audits here in the [00:11:12] southeast. One thing, too, that we offer that a lot of other firms do not, we offer free [00:11:19] CPE to our clients. Certainly hope that Crystal and her staff and certainly anybody on the [00:11:24] board, if you're ever interested in any of those classes, you're more than welcome to [00:11:29] attend. Again, they're free of charge. [00:11:31] Additionally, just something to point out that Joel Black, he is the current chair of [00:11:36] the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. He was actually a partner of Mauldin and [00:11:41] Jenkins. He and I made partners together. So, that just kind of shows you the national [00:11:47] reach that our practice entails. [00:11:51] The next slide is just a little information about what type of report that you all have [00:11:59] received. You all prepare an actual ACFR, an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. This [00:12:06] is above and beyond what the state actually requires. You've got the introductory section, [00:12:12] as well as the statistical section, which are, again, additional components of the ACFR [00:12:18] versus just a regular set of financial statements. So, the city should be commended for going [00:12:23] above and beyond in preparing the actual ACFR. [00:12:28] The next slide is on the opinion. After a lot of work on both our part as well as the [00:12:35] city's part, we have issued an unmodified audit opinion for the city's September 30, [00:12:42] 2023 financial statements. This is the highest form of assurance that we can render. In our [00:12:49] opinion, the financial statements do present fairly in all material respects the results [00:12:54] of operations of the city as of before the year ended. [00:12:59] The next slide, we did note two findings this year in our Yellow Book report. One was simply [00:13:08] because of the instance of noncompliance and not meeting the state deadline. The other [00:13:13] was just there were quite a few large dollar journal entries that needed to be made to [00:13:19] get the financial statements to be properly stated in all material respects, and so those [00:13:25] two are listed there. The city did expend more than $750,000 in federal awards during [00:13:31] the year. We spent about $1.67 million in total. We were thus required to perform an [00:13:38] additional federal single audit on your ARPA funds, which covered about $1.5 million of [00:13:43] the overall total expenditures. [00:13:47] The next slide is just a couple of additional reports there. I would just like to say that [00:13:52] for the management letter as well as the independent accountants report, we had no other [00:13:56] issues or matters noted there, so those were clean. [00:14:00] The next slide is on our required communications. All audit firms are required to either do [00:14:06] this in an oral format or a written format. We've always chosen to do it in a written [00:14:10] format, so they are listed here. They're also listed in our AD&A document, our Auditor's [00:14:17] Discussion and Analysis document, so I won't go over all of those here. [00:14:22] I would just say on the next slide to point out that we are independent with regards to [00:14:27] the city. We take that very, very seriously, and we absolutely are independent with regards [00:14:32] to the city of New Port Richey. [00:14:35] The next slide is just some general high-level information about the city. We've got a slide [00:14:40] for 2023, and the next is for 2022. [00:14:44] The city spent roughly $2,100 per resident for the year. [00:14:49] The city's general fund ended the year with about a $10 million fund balance. That was [00:14:53] almost a 9% decrease from that of the prior year. [00:14:57] Total debt per... [00:15:00] per citizen, just governmental activities, is about $1,100. [00:15:06] Approximate number of employees at the end of the year were 285. [00:15:09] Average employee salary of about $45,000. [00:15:13] Again, the next slide is the same information as of 2022. [00:15:18] You can see just some slight changes there, nothing really significant. [00:15:22] Next slide is just a pie chart for the general fund revenues. [00:15:26] Obviously, the majority of the city's revenues for the general fund come from property taxes. [00:15:32] Also, a lot of intergovernmental revenues. [00:15:35] For 2023, you had about $11.6 million in property taxes. [00:15:40] All right, the next slide is a pie chart showing the overall expenditures of the general fund, [00:15:43] you know, where the funds actually go. [00:15:46] Majority of the expenditures are going to public safety, [00:15:52] which is very common for cities such as your size. [00:15:56] The next largest was just general governmental activities. [00:16:01] Next slide is just a five-year general fund balance history. [00:16:06] Certainly, it's come down over the last five years, [00:16:10] but I don't think there's anything to be worried about there. [00:16:12] You're still in a good, strong financial position as of the end of the year. [00:16:17] The next slide is just a real simple slide showing your overall operating revenues [00:16:23] and expenses for your water and sewer fund as well as your stormwater fund. [00:16:28] From my perspective, I always want to make sure that we are charging enough operating fees [00:16:34] to cover our operating expenses, and this chart shows that. [00:16:38] So, that's good. [00:16:40] On the next slide, additional information. [00:16:44] Again, the auditor's discussion and analysis. [00:16:47] We list out all of our required communications there. [00:16:49] We also list out all of our kind of in-detail findings. [00:16:53] We also list out all of the upcoming GASB standards and pronouncements [00:16:57] that will be applicable in the future so that you all can be aware of those [00:17:01] and get prepared for those in the future. [00:17:04] Then the last slide, that's really all that I had. [00:17:08] As far as the presentation goes, does anyone have any questions [00:17:12] that I could hopefully help answer? [00:17:14] I don't see anyone. [00:17:26] Thank you, Wayne. [00:17:28] All right. [00:17:28] Well, thank you very much. [00:17:29] If you all do have any questions, just feel free to reach out to us. [00:17:33] We're here to serve you all. [00:17:35] Thank you.

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

5. 7

   Presentation by Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council RE: Resiliency

   discussed

   Kara Serra, Director of Resiliency at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, presented on the council's voluntary regional resiliency coalition, its 10-goal action plan adopted in 2022, and ongoing work groups on stormwater, land use, and shorelines. Council directed staff to review the Regional Resiliency Action Plan and bring it back for potential adoption, and discussed attending the May 15-16 regional resiliency summit in Palmetto.

   • motion:Motion that the city manager and staff review the Regional Resiliency Action Plan and bring it back to council for consideration of adoption.

   📍Beach Street by Swetman School📍Green Key Beach📍Main and 19📍Orange Lake🏢City of Tampa🏢Florida Department of Environmental Protection🏢Pasco County🏢Schwettman School🏢Southeast Climate Compact🏢Southwest Florida Water Management District🏢Tampa Bay Estuary🏢Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council🏢Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Coalition🏢Tampa Bay Water👤Altman👤Debbie👤Eddie Bouza👤Jack Mariano👤Kara Serra👤Megan Blancher👤Mo Feeney#Adaptation Action Areas#CDBG funds / HUD disaster recovery#Future of the Region Awards#Heat Playbook#Model ordinance for resilient shorelines#Post-Disaster Redevelopment Plan#Regional Resiliency Action Plan#Regional Resiliency Summit (May 15-16, Palmetto)#Resilience Roadmap tool#Resilient Florida grant program#Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan

