On the agenda

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

   Pledge of Allegiance

   Pledge of Allegiance.

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   [00:00:45] Thank you.

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3. 4

   Approval of March 18, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes

   approved

   Council approved the minutes from the March 18, 2025 regular meeting.

   • motion:Approve the March 18, 2025 regular meeting minutes. (passed)5–0

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   [00:00:55] March 18th, 2025 regular meeting minutes. [00:00:59] Do I have a second? [00:01:04] All those in favor signify by aye. [00:01:07] Aye. [00:01:08] 5-0.

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4. 5

   ↳You arrived here from a search for “Newport Richey Police Department” — transcript expanded below

   Swearing-In of New Police Officer Joseph Kirby

   Officer Joseph Kirby was sworn in as a new New Port Richey Police Officer. The Police Chief gave his background—Marine Corps veteran, former Pasco County detention deputy, and current school security officer at Richie Elementary—before the City Clerk administered the oath of office.

   🏢Fox Howell Elementary School🏢Gulf High School🏢Newport Richey Police Department🏢Pasco County School Board🏢Pasco County Sheriff's Office🏢Richie Elementary School🏢United States Marine Corps👤Joseph Kirby#Swearing-in / Oath of Office

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   [00:01:09] 5-0 and then a swearing in of Police Officer Joseph Kirby. [00:01:19] Mic's on. [00:01:20] It's a little crowded here, huh? [00:01:36] Thank you, Mayor, Councilmembers, City Managers, City Attorneys, City Clerk. [00:01:46] Tonight we're going to swear in Officer Joe Kirby and as you heard me say a million times [00:01:52] before up here, hiring smart is the key to our success. [00:01:57] And with this hire, we have no doubt that he is going to be an excellent police officer [00:02:01] and he will be an asset to our agency. [00:02:05] So I'll give you a little background on Officer Kirby. [00:02:08] He was originally from Largo, Florida. [00:02:11] He graduated from Gulf High School in 2008 and while going to school there, he played [00:02:17] football, participated in Junior ROTC. [00:02:19] At age 17, Officer Kirby enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served four years. [00:02:25] While in the Marines, he was deployed to Afghanistan. [00:02:28] After serving in the Marines, Officer Kirby joined the Pasco County Sheriff's Office as [00:02:32] a detention deputy so he has prior experience. [00:02:36] He basically left there and started to do some contract work doing security for the [00:02:41] federal government, also a squad leader for the SIRT team and a UAV pilot for a SWAT team. [00:02:49] After serving with the Sheriff's Office, again he kept up doing contract work, but he also [00:02:53] got hired by the Pasco County School Board to be a school security officer at Fox Howell [00:02:59] Elementary School. [00:03:00] I believe you work at one other elementary school, do they move you around or is it just [00:03:03] Ritchie Elementary? [00:03:04] Ritchie Elementary. [00:03:05] So he works there now so we know him. [00:03:06] He applied with us. [00:03:09] We begged him out and he's a really good hire and we're glad to have him on board. [00:03:13] Some of his activities, he enjoys the outdoors, he enjoys sports, sporting events, going to [00:03:19] the gym, spending time with family and friends. [00:03:22] He's attempting to learn guitar, something I would never play and never would be able [00:03:25] to play, but congratulations on that. [00:03:27] You're also practicing jiu-jitsu and you're up to learn wrestling and other martial arts. [00:03:32] He also enjoys traveling, taking short road trips to explore different areas. [00:03:36] So welcome on board. [00:03:39] Welcome to our family. [00:03:40] I know tonight he has some family members here, his mother, grandmother, some friends [00:03:52] came with him to watch him get sworn in and once again, we welcome you to the New Port Richey Police Department and we wish you the best of success. [00:04:00] We're going to ask the clerk to come down now and swear you in. [00:04:05] Family is taking pictures. [00:04:06] If you want to come up here on the side where the photographer is, you can take pictures [00:04:10] from there too. [00:04:11] All right, if you'll go ahead and raise your right hand and repeat after me. [00:04:24] I, and state your name. [00:04:27] I, Joseph Kirby, a citizen of the State of Florida and of the United States of America, [00:04:33] a citizen of the State of Florida and of the United States of America, and being employed [00:04:37] by or an officer of the City of New Port Richey, and being employed by or an officer of the [00:04:43] City of New Port Richey, and a recipient of public funds as such employee or officer, [00:04:51] do hereby solemnly swear or affirm [00:04:54] do hereby solemnly swear or affirm [00:04:56] that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Florida [00:05:00] that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Florida [00:05:04] and that I will support, protect, and defend [00:05:07] and that I will support, protect, and defend [00:05:10] the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida [00:05:14] the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida [00:05:18] against all enemies domestic or foreign [00:05:20] against all enemies domestic or foreign [00:05:23] that I will bear true faith, loyalty, and allegiance to the same [00:05:27] that I will bear true faith, loyalty, and allegiance to the same [00:05:31] that I will uphold the Ordinances of the City of New Port Richey, Florida [00:05:35] that I will uphold the Ordinances of the City of New Port Richey, Florida [00:05:39] and that I will faithfully perform all the duties of Police Officer of said city [00:05:44] and that I will faithfully perform all the duties of Police Officer of said city [00:05:48] so help me God [00:05:49] so help me God [00:05:59] very excited to be here, thank you so much for the opportunity [00:06:02] do you want to bring your family out, we'll do a group picture with all the officers [00:06:05] absolutely, come on [00:06:06] what about a badge? [00:06:09] do you have your badge with you? [00:06:11] no we don't [00:06:12] so who's going to do that? [00:06:13] my mother [00:06:14] okay [00:06:32] he needs to yell [00:06:44] okay [00:06:51] alright [00:06:59] you guys want to line up for a picture with us? [00:07:06] Amy [00:07:08] Penny [00:07:09] come on Amy, Penny [00:07:12] it's okay I'll just call you out [00:07:15] anybody else want to come down? [00:07:18] not for this family [00:07:19] come on [00:07:26] no pressure it's safe [00:07:44] thank you [00:07:53] I know [00:08:14] thank you [00:08:37] Chief I just want to say this is probably the safest place in town right now [00:08:41] I know that about that [00:08:44] thank you [00:09:07] we have a proclamation for Florida Loquat Day

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5. 6

   Proclamation - Florida Loquat Day

   approved

   Mayor Chopper Davis read a proclamation declaring April 12, 2025 as Florida Loquat Day in New Port Richey, recognizing the 12th annual Florida Loquat Festival hosted by New Port Richey FarmNet at Sims Park. Related events include a Loquat Walk from the library to the Loquat Grove on Monday April 7 at 10 a.m. and a loquat beer release at Cody River Brewery on Thursday.

   • direction:Mayor proclaimed April 12, 2025 as Florida Loquat Day in New Port Richey. (passed)

   📍Bank Street📍Peace Hall📍Sims Park🏢Cody River Brewery🏢Newport Richey FarmNet🏢Rose's Market👤Amanda Zaborik👤Brian Hackman👤Chopper Davis👤Liliara#Environmental Committee#Florida Loquat Day#Florida Loquat Festival#Loquat Walk

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   [00:09:11] please [00:09:12] this is a proclamation of the office of the mayor of the city of New Port Richey [00:09:15] whereas the loquat tree is an attractive tree that produces luscious fruit [00:09:19] that is nutritious and delicious [00:09:21] and whereas the loquat tree is a member of the rose family [00:09:24] kin to plums and pears and not related to the kumquat [00:09:27] a member of the citrus family with which it should not be confused [00:09:31] and whereas the loquat tree makes a valuable contribution to a local sustainable food system [00:09:36] needing no fertilizer and little water to thrive [00:09:40] and being tolerant of the extremes of Florida's winter cold and summer heat [00:09:44] and whereas a single loquat tree can produce 100 pounds or more of fruit in a given season [00:09:50] and whereas New Port Richey Farm Net will host its annual Florida Loquat Festival [00:09:56] in New Port Richey [00:09:57] an educational event featuring freshly harvested locally grown loquats [00:10:02] cottage industry preserves, jams and jellies, pastries and loquat saplings [00:10:07] 2025 marks the 12 year anniversary of the Florida Loquat Festival [00:10:11] and whereas due to the overwhelming popularity of previous loquat festivals [00:10:16] with this festival being the only loquat festival in the United States [00:10:20] and due to the commitment of New Port Richey Farm Net and the city of New Port Richey [00:10:25] the 2025 Florida Loquat Festival will occur on April 12th at Sims Park [00:10:30] with related events occurring during the preceding week [00:10:33] Now therefore I, Chopper Davis, Mayor of the City of New Port Richey [00:10:37] do hereby proclaim April 12, 2025 as Florida Loquat Day in New Port Richey [00:10:43] and urge the residents of our community to participate in the annual Florida Loquat Festival [00:10:49] and discover the great value of one of our tiniest fruits [00:10:58] I just want to say that I have a loquat tree in my yard [00:11:01] and I think it has over 100 pounds of fruit on it right now [00:11:09] Amanda had a question [00:11:10] May we harvest it? [00:11:16] If we may, a couple minutes [00:11:18] Thank you, Chopper [00:11:19] Thank you everyone [00:11:20] Nice to see you all [00:11:21] Thanks for the support, ongoing as always [00:11:24] and I appreciate, I want to thank our city clerk too [00:11:28] for putting the proclamation together [00:11:30] we made some edits in it this year so it really makes a big difference [00:11:33] and I have with me tonight is Amanda Zaborik [00:11:37] who was just up here I think like last week [00:11:40] to get sworn in as the newest member of the environmental committee too [00:11:43] she's been very active in the Loquat Festival and harvesting the fruit with us [00:11:47] and I wanted her to just say a word or two about [00:11:50] what it's like to actually harvest the fruit in our city [00:11:53] so Amanda, you want to say a word or two about that? [00:11:55] Just so everybody knows how much fun it is [00:11:57] It's really fun [00:11:59] It's really easy [00:12:00] and of course you get to eat as much as you like [00:12:03] while you're harvesting [00:12:06] and you can bring your kids with you [00:12:10] That's right [00:12:11] and our best harvester is Amanda's daughter [00:12:14] whose name is Liliara [00:12:16] and we have some great images of Amanda and Liliara [00:12:19] and the rest of the gang harvesting the fruit [00:12:21] and I think Lili probably ate more of the fruit than anybody else [00:12:24] so when we go out and harvest we just have a great time [00:12:27] and everybody smiles and everybody's happy [00:12:29] and it's a positive event [00:12:30] and I think that's part of the story that we want to tell about [00:12:33] the Loquat Festival [00:12:34] It is the only Loquat Festival in the United States of America [00:12:37] Many folks don't know that but now we do [00:12:40] We also want to stress the importance that it's not just on the 12th [00:12:43] but we're going to have other events as well tied in with it [00:12:46] including a Loquat Walk [00:12:49] that will be from the library to the Loquat Grove [00:12:52] and that will be on Monday at 10 a.m. [00:12:55] Monday of the week of the Loquat Festival [00:12:57] What day of the week is that? [00:12:58] What day of the month is that? [00:13:01] Monday [00:13:02] It's coming Monday [00:13:05] Monday the 7th [00:13:06] We'll have a walk here [00:13:07] and then for those that enjoy imbibing and beverages [00:13:12] there will be a Loquat beer release at the Cody River Brewery [00:13:17] on Thursday in the afternoon [00:13:21] so if you want a beer [00:13:23] and Brian Hackman who is the proprietor of the Cody River Brewery [00:13:28] says that the Loquat beer is always the most popular beer [00:13:31] that he does on a seasonal basis [00:13:33] so come by and do that [00:13:35] and then join us for the festival [00:13:36] It will be the 12th year that we've done this [00:13:39] We started out innocently enough 12 years ago [00:13:42] at Rose's [00:13:43] You may remember Rose's Market [00:13:45] It was down on Bank Street on the river [00:13:48] We started out there [00:13:49] and now we're so thankful for the city [00:13:52] to let us use Sims Park and Peace Hall for the event [00:13:57] So to everyone [00:13:59] Turn around

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6. 7

   Proclamation - Pasco Animal Hospital's 20th Anniversary

   approved

   Mayor Chopper Davis presented a proclamation recognizing Pasco Animal Hospital's 20th anniversary under Dr. Jeffrey Adams' ownership, acknowledging its service to the New Port Richey community since 1965. Dr. Adams accepted the proclamation, thanked his staff, and recognized the African American Club of Pasco.