   ▶ Jump to 17:44 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:17:44] Are you done with that presentation? [00:17:51] All right. [00:17:52] Okay. [00:17:53] Presentation by the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. [00:17:57] We have Kara Serra here this evening to make a presentation [00:18:00] on behalf of Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. [00:18:09] Good evening. [00:18:10] My name is Kara Serra. [00:18:12] I'm the Director of Resiliency at the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. [00:18:16] I do have a presentation to share with you all this evening. [00:18:21] And I was asked to focus on resiliency tonight. [00:18:25] So that's what I'll be focusing on. [00:18:33] But overall, I wanted to also give you a little bit of an understanding [00:18:37] of who we are as a Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council. [00:18:40] We serve a six-county area with Citrus County in the north. [00:18:48] Help work there. [00:18:51] Well, that's fine. [00:18:56] So we serve a six-county area, Citrus County in the north, down to Manatee County in the south. [00:19:02] And we also have a voluntary resiliency coalition that was established in 2018. [00:19:09] So the resiliency coalition, there's no additional dues to be a member of that coalition. [00:19:17] There is no requirement, if you're a council, a member of our general council, [00:19:22] to be a member of the coalition. [00:19:24] But I'm proud to say that we do have 33 members of that voluntary coalition. [00:19:31] Still having problems. [00:19:32] You wanted to go back. [00:19:34] I think you intended to. [00:19:36] Let's go back. [00:19:38] Sure. [00:19:38] I think you intended to thank Councilman Altman for his leadership, [00:19:44] and we kind of skipped by that kind of quickly. [00:19:48] Don't mean to embarrass you, but thank you, Councilmember Altman, [00:19:52] who is currently serving as the chair of our regional resiliency coalition, [00:19:58] which, again, is really focused on advancing not just the general work of the council, [00:20:04] but specifically working at a higher, more collaborative level [00:20:08] on the climate hazards that we're seeing today, [00:20:11] and to think also about what we might be seeing in the future. [00:20:26] So this is our coalition area, or I'm sorry, our council area, [00:20:31] and that's our coalition area. [00:20:33] So one thing I wanted to show the difference there is, again, because it's voluntary, [00:20:37] we can go outside of the boundaries of our regional council. [00:20:42] So even though our council serves a six-county region, [00:20:46] the coalition actually serves a seven-county region. [00:20:50] And we believe that we're the second coalition, [00:20:53] voluntary coalition, to advance hazard resiliency in the state of Florida, [00:20:59] and probably about maybe the 18th in the country. [00:21:03] So the first one was the Southeast Climate Compact in the Miami-Dade and South Florida counties. [00:21:10] And in addition to our 33 member governments, [00:21:13] we also are able to have private sector partners, non-profit partners, [00:21:18] and so we have over 100 partners working alongside us to advance that climate resiliency. [00:21:26] Okay, thank you. [00:21:27] If you can go one more slide. [00:21:29] Thank you. [00:21:30] So when our member governments joined the coalition, [00:21:35] they signed a memorandum of understanding saying what they would do together. [00:21:40] And one of the parts of that memorandum of understanding [00:21:43] was that we would work together collaboratively [00:21:46] to work on these flooding issues, heat issues, increased raininess and storms. [00:21:53] And we would do that because those types of issues don't respect city and county boundaries. [00:22:00] In addition to that, in the initial agreement, [00:22:05] we said that we would be really focusing on backing all of the actions that we did with science, [00:22:11] science-based decision making. [00:22:14] And then finally, what I wanted to point out here is that we said we would be guided by a plan [00:22:19] that we all adopted sort of collaboratively. [00:22:24] Next slide, please. [00:22:25] So the plan, it's not regulatory. [00:22:29] It's not something that, you know, we're forcing anyone to adopt. [00:22:34] And even if you did adopt it, it wouldn't require you to do anything particular [00:22:40] because we see it as a menu of actions. [00:22:42] So there are things that we can do together. [00:22:45] You know, we can work on having an annual summit, [00:22:48] which I'll talk about in a few slides. [00:22:49] We can work together to do some, [00:22:53] we can have like a model ordinance that we all agree could be interesting. [00:23:00] But at the end of the day, it's a menu of actions. [00:23:02] So there are things that make sense for really big budget counties to do. [00:23:06] And then there are things that might make more sense for smaller governments to do. [00:23:10] Maybe you have a lot of staff capacity. [00:23:12] And so you might choose certain actions that require a lot of staff capacity. [00:23:17] But maybe you don't have that much staff capacity. [00:23:19] And so you want to choose maybe smaller scale options [00:23:21] or things that are more partnering with nonprofits. [00:23:26] Next slide, please. [00:23:29] So it really highlights collaboration. [00:23:32] And I would say really the focus for us as a planning council [00:23:38] is that it gives us opportunities for where we can collaborate and do things together. [00:23:43] And next slide, please. [00:23:46] So there's 10 goals. [00:23:47] I won't read them all because I know there's a lot of text on that slide. [00:23:51] But the first goal is around, again, [00:23:55] really thinking about science and data being the reason why we make decisions, [00:23:59] not because of politics or because of anything other than this is what the science says. [00:24:06] And then the second goal is about your vulnerability assessments. [00:24:11] So that's consistent with what the Florida Department of Environmental Protection [00:24:16] is asking us to do to get that resilient Florida grant program funding. [00:24:21] We want to support those vulnerability assessments and also look at potential opportunities to [00:24:27] go above and beyond the statutory requirement where we see fit. [00:24:32] And then the third goal there is about building your local capacity to do this type of work. [00:24:39] So you might think about having a resiliency staff leader, [00:24:43] having a department dedicated to resiliency, [00:24:46] or even just making sure resiliency is integrated into all of your programming. [00:24:52] The fourth one is about thinking where we make our land use decisions and transportation decisions. [00:24:58] Should we continue to build here? [00:25:00] Do we need to have higher standards if we're building in a high risk area? [00:25:03] And I know those are a lot of the questions we're thinking about right now [00:25:06] after the storms that we just saw. [00:25:08] And then our fifth goal is related to the environment, [00:25:12] making sure that our wildlife can adapt to changing climates, [00:25:16] increase saltiness, and bounce back from even events like the storms we just saw. [00:25:22] And then the sixth goal is really about infrastructure. [00:25:25] How do we build our infrastructure to adapt to some of the rains we saw this year, [00:25:31] to adapt to increasing heat maybe is making road maintenance more difficult. [00:25:36] So how do we adapt there? [00:25:39] The seventh goal is strictly about transportation, [00:25:42] especially greenhouse gas reductions. [00:25:45] The eighth goal is around food systems. [00:25:48] So making sure that we have the food in our area to support our residents. [00:25:55] And then that we're not wasting food. [00:25:57] I know Pasco County is sort of the leader in food systems planning, [00:26:04] and I think you guys are doing great work up here. [00:26:07] The ninth goal is about business continuity, [00:26:11] making sure that our businesses have continuity plans to recover. [00:26:15] And then the 10th goal is really around having a workforce [00:26:18] and a business sector that supports this work. [00:26:21] So do we have people who are trained to build the new seawall standards? [00:26:26] Do we want 3D printed seawalls, 3D printed houses? [00:26:29] We need that workforce to support those innovations there. [00:26:33] Next slide, please. [00:26:34] So I'll quickly go through some highlights for those goals. [00:26:40] So one way that we could work to improve our transportation [00:26:45] is with an electric vehicle infrastructure plan [00:26:48] where you have shared county lines. [00:26:51] You might think about electric vehicle infrastructure, [00:26:54] and we also want to make sure that our transportation agencies [00:26:58] have a way to communicate together. [00:27:00] Next slide, please. [00:27:01] And we want to reduce our food waste [00:27:04] and also make sure that we're integrating food [00:27:07] into any of our local government plans. [00:27:12] Next slide, please. [00:27:14] And then we're actually working on this right now, [00:27:18] I think pretty quickly. [00:27:19] And your government liaison, Megan Blancher, [00:27:23] behind me is the leader of our stormwater work group. [00:27:29] Our stormwater infrastructure work group, [00:27:33] which is trying to think about how we innovate stormwater. [00:27:37] We're also working on what we're calling [00:27:38] the Tampa Bay Coastal Master Plan, [00:27:41] which we envision as sort of a region-wide slate of solutions [00:27:46] that you can kind of take to your funders in the future [00:27:49] and say, look, this was endorsed in this coastal master plan [00:27:52] at a regional scale, [00:27:54] and so it should be prioritized for state funding, et cetera. [00:27:58] Next slide, please. [00:28:00] So for capacity building, [00:28:03] we are looking at how we can get you [00:28:05] better communications materials to talk about these issues, [00:28:09] and then also how we can pilot [00:28:11] some neighborhood-level resiliency strategies. [00:28:15] Maybe we want to do like walking audits [00:28:17] in your neighborhoods, [00:28:18] or we want to look at charrettes, those types of things. [00:28:23] So we want to pilot that type of project [00:28:26] through the action plan. [00:28:28] Next, please. [00:28:30] So we also actually have already developed [00:28:34] a model ordinance for resilient shorelines [00:28:38] where we recommend that the minimum [00:28:41] hardened shoreline height is five feet, [00:28:43] and it also gives strategies [00:28:45] for hybrid and living shorelines. [00:28:48] That model ordinance is available to you all [00:28:51] if you wanted to take a look at it and consider adoption, [00:28:54] and then we are working with the Tampa Bay Estuary [00:28:58] to think about the acreage of conservation land [00:29:02] that we have in the region [00:29:03] that supports our ecosystems and habitats. [00:29:10] Next slide. [00:29:13] I currently host a work group [00:29:15] around land use and building design. [00:29:18] We're trying to think about how to be innovative [00:29:21] in both the standards that we assign [00:29:23] to like the coastal high hazard areas, [00:29:26] as you move through your vulnerability assessment, [00:29:28] you might be looking at what we call [00:29:30] adaptation action areas. [00:29:33] That's what they're called at the state level. [00:29:35] So how do we put standards on parts of our city [00:29:39] so that we can be more resilient [00:29:41] as we rebuild from storms? [00:29:43] And then we also understand [00:29:45] that there is a need for affordable housing [00:29:48] and especially like after the storms [00:29:51] for potentially long-term housing [00:29:53] to support those that might have been displaced [00:29:56] because of damage to their home. [00:30:00] Next slide. So we adopted this in 2022. As I said, it's completely voluntary. We think it aligns with state and federal priorities, and it can be adopted regardless of the capacity or size of a given local government. [00:30:20] Next slide. Next slide. So I also wanted to, I just put one slide in here about