   • direction:Proclamation issued recognizing Pasco Animal Hospital's 20th anniversary under Dr. Jeffrey Adams. (passed)

   🏢African American Club of Pasco🏢Pasco Animal Hospital👤Chopper Davis👤Dr. Gumbiner👤Dr. Lowenberg👤Dr. Wysock👤Jeffrey Adams#Pasco Animal Hospital 20th Anniversary Proclamation

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   [00:14:00] Everyone that's here [00:14:01] Everyone watching on TV [00:14:02] Come join us [00:14:03] It'll be a great time [00:14:04] and it'll be the 12th annual event [00:14:06] So thank you all for the support [00:14:10] Turn around here [00:14:11] This is what a Loquat looks like [00:14:13] and it has the pits in it [00:14:15] and there's one to four pits in every one of them [00:14:18] So don't [00:14:19] If you only get one pit [00:14:20] don't quit looking [00:14:22] and also [00:14:23] it's equivalent about the size [00:14:25] It's almost [00:14:26] The pits are about half of what the Loquat is [00:14:29] So anyhow [00:14:30] but they are very sweet and very enjoyable [00:14:39] So Jeffrey Adams [00:14:40] We have Jeffrey Adams [00:14:41] Good job [00:14:49] This is a proclamation for the Pasco Animal Hospital [00:14:55] Should I say something? [00:14:56] Oh there [00:14:57] This is a proclamation of the Office of the Mayor [00:15:00] of the City of New Port Richey, whereas Pasco Animal Hospital has proudly served the community [00:15:04] since 1965, offering high-quality veterinary care with a focus on state-of-the-art medicine, [00:15:10] and whereas Dr. Jeffrey Adams purchased Pasco Animal Hospital in 2005 and has been caring [00:15:16] for animals in Pasco County and the New Port Richey area for 20 years, and whereas the [00:15:21] experienced team at Pasco Animal Hospital is dedicated to providing compassionate and [00:15:26] comprehensive health care for your beloved pets, and now therefore, I, Chopper Davis, [00:15:31] Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, acknowledge and express our gratitude to Pasco Animal [00:15:35] Hospital for its dedication to caring for animals and encourage all citizens to join [00:15:40] us in expressing their sincere appreciation for the service they provide. [00:15:56] Those who don't know where it is, I'm sure you've seen the artwork on this building, [00:16:05] and I love it, by the way. [00:16:11] This is quite an honor. I did not expect this. I was sort of blindsided, but that's okay. [00:16:17] I don't think I've done anything for 20 years before this, and I can't believe it's been [00:16:23] 20 years. The only other thing I've done longer than this is be married to the most important [00:16:30] person in my life, and then this. So I moved here from Maryland. I went to school in Virginia, [00:16:38] and I graduated in the year 2000, and I cut my teeth in the Washington, D.C. area, and [00:16:44] then I decided it was time to practice the kind of medicine that I was taught and that [00:16:48] I wanted to be able to provide, and I knew nothing about New Port Richey or Pasco County. [00:16:55] There was a practice for sale here that was a cornerstone of the community then. It was [00:17:00] the first practice to exist in this county, and those guys are long gone, but they are [00:17:07] the foundation, and they guided me through the transition, and what I found here was [00:17:15] that people in New Port Richey love their pets, and people in Pasco County love their pets, [00:17:22] and I was worried about that because you don't know where you're going when you don't know [00:17:27] a place, but you guys have grown with me all this time. Back then, pain medicine for animals [00:17:36] was kind of a burgeoning field. People used to think animals didn't feel pain, and I was [00:17:42] taught that absolutely they do, and absolutely that's probably the most important part of [00:17:47] anything we do is to not let the animals suffer when we're giving them care. They can't tell [00:17:53] us how they're feeling, so we have to kind of read them, and so in some ways, people [00:18:00] in my profession are pediatricians, but it's not quite like that either. We're called the [00:18:06] other family doctor, and so I kind of want everybody to remember that because there's [00:18:13] a lot in this profession that don't really, that sort of go behind the scenes, and they [00:18:19] do work that isn't very glamorous, and I wanted to just kind of shout out to my staff back [00:18:27] here. Can you guys stand up? So, wherever you go for veterinary care, there's a lot [00:18:36] of people. These are the kind of people that are behind the scenes loving your pets, and [00:18:42] you know, if they take your pet to the treatment area for a heartworm test or for some sort [00:18:49] of care, they're loving your pets as much as you do, and I couldn't do any of what I [00:18:54] do without a dedicated staff like this. This is the best staff I've ever had, and as you [00:18:59] know, I've been here 20 years. I'm really proud of you guys, and I really appreciate [00:19:13] all of these people. The other thing I wanted to mention was that when you... [00:19:29] I won't talk much longer, but I just wanted to say that when you're in a place 20 years, [00:19:48] what you don't realize is that you get to know people. You get to know families, and [00:19:53] I walked in the exam room 20 years ago, and everyone was like, I want to see this guy. [00:19:59] Where's Dr. Lowenberg? Where's Dr. Wysock? Some of you know these names. Where's Dr. [00:20:04] Gumbiner? And it didn't feel great. You know, I was there to do a good job and to provide [00:20:08] care, but they didn't know me. And now, nine times out of ten, I walk in a room and I go, [00:20:14] how's your kid? You know, how's your husband doing? You know, they all know me. They know [00:20:20] my kids grew up here, are growing up here, and I know them. This is what community is. [00:20:26] So I'm really grateful for that. One other shout out is to the African American Club [00:20:31] of Pasco. Can you guys stand up? They graciously came here. This is a wonderful organization [00:20:41] that has been in this community for over 30 years. It's a multicultural club. All kinds [00:20:48] of really interesting events are sponsored by this group, and you guys should look them [00:20:53] up and just check them out. There's barbecues, and Juneteenth, and everybody's always welcome. [00:20:59] It's a very, very welcoming and loving family that I've gotten here. So I think that's all [00:21:04] I have to say, and I'm really, really appreciative for this. [00:21:11] We have two other proclamations, by name only. One is the Water Conservation Month,

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7. 8

   Proclamation - Water Conservation Month (By Title Only)

   approved

   Mayor read by title only a proclamation recognizing April as Water Conservation Month, noting ongoing efforts to conserve water and keep reservoirs full.