what it looks like as we're three years almost into this action plan. Are we tracking progress? Are we looking at, like, what does this action plan even do? [00:30:39] So I presented earlier this year to our steering committee some of the progress that we've made since the adoption of the action plan. As I mentioned, we've already stood up a work group focused on stormwater and infrastructure. [00:30:52] They're working to identify ways that we can be innovative and consistent across our boundaries as member governments. And we are part of the post-disaster redevelopment plan that serves Hernando, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Tampa. [00:31:09] I've heard that there's interest in a post-disaster redevelopment plan that focuses on Pasco County, so please keep us in mind if you do think about doing that. The city of Tampa is leading the way with a heat playbook, so that's another area that we've heard a lot of our member governments are interested in. [00:31:29] And then we had a big gap where we didn't really have good representation from SWFMUD. We knew that was an issue, and now we have a member of SWFMUD on our steering committee. So I think we're making progress, and I hope to be able to report back on more progress. And this is also something that we can do at a local level. [00:31:48] So you just had a financial audit, but if you adopted the regional resiliency action plan, we could also look at the progress that you're making as a city on implementing. [00:31:59] We also recently created this resilience roadmap tool to show you where your other governments are working in resiliency. So you can click into that tool and see maybe you're looking for who else is doing a vulnerability assessment, who else is doing a living shoreline. You can click around in that tool and get the contact information for someone at a corresponding government. [00:32:30] And I wanted to invite you all to our regional resiliency summit. These are pictures from last year. You can see Councilman Altman serving in his chair role up there. We did have augmented reality and virtual reality presentations at our summit last year. I believe we're going to do more augmented reality this year. [00:32:52] In the bottom left, we have Eddie Bouza, who oversees the vulnerability assessments from the FDEP. So we are bringing in the resources that you need to be able to do the work that the state is asking you to do to get that funding. And we also had a mix of local best practices, if you wanted to hear from your neighbors, and then also national best practices, if you want to hear what's going on in the rest of the country. [00:33:22] So that's taking place May 15th through 16th. I can send more information if you'd like that. And this year we'll be in Palmetto. [00:33:31] Next slide. That's all I have for today, and I'm happy to answer any questions. [00:33:37] I want to hold off on you, because I know you haven't talked for 20 minutes. Just kidding. He can report what you reported. No, first I wanted to say, how often do you people meet? I mean, how often do the seven entities meet? [00:33:54] The seven entities meet as a steering committee five times a year. But because there's so much work to do, we meet on more specific topics. It could be several times a month. So I host a meeting of just staff who are working on this stuff. And like I said, Megan is hosting a meeting that's focused on infrastructure. So we're meeting pretty constantly. [00:34:20] Can you utilize Pete to get your meetings so we're aware of them, at least, when we choose the ones that we want to attend, that we may attend along with him? Yes. [00:34:32] Anybody else want to speak? I don't have any comments. Thank you very much. [00:34:38] Pete. I think the key thing here is that, for me, when I first got on this, because I've been on this for the last seven years, it's about saving the natural environment to me as much as anything. [00:34:56] We saw the scallops come back during that time, and a big part of what the organization does is protecting our natural environment. But beyond that, the ability to meet with the mayors and commissioners and other folks just in our region, and then have all the experts come and give the information. [00:35:21] I have talked to the group when I'm having our steering committee meetings. I'm reminding them that it's a real waste for us, to your point, Mr. Mayor, that if we learn all this stuff and then we're one of five and we come back and get overenthusiastic. [00:35:38] But resiliency has become, this year, particularly in this county, recognized as a big and important topic. So when I first got on, we had arguments about not wanting to go overboard because of the politicization of whether it was really happening or whether it was human-caused or not. [00:36:05] So really the focus on science has brought people from both parties together, and most importantly, the counties and the cities. So of all the money that they talk about and the opportunities, and one of those dots was us, because we did get one of the first resiliency projects, although we haven't done it, but it's in the works out here on Main and 19. [00:36:28] And those attenuation ponds are, to me, of great interest of whether we can do things, many small things, to have a cumulative effect versus the big, huge things. [00:36:40] I've got to share this with you, but we talked about when Tampa Bay Water was here, Chopper, that he talked about how the pond was empty, and then when that storm came in, it actually kind of saved the day because it got filled up, and that was our water supply that we're part member of. [00:37:00] The SWFMUD was talking a few weeks ago at Pasco County during the stormwater discussion and said, you know, that's fine, but what if the pond is full? Then it goes over the banks. [00:37:12] So we were fortunate at the region that we had a very low reservoir, but his answer was that not build these huge ponds, because Pasco County is like, we could build a pond, but he really said, go to the edges, to the ends of the rivers, and try to, that's where you're going to have the greatest effect of it coming in and going out. [00:37:35] Interestingly, our attenuation with Orange Lake and now with that, and potentially, as I mentioned the other day, the big project we approved off of Beach Street by that Swetman School, where all that drainage is coming in, may provide some opportunities for us on that site in a recreational attenuation that could allow us actually to acquire the property out of the $585 million. [00:38:06] So we may be looking for money, but I'm always trying to find that money so we can make those things happen. [00:38:13] The Great Preserve failed when it was on the ballot with a dollar amount on it because people didn't want to spend the money to buy something on the outskirts of town, but when we got a grant, then it was a good bargain for us and it's turned out to be a great thing. [00:38:30] So I think the grant opportunities through this organization, because they are in tune with all that, are incredible. [00:38:37] What I'd like to ask, because I did mention that I've got a little bet going with Mo Feeney, who's the incoming chair of the whole organization, that our city would beat their city in adopting our regional action plan, resiliency action plan. [00:38:56] And the good thing is it has nothing in there that imposes an obligation on us, but only something that gives potential opportunities for improvements. [00:39:10] And if we adopt it, then it's just another thing we can say when we apply for grants. [00:39:14] So because we haven't seen it, maybe the best thing to do is to ask, if you all are in agreement, if we could bring that resiliency action plan back. [00:39:25] If there's enough time for staff to look at it, you know, at the next meeting if possible or soon after, whatever your schedule is for putting meetings together. [00:39:37] Because it's not anything that we would adopt that would enforce us, but the suggestions here to make resiliency a part of every capital project we do is important. [00:39:51] Making sure those boxes are checked as to where it's located, how strong it's built, and perhaps the whole seawall levels, future seawalls, there's a lot of really good stuff in there. [00:40:03] And then to your point, a final request would be for us to have an appearance at that May meeting in Palmetto. [00:40:12] It's a brand new hotel. It's only a day and a half event, and included in that is a future of the region's award luncheon. [00:40:22] And I don't know, Debbie, if we got an application in for that one or not, but the best projects are, you know, sort of advertised and shown, and I think property appraisals will be there to tell us the effect on our taxes. [00:40:38] It's really informative, it's local, and it's a chance to make relations not only with all of these places, but particularly with Pasco County, because they're the ones that have the $585 million, and they're the ones we really need to work with to demonstrate that we're doing the right thing. [00:40:57] I'm not saying Shwetman turns into a resiliency plan, but I am saying that there's an opportunity for us in that $585 million not only for the resiliency part, but there's issues in that money that's coming down from the federal that talks about rebuilding the community, talks about job opportunities, and is also from an economic standpoint. [00:41:21] I think that the same individual, the same group that helped us with the Orange Lake has taken it upon themselves to produce a little document that you haven't seen, and I haven't seen it yet. [00:41:35] But they've examined that law and what Sarasota County expressed to us, how that money coming in from a HUD through the CDBG funds could be used and where it could be used. [00:41:52] And so I've had some folks that have worked here before that have talked with the county, who's encouraged them to make a project that maybe we can get them excited about. [00:42:03] So I know that we've got a lot of projects, and there are a number of things, including Green Key Beach that Jack Mariano is interested in. [00:42:12] A lot of those projects qualify, and so I think having that help of agencies like that in a smaller city like ours is worthwhile. [00:42:22] I think that's a real big factor that we don't have the staff to put that together, and what you're doing is giving us an opportunity to look at it and take the merits that fit us best and utilize them. [00:42:32] So I think that's real good. I appreciate all the work that you have done for us and coming here. [00:42:38] Could I ask you if you would agree with me to ask Debbie to review that Regional Action Plan and maybe give us a suggestion at an early future meeting on the request from the Regional Council has been to have cities adopt it. [00:42:56] And so it's noncommittal, but it's also just a – well, you can explain it one more time so I can shut up. [00:43:06] Sure. I mean, the adoption is really about being collaborative, so when we adopt it and say, like, yeah, we agree generally with the ideas in this program, then we can continue to advance them as a region instead of just piecemealing our resiliency plans one city or one county at a time. [00:43:26] Any doubt about reviewing it? [00:43:32] Can I make a motion? Would that be helpful? So I would move that the city manager and the staff review the Regional Action Plan and bring it back to us as soon as they've determined that it's merits. [00:43:45] If I second, I can add to that. Can I amend the motion, or how does that work? [00:43:51] Ask me to make a friendly amendment right now. [00:43:53] I'd make a friendly amendment that – I don't want to slow down the process, but as a courtesy, we at least alert the Environmental Committee that this is happening so they can make a recommendation. [00:44:03] If it doesn't get to us by the time we consider it, that is what it is, because I don't know when they – [00:44:08] And to share the document without delay to the Environmental Committee. [00:44:15] In that case, I'll second. [00:44:20] Aye. [00:44:22] We'll take free information. Thank you very much for your presentation. [00:44:26] Thank you. [00:44:27] Thank you. Sorry about the – [00:44:29] No worries. [00:44:31] Thank you, Megan, for being here too.