   #Donate Life Month#Water Conservation Month

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   [00:21:24] and the other one is Donate Life Month. Water conservation, remember that we're always working [00:21:30] and trying to strive to save the water and keep the reservoirs full. [00:21:38] And now we have a presentation by New Port Richey Main Street.

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8. 10

   Presentation by New Port Richey Main Street, Inc.

   Kim Brust, president of New Port Richey Main Street, Inc., presented an update on recent and upcoming downtown events, including a successful Chalk Fest with 2,000+ attendees alongside Mardi Gras, the upcoming April 25th Fourth Friday with a Kentucky Derby theme, a April 14th business owners meeting, and the tentatively scheduled June 5th ribbon cutting for the Tides of Time public art project by artist Jillian Harper. Council members expressed appreciation for the board's cohesion and momentum.

   🏢New Port Richey Main Street, Inc.🏢Tampa Bay magazine👤Allie Coy👤Beth Frager👤Jillian Harper👤Kim Brust👤Manz👤Tina Gordon#Chalk Fest#Community Supper#Crosswalk art project#Downtown Dine Out#Fourth Friday#Kentucky Derby theme event#Mardi Gras#St. Puppy's Crawl#Tides of Time public art project

   ▶ Jump to 21:48 in the video

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   [00:21:48] Good evening, everyone. My name is Kim Brust. I'm the president of New Port Richey Main [00:21:53] Street, and I just thought it would be a good, or City Manager Mann said, come down and tell [00:22:00] us what's happening. So I said, okay, I'd be happy to. So first I want to say thank [00:22:05] you from the board to you guys for your financial support and your personal support. I've seen [00:22:10] almost every one of you at some event or something, and we really appreciate that. It means a [00:22:15] lot to us. I want to introduce a couple of people that are here. We have Allie Coy, Tina [00:22:23] Gordon, Beth Frager. They're part of our board, and of course Tina is the glue that keeps [00:22:28] us all going in the right direction. We're all like cats, and she's just hurting us to [00:22:32] keep going that way. So thank you to Tina. As you know, last year we had a little bit [00:22:38] of a board change, and it's taken us a few months to get things organized and going in [00:22:44] the right direction, but March was our first month. We had a couple of events. I think [00:22:49] I saw some of you guys there. One is the St. Puppy's Crawl. That was very well attended, [00:22:56] and we actually made a profit, though small. So we feel like that's something we want to [00:23:00] repeat maybe next year and see how that goes. The other thing we did was we had the Chalk [00:23:05] Fest, and we did learn a lot from this year's Chalk Fest. This is my calendar. Let me stop [00:23:12] for just a minute. This is my calendar, and I'm sure your calendars are busy, but these [00:23:17] are just the events that are in New Port Richey over the next...this was March, I think. Yeah, [00:23:23] this is April. This is just what I know of so far. So one thing that I was a little hesitant [00:23:29] about was putting multiple events on the same day. I'm kind of like, how's that going [00:23:33] to, you know, the police, the fire department, how are they going to handle all that? But [00:23:38] Mardi Gras taught us that it works fantastic. Our Chalk Fest had over 2,000 people, which [00:23:46] the previous year was significantly smaller. So we had more artists. We had more people [00:23:52] attending, participating. We had vendors. So it was a much bigger event, and we were [00:23:58] so happy to have that many artists downtown doing...or putting up their art. And then [00:24:06] Mardi Gras kicked off after that. I'm sure that some of you were downtown having fun [00:24:11] with that, but then that just drew more people to the city. So we were able to talk to some [00:24:17] of our businesses downtown. Their sales on that day had tripled and quadrupled because [00:24:23] of the number of people that were down there all day. So it taught us that multiple events [00:24:28] are good. They bring people down, and then people stay downtown. So very happy about [00:24:35] that. Our fourth Friday event is coming up April 25th. We're going to have music in two [00:24:40] locations. We're going to have all kinds of games, family-friendly games, as long as we [00:24:46] can figure out how to put them all together. But yes, that is a plan. But what's interesting [00:24:51] about that fourth Friday is also movie night in the park, and it's the Riverside Concert. [00:24:57] So my hope is that that will spread people out amongst the district, and have people [00:25:03] down by the river, and bring people to the movies, and then have people downtown to visit [00:25:07] our businesses. So our fourth Friday this month in April will be a derby theme, so Kentucky [00:25:15] Derby theme. And I'm planning a horse race, and I'd like to put your face on the horses, [00:25:23] and then have a little race across the sidewalk on our little horses, and give whoever wins [00:25:31] the roses. So more details to come. So looking forward to that. Let's see, what else did [00:25:39] we have? 414. 414 coming up is our business owners meeting. We didn't have an annual meeting [00:25:49] last year due to the hurricanes and all the chaos that happened, so we're kind of like [00:25:53] jumping ahead here, bringing all our business members together. We want to just let them [00:26:00] know that we want to listen, and we want to take their input, but we need their help. [00:26:07] We need their membership. We need their volunteer to help us make these events a big success. [00:26:13] Our goal is to grow this fourth Friday until it's even nicer than Tarpon Springs. So we're [00:26:21] going to bring them together at the theater on 414. We'll send out invitations to you [00:26:27] guys if you'd like to attend. City Manager Manz is going to be there to give us an opening [00:26:32] introduction. Remember? So looking forward to that. That's coming up. [00:26:39] Another thing is, and again, thank you for the support of this program, but the tides [00:26:44] of time, we're almost there. It seems like it's been a while, but we are almost there. [00:26:50] The artist Jillian Harper is in the final stages of finishing the artwork. The permits [00:26:55] have all been submitted and approved. Our ribbon cutting is scheduled tentatively for [00:27:02] June 5th, barring any weather or anything like that. After the installation, we will [00:27:07] need to confirm that all the QR codes are working, and that the links, maps, and audio [00:27:12] components are working as they should. After the ribbon cutting, we want to have a promotional. [00:27:20] We want to get it out in local travel magazines, local like Tampa Bay magazine, maybe get some [00:27:26] expose on this art, and then can keep that going so we can drive business back down into [00:27:32] New Port Richey, stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, shop at our retail stores. [00:27:38] A few things we've been discussing, just looking forward, is our crosswalk art. Looking forward [00:27:44] to something like that. Design Committee is already talking about that. Downtown Dine [00:27:50] Out again, so a pre-fixed menu, you can participate with the local restaurants. And then our Community [00:27:57] Supper, which is going to be Main Street's large fundraising event, kind of that concept [00:28:03] where we'll all get together as a community and have a family supper together outside [00:28:08] on Grand. So hopefully that all works out. So just to finalize by saying that there's [00:28:16] a few new members on the board. Everybody's really excited. There's a lot of energy. You're [00:28:23] going to see a lot of fun stuff happening. So look forward to seeing you guys at the [00:28:28] next event. Thank you. [00:28:30] Anybody want to ask a question? [00:28:32] Oh, sorry. [00:28:33] Yeah, I just wanted to say I appreciate and I really admire the board cohesion and how [00:28:41] with some of the board changes, nothing has slowed down. If anything, things have picked [00:28:46] up. And I didn't know it was possible to say that for Main Street, that they could do more [00:28:51] than what they're already doing. So credit to you and I look forward to seeing some of [00:28:57] those events coming up. Thank you for everything you're doing. [00:29:00] Thank you. Anything else? [00:29:01] You have the right people in the right seats now and that's awesome. [00:29:04] We definitely do. [00:29:05] I understand you have a bouncer now on the board. [00:29:09] He's not here, I don't think. [00:29:12] Yeah, we do. So he's a good one to have, for sure. [00:29:15] Yeah, he's united a lot of the business downtown. [00:29:18] Yes, he's helping us put together the 414 business owners. [00:29:23] Thank you. [00:29:24] Thank you. [00:29:25] 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.

9. 11Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 29:32
10. 12.a

    Cultural Affairs Committee Minutes - January 15, 2025

    approvedon consent

    The Cultural Affairs Committee minutes from January 15, 2025 were approved as part of the consent agenda.

    • motion:Approve the consent agenda including the Cultural Affairs Committee minutes of January 15, 2025. (passed)5–0

    #Cultural Affairs Committee Minutes - January 15, 2025

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    [00:43:00] consent agenda. Move for approval. Second. Anything else? All those in favor signify by aye. Aye. Those opposed five nothing. First reading of ordinance 2025-2325

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11. 12.b

    Library Advisory Board Minutes - January 27, 2025

    approvedon consent

    The Library Advisory Board minutes from January 27, 2025 were approved as part of the consent agenda.

    • motion:Approve the consent agenda including the Library Advisory Board minutes from January 27, 2025. (passed)5–0

    #Library Advisory Board Minutes - January 27, 2025

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    [00:43:00] consent agenda. Move for approval. Second. Anything else? All those in favor signify by aye. Aye. Those opposed five nothing. First reading of ordinance 2025-2325

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12. 12.c

    Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval

    approvedon consent

    Council approved the consent agenda item for purchases/payments by unanimous voice vote.

    • motion:Motion to approve the consent agenda item for purchases/payments. (passed)5–0

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    [00:43:00] consent agenda. Move for approval. Second. Anything else? All those in favor signify by aye. Aye. Those opposed five nothing. First reading of ordinance 2025-2325

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13. 13.a

    First Reading, Ordinance 2025-2325: Authorizing the Issuance of Non-Ad Valorem Revenue Notes

    approved

    Council conducted the first reading of Ordinance 2025-2325, authorizing issuance of non-ad valorem revenue notes (Series 2025) up to $9 million to finance acquisition of the Riverside Inn property at 7631 US Highway 19 ($5.5M) and capital improvements including Railroad Square Phase 1 (~$3.24M). The motion passed 5-0 on first reading, with the second public hearing called for April 15, 2025.

    Ord. Ordinance 2025-2325

    • motion:Motion to approve Ordinance 2025-2325 on first reading, authorizing issuance of non-ad valorem revenue notes Series 2025 not to exceed $9 million. (passed)5–0
    • direction:Set the second public hearing for April 15, 2025. (passed)

    📍5853 Lafayette Street📍7631 US Highway 19🏢Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)🏢Pasco County🏢Riverside Inn🏢Suncoast Motels👤Brian Miller-Olive👤Driscoll👤Lori Baker👤Ms. Dunn👤Pete#ARPA / American Rescue Act funds#Community Redevelopment Plan#Downtown Highway 19 Corridor Master Plan#Fiscal Year 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Plan#Non-Ad Valorem Revenue Note Series 2025#Old Gulf High School (Schwettman)#Ordinance 2025-2325#Penny for Pasco#Railroad Square Phase 1#Save Our Schools