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

6. 8Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 44:39
7. 9.a

   Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval

   on consent

   Transcript fragment appears to be tail end of public comment on a moratorium repeal, not substantive discussion of purchases/payments. No specific purchases or payments are described in the available text.

   ▶ Jump to 47:16 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:47:18] and they got four feet in their homes and it was just awful. [00:47:22] So hopefully moving forward with repealing this moratorium, [00:47:27] these people can kind of get back to some kind of normalcy. [00:47:29] That's it. [00:47:31] Thank you. [00:47:33] Anybody else like to speak? [00:47:36] Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring it back and continue. [00:47:39] First Reading of Ordinance 2025.

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

8. 10.a

   ↳You arrived here from a search for “Mr. Hall” — transcript expanded below

   First Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2316: Repealing ORD 2024-2305 Moratorium for Leisure Lane/Van Doren Avenue

   approved

   Council held first reading of Ordinance 2025-2316 to repeal Ordinance 2024-2305, which had established a 180-day moratorium on building permits for the recently annexed Town and Country Villas subdivision along Leisure Lane and Van Doren. Staff explained the moratorium is no longer needed because the R4 coastal cottages zoning has been adopted. The motion passed 5-0.

   Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2316

   • motion:Move to approve first reading of Ordinance 2025-2316 repealing the moratorium on Leisure Lane/Van Doren. (passed)5–0

   📍Leisure Lane and Van Doren Drive📍OR Book 11064, Page 3586, Public Records👤Bill👤Mr. Hall👤Ms. Mann#Interlocal Annexation Agreement#LDRB#Ordinance 2024-2305#Ordinance 2024-2306#Ordinance 2025-2316#R4 Coastal Cottages zoning#Town and Country Villas

   ▶ Jump to 47:42 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:47:45] Oh, I'm sorry. [00:47:48] Consent Agenda. [00:47:49] All those in favor, signify by aye. [00:47:55] Aye. Aye. [00:47:57] Five, nothing. [00:47:58] First Reading of Ordinance number 2025-2316, [00:48:03] Repelling Ordinance 2024-2305, [00:48:07] Moratorium on Leisure Lane and Van Doren. [00:48:09] This is Ordinance number 2025-2316, [00:48:14] an ordinance of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, [00:48:15] providing for repeal of Ordinance 2024-2306, [00:48:20] establishing a 180-day moratorium on the permitting, construction, [00:48:24] or installation of buildings or structures within the area described [00:48:28] in the Interlocal Annexation Agreement between the City [00:48:31] of New Port Richey, Florida, and Pasco County, Florida, [00:48:33] recorded in OR Book 11064, Page 3586, Public Records, [00:48:39] providing for enforcement, providing for severability, [00:48:41] and providing for an effective date. [00:48:44] As you know, the City entered into an Interlocal Agreement with Pasco County [00:48:51] for the annexation of the Town and Country Villas subdivision, [00:48:55] which is located west of US Highway 19 and just south of Cross Bayou 19. [00:49:02] We formally took possession of the property as of October 1st of 2024, [00:49:10] and Mr. Hall will present the agenda item related to the property. [00:49:16] Thank you, Ms. Mann. [00:49:20] What we're discussing tonight is the repeal of Ordinance number 2024-2305, [00:49:27] which established a moratorium on building permits for the recently [00:49:30] annexed property, as Ms. Mann described. [00:49:35] The background is on November 19th, the City Council adopted the ordinance, [00:49:39] which established a 180-day moratorium on building permits [00:49:44] for that property along Leisure Lane and Van Doren Drive. [00:49:49] The purpose of that moratorium was to allow staff time to prepare [00:49:53] for required land use amendments and prepare for required zoning. [00:49:58] That zoning would be the R4 coastal cottages. [00:50:02] The moratorium is no longer necessary at this time. [00:50:05] The 180 days would take us to about mid-May, and we have moved forward [00:50:10] and adopted the R4 coastal cottages. [00:50:17] Obviously, the moratorium is no longer necessary. [00:50:20] In December 12th, LDRB heard presentation from staff, and they recommended [00:50:26] repealing the moratorium on the building permits for recently annexed property. [00:50:30] And we're here before you today saying that we agree with the presentation [00:50:37] and wish to request that the moratorium be lifted at this time. [00:50:42] I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you have. [00:50:46] Do we have any public comment? [00:50:49] Well, we got it. [00:50:50] I see no one come forward. [00:50:52] We'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [00:50:56] Move for approval. [00:50:57] Second. [00:50:58] Good. [00:51:01] I'm happy. [00:51:02] Bill? [00:51:03] My set of goals is working towards annexation, and the team's got their [00:51:09] act order, and they're ready to move forward, let the team move forward. [00:51:13] All those in favor, signify by aye. [00:51:15] Aye. [00:51:16] Those opposed, five nothing.