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    [00:43:17] authorization insurance of non-ad valorem revenue notice. This is ordinance number 2025-2325, an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey Florida authorizing the issuance of non-ad valorem revenue notes in one or [00:43:31] more series in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed nine million [00:43:35] dollars to finance the cost of various capital improvements and the acquisition [00:43:39] of real property and costs related thereto. Providing that the notes shall [00:43:43] be limited obligations of the city payable from non-ad valorem revenues [00:43:46] budgeted, appropriated, and deposited as provided herein. Providing for the right [00:43:51] securities and remedies for the owners of the notes, providing for severability [00:43:54] and providing for an effective date. As indicated by the city attorney the [00:44:00] purpose of this agenda item is to authorize the issuance of non-ad valorem [00:44:06] revenue notes series 2025 in the amount of nine million dollars. Specifically [00:44:13] these revenue notes will be used to purchase real property at 7631 US [00:44:21] Highway 19 which is commonly known as the Riverside Inn and also to finance [00:44:27] the improvements which we intend to implement in conjunction with the [00:44:33] railroad square phase one project on Nebraska Avenue and Ms. Dunn is prepared [00:44:42] to further explain the details related to this agenda item. Thank you city manager. [00:44:47] Good evening council. On October 1st 2024 the city entered into a purchase [00:44:53] agreement with Suncoast Motels for the purchase of a real property located [00:44:57] again at 7631 [00:45:00] U.S. Highway 19 in New Port Richey, with a purchase price of $5.5 million. [00:45:04] The subject property is located on the west side of U.S. Highway 19 on the southwesterly [00:45:09] bank of the Cody River, and as previously indicated, the Community Redevelopment Plan [00:45:13] and the associated planning efforts, including the Downtown Highway 19 Corridor Master Plan, [00:45:19] identify the subject property and Greater North Gateway Area as one of the community's [00:45:24] most important opportunities for redevelopment, and authorize the Community Redevelopment [00:45:29] Agency to pursue the assemblage of property in the area. [00:45:33] Additional financing of $3.5 million will be used for the costs associated for various [00:45:39] capital improvement projects. [00:45:40] The largest of those projects are the improvements to Railroad Square Phase 1, as laid out and [00:45:45] set forth in Fiscal Year 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Plan in the amount of $3,240,000. [00:45:53] Additional remaining amount mostly goes towards the closing costs. [00:45:58] Permissions of the issuer to be designated as the City of New Port Richey, Florida Non-Advalorum [00:46:02] Revenue Note, Series 2025, in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $9 million, [00:46:09] is hereby authorized to be issued. [00:46:11] The note shall be issued for the purposes, again, of financing the costs of the projects [00:46:15] and paying costs and expenses of issuing the note. [00:46:18] Brian Miller-Olive, the City's Bond Counsel, has drafted the ordinance that was brought [00:46:22] before you this evening, which authorizes the issuance of Non-Advalorum Revenue Note [00:46:26] Series 2025. [00:46:27] It is recommended that the City Council conduct a first reading of and approve Ordinance Number [00:46:32] 2023-25, which would authorize the issuance of the Non-Advalorum Revenue Note Series 2025. [00:46:38] I'm prepared to answer any other questions that you might have. [00:46:43] If you'd allow me, we'd also like you to call your second public hearing to occur on April [00:46:49] 15th of 2025, and I should additionally note that we will be receiving the bids for this [00:46:58] note tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. [00:47:02] Do we have any public comment? [00:47:05] Come on down. [00:47:19] Lori Baker, 5853 Lafayette Street. [00:47:22] Would you all please use your microphones? [00:47:26] Attorney Driscoll is the only one we can clearly hear. [00:47:30] Everyone else sounds as though they are mumbling. [00:47:38] Anybody else like to speak? [00:47:41] Sorry, I've lost my voice. [00:47:44] We'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [00:47:47] Mr. Mayor, if I may, just to clarify, the purpose of this note was indicated to purchase [00:47:57] the hotel. [00:47:58] This is a City Council meeting. [00:48:00] The hotel property is also part and adjacent to property Pasco County already has, and [00:48:07] it's my understanding that we've been working towards the improvement of that hotel property. [00:48:12] If the purchase of this note to be approved by the City, because the City has the revenue [00:48:20] sources to be able to pledge, the non-envelope revenues to pledge, then I think the missing [00:48:29] part of this discussion is that this City Council will then look to loan this money [00:48:34] or advance this money to the CRA, because this will be a CRA purchase as I understand [00:48:40] it. [00:48:41] So I want to make sure that it's clear, because the City's general fund is able, because of [00:48:49] its length of life and because of other challenges to the CRA, is able to make sure that they [00:48:56] can secure that loan. [00:48:58] But the purpose of the hotel, once again, is a community redevelopment agency included [00:49:06] in the plan and available for us to move forward on. [00:49:11] What was discussed, the use of the additional money for Railroad Square, which had originally [00:49:18] been planned to be partially funded by Penny for Pasco and also partially funded by, I [00:49:23] think, the American Rescue Act money from ARPA funds, which those funds have been used [00:49:28] in legal ways by the City that did not include that capital project. [00:49:35] That all being said, the acquisition of the property is sort of similar to the acquisition [00:49:44] of the SunTrust Bank property and the purchases that were made on the corner of Highway 19 [00:49:50] in that the intended use hasn't been finalized, but the City wants and the CRA wants control [00:49:57] over the ultimate development of that property. [00:50:01] So I just want to be clear that the CRA is seeing this as an investment property in order [00:50:06] to remove what we feel is a non-productive asset in terms of the City's vision of that [00:50:16] waterfront property so that we can then go out and get some private development that [00:50:23] would then hopefully be incentivized by what's the most difficult thing to do in existing [00:50:30] areas that are developed like New Port Richey, which is the assembly of property. [00:50:35] So the CRA is assembling the property. [00:50:38] Hopefully, just like the property that we've assembled recently at the boat docks, including [00:50:45] the Montemayor property and the property next to that, are part of a vision the City has [00:50:49] to see more vibrant use of its riverfront and to see something positive happen. [00:50:55] So I support the motion to acquire it. [00:51:00] What is missing and what I'm hopeful for is that we act as a CRA when we meet in that [00:51:09] capacity as developers, which is what the CRA is, and recognize the timing of the repayment [00:51:19] of that note and the ability for us to really pass that obligation off in part to some commercial [00:51:26] enterprise that we would hope to be there. [00:51:28] So for those that are watching and wondering why the City is acquiring property and spending [00:51:34] its money while it has on its general fund some strains on it, it's important that we [00:51:41] have a business plan. [00:51:43] So acquiring it without the knowledge of exactly what that business plan is is because [00:51:51] the opportunity is here and we see it and we want to grab it. [00:51:55] That's the same thing that the folks from the Save Our Schools are saying about the [00:52:00] nine acres, the ten acres we have right in the center of our city, which is acquiring [00:52:04] it and getting a hold of it so that we can design and have input and get the best outcome [00:52:10] for the City. [00:52:11] For all those reasons, I'm going to support this and I would listen to other comments, [00:52:16] Mr. Mayor, but I'm prepared to make a motion. [00:52:18] Is that a motion? [00:52:19] I'm prepared to make one if my colleagues are... [00:52:21] Go ahead. [00:52:22] Go ahead and make a motion. [00:52:23] I'll move that we approve this on its first reading. [00:52:26] Do we have a second? [00:52:27] Oh, excuse me. [00:52:28] A second? [00:52:29] Yeah. [00:52:30] And I've used my time for talking to the motion, so I'll give it up. [00:52:33] Yeah, first, Pete, thank you for doing a little bit of discussion prior to the vote because [00:52:38] we can't necessarily... [00:52:39] This is our only time to talk about this, so I appreciate you taking the time to offer [00:52:43] your perspective, so that might determine the motion that's made if there's amendments [00:52:47] added on to it. [00:52:48] So thank you for offering that discussion and I hope if any other council members wanted [00:52:53] to jump in that they would have then in case that would have decided how they're going [00:52:58] to look at the motion upon us now. [00:53:01] I just want to piggyback off of... [00:53:03] I like the connection to Schwetman, the old Gulf High School, the historic building, and [00:53:08] that this is more of a money issue, a cost issue, that public investment in which private [00:53:12] investment will follow. [00:53:13] The old Gulf High School is, of course, a different issue. [00:53:16] Working with the school board, different set of problems. [00:53:21] And I believe, I don't want to characterize it this way, but all the money in the world [00:53:26] wouldn't solve that problem because the school board and the city both have vested interest [00:53:31] in the history of the building and so I think that's the only chief difference there. [00:53:36] And so this is a classic example of making sure we're doing the public investment so [00:53:41] private investment follows. [00:53:43] The assumed risk is there and I plan on talking more to that at the second reading when we [00:53:50] have the bids and we understand more of the actual numbers. [00:53:55] So I think this project is going to be really important for the city. [00:53:58] We definitely need a project like this and the fact that we're going to be working with [00:54:04] New Port Richey and working with the county and all of us working together, public, private, [00:54:09] the county, the city, I think that that's a great opportunity for us to all build on [00:54:13] those relationships that we've built to work together on a project like this that's going [00:54:17] to be great for everybody in our city and in Pasco County. [00:54:20] Yeah, I agree. [00:54:23] This is a very big piece of the puzzle in redeveloping the north side of US-19. [00:54:29] We've worked a lot working in the center here off of Main Street and along 19 redeveloping [00:54:34] and we have some things coming in the south side to try to get redevelopment and redoing [00:54:40] our US-19 corridor because as everybody knows it's really bad and we want to, you know, [00:54:46] we're working hard to make that happen and the county working with us is a big plus. [00:54:52] So it's just going to start tying things together and you're going to see a lot of change up [00:54:55] and down our US-19 corridor, not to mention where that property is going to be, hopefully [00:55:02] it's going to be a very huge, huge asset to the city. [00:55:06] So looking forward to that. [00:55:09] As I said before in work sessions, ditto, ditto, ditto, ditto, instead of repeating myself, [00:55:14] all those in favor signify by aye. [00:55:17] Aye. [00:55:18] Those opposed? [00:55:19] Five-nothing. [00:55:20] Second reading of Ordinance 2025-2316, repealing Ordinance number 2024-2305, Memorandum of [00:55:30] Leisure Lane and Van Doren. [00:55:32] This is Ordinance number 2025-2316, an ordinance of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, providing [00:55:38] for repeal of Ordinance 2024-2306, establishing a 180-day moratorium on the permitting, construction [00:55:45] or installation of buildings or structures within the area described in the Interlocal [00:55:49] Annexation Agreement between the City of New Port Richey, Florida, and Pasco County, Florida, [00:55:54] recorded in OR Book 11064, page 3586, public records providing for enforcement, providing [00:56:02] for severability, and providing for an effective date. [00:56:05] Mr. Hall will be presenting the agenda item. [00:56:08] Thank you, Ms. Vance.