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

9. 10.b

   First Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2321: Rezoning of 5422 Charles Street from Office to MF-10

   approved

   Council held first reading of Ordinance 2025-2321 to rezone 5422 Charles Street (0.28 acres) from Office to Multifamily Low Medium Density (MF-10). Staff noted that the LDRB recommendation erroneously stated MF-14 due to a misstatement, but staff recommended MF-10 consistent with the advertised request. Motion to approve passed 5-0.

   Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2321

   • motion:Move approval of the staff recommendation for Ordinance 2025-2321 rezoning 5422 Charles Street from Office to MF-10. (passed)5–0

   📍5422 Charles Street🏢Interloch Investments Incorporated👤Mr. Hall👤Vicki Clark#DRC review January 23#LDRB review February 20#LMD future land use#Land Development Code Section 7.21#MF-10#MF-14#Ordinance No. 2025-2321

   ▶ Jump to 51:18 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:51:18] Moving on to the next one. [00:51:20] First reading of ordinance number 2025-2321, rezoning of 5422 Charles [00:51:26] Street from office to MF-10. [00:51:29] This ordinance number 2025-2321, an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, providing for amendment of land development code zoning [00:51:36] district map, providing for rezoning of approximately 0.28 acres of property [00:51:40] generally located on the southeast corner of Shaw and Charles streets, [00:51:45] and legally described herein, providing for amendment of the zoning district [00:51:48] designation for said property from office district to multifamily low [00:51:53] medium density district MF-10, providing for conflict, [00:51:57] severability, and effective date. [00:52:00] Mr. [00:52:00] Hall will be presenting this agenda item as well. [00:52:04] Thank you, Ms. [00:52:07] Tonight, we have the rezoning request for 5422 Charles Street, rezoning from [00:52:13] office district to multifamily low medium density MF-10. [00:52:19] The property is currently owned by Interloch Investments Incorporated [00:52:22] and the applicant is Vicki Clark. [00:52:24] The property size is 0.28 acres and the rest of the material on this side [00:52:29] of the facts, we'll go into detail in the next few slides. [00:52:35] Again, the amendment is to zone from office to MF-10, and I'm saying this [00:52:40] several times because it becomes a little convoluted later on and [00:52:43] it'll make more sense. [00:52:44] The location of the property is on the east side of Chase, just [00:52:48] at the end of Shaw Street. [00:52:54] The future or the zoning map shows that it's currently zoned office to [00:53:00] the east and the north is MF-10 and the south area is office. [00:53:05] You'll notice on the next slide that the land is MF-10, and the [00:53:13] that the land is on LMD, which is the future land use. [00:53:20] Again, it's currently zoned office and the future land use is LMD, which is [00:53:26] actually the request of the applicant. [00:53:30] Rezoning guidelines. [00:53:32] I'm not going to go into full detail on this, but I do want [00:53:34] to highlight a couple of these. [00:53:36] The land development code establishes some guidelines to consider [00:53:40] in approving a rezoning. [00:53:42] And the first one is whether the zoning district is one of zoning district [00:53:45] intended to implement or be consistent with the future land use map. [00:53:51] The second one that we're going to highlight is whether the proposed [00:53:54] zoning is consistent with the character existing land use pattern in the area. [00:53:59] And then finally, of the ones that are listed here is whether the property [00:54:03] zoning abuts property with similar zoning characteristics. [00:54:09] Pursuant to land development code section 7.21, the existing future [00:54:16] land use category of LMD is not compatible with the office district [00:54:21] as shown in the previous maps. [00:54:23] However, the proposed zoning district of MF-10 is compatible [00:54:27] with the existing land use. [00:54:28] It is the most suitable zoning and will allow for development that is consistent [00:54:32] and compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. [00:54:39] On January 23rd, the DRC reviewed the item and recommended [00:54:44] approval of the rezoning. [00:54:46] On February 20th, the LDRB reviewed the presentation. [00:54:52] Staff presented the findings to rezone the property from [00:54:55] office to low medium density. [00:54:58] Unfortunately, when staff was summarizing and made the recommendation [00:55:04] to the LDRB board, it was stated MF-14. [00:55:10] It was an error in speaking with staff. [00:55:13] It should have been MF-10. [00:55:15] And then the actual LDRB went with the MF-14 recommendation, and that's [00:55:21] what they're bringing to you today. [00:55:24] Now, staff still recommends amending the zoning map from office district to MF-10. [00:55:32] Not MF-14. [00:55:34] Because the advertising was correct in listing the rezoning from low [00:55:39] medium density MF-10, staff presented all the factual evidence in the report [00:55:45] from rezoning to low medium density MF-10. [00:55:49] Unfortunately, the final request from staff was in error. [00:55:55] So staff recommends, again, office to low medium density MF-10 for this rezoning. [00:56:03] I'd be more than happy to go and elaborate or answer any questions you may have. [00:56:07] Do you have any public comment on this? [00:56:09] We'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [00:56:16] I move approval of the staff recommendation of this ordinance. [00:56:20] I'll second. [00:56:22] I'll second. [00:56:23] I'll second. [00:56:24] To the maker. [00:56:26] Oh, I think we had a real good understanding of what we were getting into when we started this. [00:56:30] We've got a potential new product in our city that will be more resilient than mobile [00:56:38] homes that have been on the east side of the highway. [00:56:43] And so I look forward to seeing some development plans that will factor in this [00:56:50] resiliency concept and make a housing that is affordable, not, you know, and reasonably [00:57:00] priced, I guess. [00:57:01] I'll second. [00:57:02] I think that's an appropriate zoning, too, so I'm good with that. [00:57:04] Matt, I'm good. [00:57:07] A compatible spot for it. [00:57:08] It fits in with some of the other plans for that area, including what's going on in [00:57:12] Grand, excuse me, including what's going on in Grand Boulevard over there. [00:57:15] It's a smaller project and I just want to highlight and thank staff for their willful [00:57:22] correction of that small, what I think is just a small hiccup, a small error and [00:57:25] transparently presented to the public. [00:57:28] And that's all I have. [00:57:30] I drove by the property and there's duplexes and triplexes to the north of it. [00:57:36] There's houses, single family houses across the street. [00:57:38] So which way they go is fine with me because I think it'll fit the neighborhood. [00:57:44] So all those in favor, signify by aye. [00:57:46] Aye. [00:57:47] Those opposed? [00:57:48] Five, none. [00:57:49] Moving on to business items that the crowd here is waiting for.

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

10. 11.a

    2025 Fitzgerald's St. Patrick's Day Celebration Alcoholic Beverage Special Event Application, Railroad Square Usage & Wet-Zone Approval

    approved

    Council approved Fitzgerald's 2025 St. Patrick's Day 3-Day Celebration, including the alcoholic beverage special event application, Railroad Square usage, wet-zone extension along Nebraska Avenue, and extended alcohol sales hours from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on March 15-17. Council also approved a separate motion to extend the wet zone and road closure from Grand Boulevard to Bank Street (behind Bourbon on Main and The Social), subject to City Manager and SET committee review of safety and staffing details.

    • motion:Approve the 2025 Fitzgerald St. Patrick's 3-Day Celebration as written, including alcohol special event application, Railroad Square usage, wet zone extension along Nebraska Avenue, and alcohol sales hours 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on March 15-17. (passed)
    • motion:Approve extension of the wet zone and road closure from Grand Boulevard to Bank Street, authorizing the City Manager to make a final determination based on SET meeting results. (passed)5–0

    📍Grand Boulevard to Bank Street📍Intersection of Adams Street and Nebraska Avenue📍Nebraska Avenue (from Adams to Grand Boulevard)📍Parking lot between Wright's Natural Market and Fitzgerald's📍Railroad Square🏢Bourbon on Main🏢EZ Turf🏢Fitzgerald's🏢Hits 106🏢Red Cross🏢STEAMworks🏢The Kangaroo🏢The Social🏢Wright's Natural Market👤Debbie Manns👤Dixie👤Jennifer👤Kat👤Kevin Trapp👤Sherry Koontz👤Tara#City Ordinance Section 3-5, Subsection 3 (Conditions for Alcohol Special Event Approval)#Mardi Gras (referenced prior event)#Recreation Aquatic Center Artificial Turf Project (next agenda item)#Trolley/parking garage downtown access

    ▶ Jump to 57:51 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [00:57:54] 2025 Fitzgerald St. [00:57:56] Patrick's Day Celebration Alcoholic Beverage Special Event Application, Railroad Square [00:58:02] Usage and Wet Zone Approval. [00:58:04] You're going to see us a lot this month. [00:58:05] Wait a second. [00:58:06] Debbie gets to speak first. [00:58:10] Applicant, thank you very much. [00:58:14] For the request isn't present, although there are others here to speak on the [00:58:21] application of Fitzgerald's who would like to host a three day St. [00:58:26] Patrick's Day event. [00:58:32] And I would like the item to be introduced by our interim Parks and [00:58:40] Recreation Director, Kevin Trapp. [00:58:44] Thank you, Miss Mance. [00:58:45] Good evening, Mr. [00:58:46] Mayor and council members. [00:58:47] The month of March is upon us, which means St. [00:58:49] Patrick's Day is just around the corner. [00:58:51] Staff is requesting City Council's approval for the 2025 Fitzgerald St. [00:58:56] Patrick's Three Day Celebration, which includes reviewing and considering approval [00:59:00] for the submitted Alcohol Beverage Special Event Application, Railroad Square Usage [00:59:04] Request, extending the wet zone from the intersection of Adams Street and Nebraska [00:59:08] Avenue and spanning west along Nebraska Avenue, ending at the intersection at [00:59:12] Grand Boulevard from Monday, March 17th, and lastly, approving the requested times [00:59:18] by the applicant to sell alcohol from 11 a.m. [00:59:21] to 2 a.m. [00:59:21] in Railroad Square on Saturday, March 15th, Sunday, March 16th, and Monday, March [00:59:27] 17th. [00:59:28] The special events team met with the event organizer, Sherry Koontz, the owner of [00:59:32] Fitzgerald's at the regular set meeting on February 11th. [00:59:36] A couple of other business owners, including Steamworks, The Kangaroo and Hits [00:59:39] 106, were also present at the set meeting. [00:59:42] Since this year, there has been a collaboration amongst these business owners for the [00:59:47] annual Fitzgerald St. [00:59:48] Patrick's Day Celebration at Railroad Square. [00:59:51] A secondary meeting occurred on site in Railroad Square with these businesses and set [00:59:55] team members to finalize event logistics and ensure the event is a. [01:00:00] safe environment for all attendees. The 2025 Fitzgerald St. Patrick's 3-Day Celebration [01:00:05] will include a variety of entertainment, food, and drink throughout the weekend. A hard road [01:00:09] closure will be in place at Adams Street and Nebraska Avenue, with the road closure spanning [01:00:14] west down Nebraska Avenue to the intersection at Grand Boulevard. It is important to note [01:00:19] that one of the conditions listed in City Ordinances under Section 3-5, Subsection 3 [01:00:26] for Conditions for Alcohol Special Event Approval, the Alcohol Special Event Approval [01:00:31] shall be subject to the following requirements and conditions, as well as any conditions [01:00:35] imposed by the City Council as Alcohol Special Event Approval. One of these conditions lists [01:00:42] the hours of operation for the sales and or consumption of beer and wine shall be limited [01:00:46] till noon through 11 p.m. for events held on Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to [01:00:51] 9 p.m. for events held on Sunday. The applicant shall be fully responsible for enforcing [01:00:56] the hours of operation, and the applicant shall be liable for the failure to enforce [01:01:00] the hours of operation. Based on the times requested by the event organizer, a temporary [01:01:05] extension of hours of operation would need to be approved by City Council in order for [01:01:09] this event to be compliant with City Ordinances. A sitemap noting location of the wet zone [01:01:14] is included in the packet, and the SET team has no objections with this event. Staff is [01:01:19] recommending approval of the 2025 Fitzgerald St. Patrick's 3-Day Celebration, which includes [01:01:24] approving the Alcohol Beverage Special Event Application, Railroad Square Usage Requests, [01:01:29] extending the wet zone as described in the Agenda Memo for Monday, March 17th, and lastly [01:01:34] approving the requested times by the applicant to sell alcohol from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. in [01:01:40] Railroad Square on March 15th, March 16th, and Monday, March 17th, St. Patrick's Day. [01:01:46] I'm available if you have any questions regarding this event. [01:01:49] I have a question right away because I see both the bomb and the social here, and you [01:01:55] said it only extends to, Railroad Square only extends to Grand. [01:02:00] I'm understanding that there will be a question asked related to an extension of Railroad [01:02:08] Square, but I think we should view that question independently of the application that's already [01:02:14] been approved. [01:02:15] Are we going to take care of that today then? [01:02:17] Yes. [01:02:18] Okay. [01:02:19] So, do we have any public comment on the request? [01:02:26] Seeing a bunch of people come forward, does somebody want to talk? [01:02:31] Sorry. [01:02:32] Sherry could not be here today, so we're all kind of here on behalf of her. [01:02:36] I'm Tara, one of the owners of STEAMworks. [01:02:38] Atlanta, HITS 106. [01:02:40] Jennifer, Central. [01:02:43] So is Kat the other STEAMworks owner? [01:02:47] So, yes. [01:02:48] They are here because we were going to request an extension of the wet zone for this event [01:02:53] to span from Grand Boulevard to Bank Street, so that it's closed off behind Bourbon-on-Maine [01:02:58] and the social, and they can have the same kind of fun that we do over on our side. [01:03:03] Would you be programming that space? [01:03:06] Yes. [01:03:07] So, you mean as far as what's going to be there in the street? [01:03:10] Yes. [01:03:11] Would that be up to the business owners? [01:03:13] So, we're not planning on having bands outside or anything else, just a couple street performers, [01:03:20] but do you want to... [01:03:22] I think we want to close half... [01:03:23] Who's closing the mic? [01:03:25] I think what we were thinking of doing is doing a dedicated golf cart parking area for [01:03:29] half of that road, so that you're not driving through the middle of the rest of the St. [01:03:33] Patrick's Day party. [01:03:35] And then possibly doing one of the samba dancers that we had had out for Mardi Gras. [01:03:42] She does like a sword kind of thing with... [01:03:46] Swallowing? [01:03:47] Yeah, go ahead, say it. [01:03:48] No, she balances it on her head, but it looks really cool, so something along those lines. [01:03:53] And maybe a leprechaun, and nothing too crazy. [01:03:58] Okay, and the understanding would be that the Bourbon-on-Maine parking lot would be [01:04:03] closed? [01:04:04] Yes. [01:04:05] Okay, and who would be responsible for the costs associated with the police personnel [01:04:10] and public works personnel? [01:04:14] The social? [01:04:15] Yes. [01:04:16] Okay, and are you asking for this closure to occur in concurrence with the hours that [01:04:23] Fitzgerald's is asking for over the three-day period of time? [01:04:30] Monday through... [01:04:31] I'm sorry, Saturday through Monday. [01:04:34] I mean, Sunday's subjectable. [01:04:36] No, I need to know the answer. [01:04:38] Yes, yes, yes. [01:04:41] Okay. [01:04:42] Excuse me, can I just ask one question? [01:04:44] Are your regular hours on Sunday till 2 o'clock in the morning? [01:04:47] Ours? [01:04:48] Yeah. [01:04:49] No, 10 o'clock. [01:04:50] Okay. [01:04:51] So we would be closing. [01:04:52] Okay. [01:04:53] What about the bomb? [01:04:54] We're open till 2. [01:04:55] Okay. [01:04:57] Okay, then I would suggest that the council's approval, if it's your desire to do so, would [01:05:08] be subject to a set committee meeting with the staff to iron out what details would need [01:05:19] to be tended to. [01:05:20] I don't even know if we could staff, from a police perspective, all of these additional [01:05:27] hours for the additional closure that would get to be determined. [01:05:35] Would someone like to make... [01:05:41] Or try to accommodate them. [01:05:43] Yeah. [01:05:44] So what I would recommend is to entertain two different motions. [01:05:48] One would be to approve the agenda item and decide if that's to be approved. [01:05:52] And then if that's approved, approve the extension of the wet zone subject to the city manager's [01:05:59] review of any detailed application and the set committee's determinations with respect [01:06:05] to that, which may result in it being denied because she's going to have to have that ultimate [01:06:10] authority to deny it if they can't meet safety standards and all the other requirements. [01:06:14] But you'd give her that leverage to make that decision. [01:06:17] I think that's it. [01:06:18] I understand that. [01:06:19] Okay. [01:06:20] So let's go ahead with... [01:06:21] I'll move to approve. [01:06:22] Second. [01:06:23] Okay. [01:06:24] What are you moving to approve? [01:06:25] Approving the way that it's written. [01:06:26] The ordinance as it stands. [01:06:27] The ordinance as it stands and then the extension will be separate from the original. [01:06:28] Do you have any other comment? [01:06:29] I have a quick question about the wet zone. [01:06:30] The parking lot in between Wright's Natural Market and Fitzgerald's, there's greened out [01:06:43] wet zone there. [01:06:44] Do we as a city, are we the ones enforcing? [01:06:47] We have to establish a wet zone on that private parking space? [01:06:52] Yes. [01:06:53] And it can include businesses within the wet zone area and private property. [01:06:57] One of the problems is that they don't have... [01:06:59] Their license doesn't show that on their license as a wet zone, so we have to... [01:07:03] Gotcha. [01:07:04] Okay. [01:07:05] And they will be getting an extension of premise, if that helps. [01:07:08] Pardon me? [01:07:09] They'll be getting an extension of premise. [01:07:11] Oh, yeah. [01:07:12] Okay. [01:07:14] Anybody else? [01:07:16] All those in favor, signify by aye. [01:07:18] Aye. [01:07:19] Now, moving on to the other half of it. [01:07:22] I'll move to approve the extension of the wet zone and the road closure from Grand to Bank. [01:07:30] Authorizing the city manager. [01:07:32] Authorizing the city manager after having a set meeting to make a determination based on the set meeting results. [01:07:39] Do we have a second? [01:07:40] Second. [01:07:41] Any other comments? [01:07:42] Is there any discussion on the motion? [01:07:45] No, I just think as long as we're able to accommodate the security and the safety measures and all of that, I think that we'll be good. [01:07:53] I also think that the... [01:07:56] By the way, I'll brag a little bit, but I think the police department, public works all did a great job. [01:08:01] Fire department all did a great job during Mardi Gras. [01:08:05] And that's basic and the same thing. [01:08:08] Yeah, basic same thing, yeah. [01:08:10] Thank you so much for all of that. [01:08:12] Yeah, I just had to make sure we're checking off the boxes so we can get that through. [01:08:17] May I ask a silly question? [01:08:19] So for that set meeting, do we reach out to Rader to get that set meeting moving forward? [01:08:25] We have a motion on the floor. [01:08:26] I'm sorry? [01:08:27] We'll get it moving forward. [01:08:28] We have a motion on the floor, so it's up to us at this point. [01:08:31] But I do want to, again, say it was a great second walk and event. [01:08:40] I saw you. [01:08:41] So quickly. [01:08:43] Dixie did twirl her umbrella, and I couldn't help it, but the music was good behind the dancers. [01:08:53] But I did see, walking through there, that at Bourbon All Main, that there were some cars parked in there that were trapped in there during that event. [01:09:02] And one had actually left and the police did let that person out. [01:09:09] And so with all of that residential, that individual was very slow, creeped their way out. [01:09:15] But I'm curious how that works when somebody has to leave and they can't get out. [01:09:23] And I guess there was an escape area, but there was really no supervision of that process. [01:09:30] And so that's the only concern. [01:09:33] And, you know, Bourbon All Main, you're the only ones that have that situation. [01:09:38] So I'm glad you're here. [01:09:40] We will have it blocked off a night previous, so it will be shut all weekend. [01:09:52] You can use that space without the vehicles in it. [01:09:55] Correct. [01:09:56] So I'm also with the motion. [01:09:59] I would say, again, that we have a good problem, which is people who would like to come downtown and don't. [01:10:08] And I will continue to push the Red Cross building, which is owned by the county. [01:10:14] And I think there's a trade in the works potentially with them, as we did with the Little League field, [01:10:21] because that's a good piece of property that's right there near all of that area, [01:10:27] and it's not being used by the Red Cross of any kind of regular basis. [01:10:32] And it's just begging to be opened up for additional in and out of some kind, whether it's golf carts or otherwise. [01:10:41] So more on that, but that's not on the motion. [01:10:44] But we certainly are still surviving. [01:10:47] The other part was I rode the trolley from the garage, and there were probably 10 or 15 cars there. [01:10:57] So if only we knew, if only people knew that trolley was there and that it was free [01:11:03] and we could somehow instruct people to go to the garage. [01:11:07] And I understand there's an app where theoretically somebody can see where that trolley is, [01:11:13] because it's one thing to wait and come in. [01:11:15] It's another when you're ready to leave to wonder when you can catch that trolley. [01:11:20] Do you have time to use the restroom after a number of hours partying? [01:11:27] But bottom line, I think that that trolley and that parking garage will become an important part of town. [01:11:36] Luckily, the town seems to be patient, because otherwise they'd be up in arms that it's not being used. [01:11:42] But it certainly has the potential to let people get in and out of the city in situations like this [01:11:49] where there's just nowhere to park. [01:11:52] So hopefully you all will continue to encourage us in those areas. [01:11:57] Thank you. [01:11:59] And the church parking lot in Orange Lake as well. [01:12:03] Oh, I have to say there's a sign that says no parking behind the arcade building, [01:12:07] which is our city parking lot there. [01:12:09] I think the no parking was put there probably to keep people from parking in front of a fire hydrant [01:12:15] or some kind of public facility. [01:12:17] But it looks like you can't park in that parking lot, which is fine for me, because there's always a space there. [01:12:24] But. [01:12:27] Not now. [01:12:28] Now you just gave it all away. [01:12:30] I have my personal parking spot. [01:12:33] I'm not telling where it is. [01:12:34] But we might want to name that and make it look like a city spot. [01:12:38] I think that's a real good point. [01:12:39] It's 106. [01:12:40] If you continue to do these flyers and the promotion you did over the last event is to make people aware on your poster [01:12:47] that there is parking at the parking garage and a trolley open to you because it isn't being used. [01:12:55] And it's a lot our fault, too. [01:12:56] We don't advertise enough. [01:12:58] So we're asking you to help us, too. [01:13:00] What's the name of the app and I can put it in the radio promotion? [01:13:03] We don't have it. [01:13:05] It needs to be developed or something. [01:13:08] I've heard about it, but I haven't seen it in use. [01:13:12] We had that for Cheska one year, didn't we? [01:13:14] We had a company that had a phone number that you could call, and they were riding around in golf carts, if you remember, a number of years back. [01:13:21] But it was another expense that we've given up on. [01:13:26] But that's where we're headed in the future, I think. [01:13:28] We're going to have to have a way for our residents to get in and out. [01:13:32] Yeah, we're locals. [01:13:33] We want to park in front of where we're going. [01:13:36] We want everybody to get a free ride and be dropped off and have them pick us up and take us home. [01:13:41] Would that parking lot be open to, say, like a valet service for the city? [01:13:46] We have the trolley that runs around in there. [01:13:50] I know, but some people would want to just be dropped off and picked up right there and not want to take a trolley. [01:13:56] It's a public lot. [01:13:58] I don't care. [01:13:59] I'll take a trolley all day. [01:14:01] A couple of guys are pretty good. [01:14:03] Anybody else? [01:14:05] All those in favor, signify by aye. [01:14:07] Aye. [01:14:08] Opposed? [01:14:09] Five-nothing. [01:14:10] Thank you very much. [01:14:11] Thank you. [01:14:12] Thank you. [01:14:18] Press for approval for the Recreation Aquatic Center Artificial Turf Project. [01:14:26] This item will also be introduced to you by Mr. Trapp. [01:14:30] Thank you, Ms. Manns. [01:14:31] The state-of-the-art Recreation and Aquatic Center was completed in 2007. [01:14:35] Over the years, Council has approved a variety of projects that have continued to enhance this area, [01:14:40] which include the expansion of the fitness center, addition of an indoor playground, locker room renovations, [01:14:45] activity pool resurfacing, shade canopy replacement project, [01:14:49] and most recently approving the waterslide restoration project at the last Council meeting. [01:14:54] As the facilities get older, maintenance and facility enhancements like the ones just mentioned [01:15:00] are extremely important areas for staff to focus on to ensure we are continuing to develop and maintain these facilities at a high level. [01:15:07] Staff is requesting that you review and consider approval of the proposed proposal received from EZ Turf for this project. [01:15:13] The total dollar amount for this project is

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

11. 11.b

    Request for Approval for the Recreation & Aquatic Center Artificial Turf Project

    approved

    Council approved a $47,966.20 proposal for the Recreation & Aquatic Center Artificial Turf Project, installing Field Turf MaxPlay in three landscape islands at the aquatic area entrance via Coastal Synthetic Turf/EZ Turf. The project includes vegetation removal, removal of wooden bollards and black netting, enhanced seating, and additional landscaping planters, funded through the 24-25 Capital Improvement Budget.

    • motion:Motion to approve the proposal for the Recreation & Aquatic Center Artificial Turf Project. (passed)5–0

    🏢Coastal Synthetic Turf🏢EZ Turf🏢Field Turf#FY 24-25 Capital Improvement Budget#Field Turf MaxPlay#Recreation & Aquatic Center Artificial Turf Project#SimSpark Amphitheater

    ▶ Jump to 1:15:15 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [01:15:15] $47,966.20. [01:15:19] This proposal contains the application of Field Turf MaxPlay, [01:15:23] of which Coastal Synthetic Turf is the sole authorized installer and distributor for Pasco County. [01:15:28] A general overview of this project includes artificial turf being installed in the three [01:15:33] landscape islands as you enter the aquatic area. [01:15:36] The proposed turf is the recreational equivalent to the SimSpark Amphitheater artificial turf [01:15:41] and is intended to be a matching element between the two projects. [01:15:45] If approved, EZ Turf, a subsidiary of Coastal Synthetic Turf, will complete the ground prep work [01:15:51] and install the turf in the three landscape beds. [01:15:53] Other elements included as part of the various phases for this project [01:15:57] include removal of the vegetation, wooden bollards, and the black netting which the Public Works team is working to complete. [01:16:04] Another element of this project will include enhanced seating options as well as incorporating additional large landscaping planners. [01:16:11] If the proposal is approved, the addition of the turf will greatly enhance the aquatic area [01:16:16] and allow these spaces to now be utilized by facility users. [01:16:20] This project is included in the City's 24-25 Capital Improvement Budget. [01:16:24] Staff recommends approval of the attached proposal. [01:16:27] Do we have any public comment? [01:16:30] Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [01:16:33] Move to approve. [01:16:37] A second. [01:16:38] To the maker. [01:16:39] Yeah, it's an exciting time for the rec center. [01:16:41] It's always finding ways to continue to improve. [01:16:45] I would just, a couple things. [01:16:47] I'm excited to see that after this turf goes in that there would be improved seating [01:16:53] because I know that's always been one of the major concerns of residents and visitors [01:16:59] is being able to sit somewhere with their family, do quasi-birthday parties. [01:17:05] And the netting, is that a permanent removal? [01:17:09] Yes, it is. [01:17:10] I think that's also exciting as well because that was one of the other concerns. [01:17:14] There's ping pong out there, the balls get lost. [01:17:17] It's a safety hazard climbing over and up. [01:17:19] So I think it's a great idea to just remove that. [01:17:22] It shows that departments on top of seeing those improvements not only be for aesthetics [01:17:26] but functional too, so our residents have improved in quality experience. [01:17:30] They're paying for that. [01:17:31] I would make one recommendation and that's there is a lot going on out there. [01:17:35] It looks, for lack of a better word, pretty like a desert. [01:17:39] Is there any way like the marketing specialist can just put up signs to some effect [01:17:43] saying like, look, we're doing a makeover. [01:17:45] So I know the staff has been doing a great job orally telling residents, [01:17:49] but anyone who's just maybe even using the center across the street [01:17:52] or just going to the fitness center, they might see that and think, [01:17:54] holy, are we going under as a city? [01:17:56] We can't. [01:17:57] So if we could just get that put in there. [01:18:00] Excited for this. [01:18:01] Certainly. [01:18:02] I think it's going to look really nice. [01:18:04] Looking forward to seeing it. [01:18:10] Good for me. [01:18:11] I'm good too. [01:18:12] Yeah. [01:18:13] More places to have a picnic. [01:18:14] Yep. [01:18:15] All those in favor signify by aye. [01:18:17] Aye. [01:18:19] Those opposed, 5-0. [01:18:20] Communications, we'll start with you, Pete. [01:18:22] Oh, I'll just run down them real quick. [01:18:25] A, we saw the legislative sort of bullet point that a senator from Coral Gables [01:18:32] or wherever is proposing a bill to terminate CRAs to the degree of any new capital projects. [01:18:42] I'm hopeful that that doesn't even get out of committee. [01:18:47] I don't know if we can talk to certainly Mr. Yeager and anyone else that we can get our hands on. [01:18:55] But when you all go up, I'd appreciate, because I'm not going,

    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. 12Communications▶ 1:18:58
13. 2

    Pledge of Allegiance

    Pledge of Allegiance.
14. 3

    Moment of Silence

    Moment of silence.
15. 13Adjournment