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14. 13.b

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

    approved

    Council adopted Ordinance 2025-2316 on second reading, repealing the 180-day moratorium on building permits for recently annexed property along Leisure Lane and Van Doren Drive. The repeal follows adoption of an R4 coastal cottages zoning designation for the area, allowing development to proceed. The ordinance was approved with a typographical correction (the prior ordinance number is 2024-305, not 2024-2306).

    Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2316

    • motion:Motion to approve Ordinance 2025-2316 on second reading, repealing the moratorium on building permits for Leisure Lane/Van Doren Drive property, with correction of the referenced prior ordinance number from 2024-2306 to 2024-305. (passed)5–0

    📍Leisure Lane and Van Doren Drive👤Matt#180-day building permit moratorium#November 19, 2024 annexation#Ordinance 2024-2305#Ordinance 2024-305 (corrected reference)#Ordinance 2025-2316#R4 coastal cottages zoning

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    [00:56:11] As presented in the Council meeting that we had in the beginning of March, this ordinance [00:56:18] is specifically related to repeal of a moratorium on building permits for recently annexed property. [00:56:27] In November 19th of 2024, the City Council annexed property along Leisure Lane and Van [00:56:34] Doren Drive. [00:56:35] At that time, a moratorium which prohibited building permits was established that would [00:56:40] be 180 days long. [00:56:44] We have adjusted the land use amendment and worked on required zoning for that area and [00:56:53] adopted a R4 coastal cottages zoning for that property, and we believe that the moratorium [00:57:03] is no longer necessary, so we're asking that to be repealed so that development can begin [00:57:11] on that property along Leisure Lane and Van Doren Drive. [00:57:17] Any public comment? [00:57:20] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. [00:57:23] Mr. Mayor, if I could just make one comment as well. [00:57:25] There's a typographical error in the ordinance in that the reference to the prior ordinance [00:57:31] that's being repealed was misidentified as 2024-2306. [00:57:36] It's actually 2024-305 that appears in the title and in Section 2 of the ordinance. [00:57:42] So, if you approve the ordinance, you'll be approving it with that correction. [00:57:51] I'll move to approve with the correction. [00:57:55] I'll second. [00:57:58] No, I made my comments at the first reading. [00:58:01] I'll second. [00:58:02] Same. We're excited to see this project move forward. [00:58:06] Matt? [00:58:08] That's really needed. [00:58:11] Yeah, I'm in favor of the action. [00:58:13] I haven't really seen the project itself or whether or not we have a project, but we're basically providing the opportunity [00:58:20] for a new type of property and hopefully there are folks out there that are interested in it [00:58:26] and we'll see something happen. [00:58:30] All those in favor, signify by aye. [00:58:32] Aye. [00:58:33] Those opposed, 5-0.

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15. 13.c

    Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2320: Amending Section 10.06 of the City Charter RE: Corporate Boundaries

    approved

    Second and final reading of Ordinance No. 2025-2320, amending Section 10.06 of the City Charter to revise the city's corporate boundaries (Exhibit A) following annexation of the Leisure Lane-Vandoren Avenue area west of US-19 between Cross Bayou and Southgate Shopping Center. The ordinance passed unanimously with no public comment.

    Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2320

    • motion:Motion to approve Ordinance No. 2025-2320 amending Section 10.06 of the City Charter to revise corporate boundaries. (passed)5–0

    📍Leisure Lane-Vandoren Avenue area🏢Southgate Shopping Center🏢Starbucks#Exhibit A#Ordinance No. 2024-2287#Ordinance No. 2025-2320#Section 10.06 of the City Charter

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    [00:58:36] Second. [00:58:37] Reading of Ordinance Number 2025-2320, Amendment Section 10.06 of the City Charter, [00:58:46] Amendment to Corporate Boundaries. [00:58:48] This is Ordinance Number 2025-2320, an ordinance of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, [00:58:52] providing for amendment of Section 10.06 of the City Charter pertaining to the boundaries of the city, [00:58:58] providing for revised Exhibit A, establishing the city boundaries, [00:59:02] pursuant to annexation of unincorporated property within Pasco County, Florida, [00:59:06] providing for conflict, severability, and an effective date. [00:59:11] Based on the annexation of the Leisure Lane-Vandoren Avenue area, which is located west of 19, [00:59:19] between Cross Bayou and the Southgate Shopping Center, [00:59:25] the legal description of the city must be amended to provide for new legal boundaries or revised boundaries. [00:59:33] An amended legal description is attached to your agenda item as Exhibit A. [00:59:40] Section 10.06 of the City Charter establishes the boundaries of the city, [00:59:46] and this agenda item advances that Exhibit A shall replace Ordinance 2024-2287 [00:59:57] to provide for new legal boundaries or revised boundaries. [01:00:00] for revised boundaries of the city and this is a second and a final reading of [01:00:06] the ordinance related to amending section 10.06 of the city charter [01:00:11] pertaining to boundaries. Any public comment? Seeing no one come forward [01:00:18] bring it back for discussion and vote. Motion. Move to approve. Second. I'll move to approve. [01:00:30] We got it here already. I can't hear. Okay. To the maker. Nothing to add. We [01:00:39] definitely have to change the boundaries since we annexed it. This is [01:00:45] the area by this Starbucks and around that is really an enclave that is coming [01:00:54] into the city, nearly an enclave. Thank you. It is. No comments. Matt. I'm good. All those in [01:01:02] favor signify by aye. Aye. Five nothing. Moving on to business items, the

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16. 14.a

    Board Re-Appointment: Marcia Mihall, Library Advisory Board

    approved

    Council reappointed Marcia Mihall to the Library Advisory Board for another three-year term spanning through April 1, 2028. Council praised her contributions, including stocking little libraries with books she sources and purchases herself.

    • motion:Motion to reappoint Marcia Mihall to the Library Advisory Board for a three-year term through April 1, 2028. (passed)5–0

    👤Marcia Mihall#Chasco Fiesta#Cotee River little library#Library Advisory Board

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    [01:01:08] reappointment of the reappointment of Marcy Mahal in the Library Advisory Board. [01:01:14] Ms. Mahal has been serving since 2017 on the Library Advisory Board and her [01:01:21] appointment expired on June 5th of 2024. The terms of service to the Library [01:01:29] Advisory Board are for three years. Therefore, if you determine it's [01:01:34] appropriate to reappoint her to the board, her term of office would span [01:01:40] through April 1st of 2028. Any public comment? She doesn't want to come down? [01:01:54] We're back for discussion. It looks like we're on. Oh, okay. [01:02:02] Senator, help her. Marcy is a little bit, maybe a little too shy, but [01:02:08] certainly too modest. I just want to let you know a little bit about what she [01:02:12] does in addition to all the things that we do for the library and for the city. [01:02:18] Marcy is my personal supplier of the little library on Cote River. She is not [01:02:25] only finding books everywhere she can to enhance our little libraries, but she [01:02:31] also actually pays for books, goes to flea markets and things like that to do [01:02:35] that. So she's been a tremendous asset and we will certainly benefit by having [01:02:41] her for another three years. I learned at the Chesco Fiesta last [01:02:46] night that the first fiestas were done to support the library. And so this city [01:02:55] has a hundred and three year history of starting a festival, which as far as I [01:03:02] know might be the oldest continuous festival in the country. And it all [01:03:06] started by supporting a library and we very, very much appreciate that [01:03:09] continuous support. As we know, just at our last meeting, supporting [01:03:15] our mobile library and everything else we do. And we have a tremendous staff, a [01:03:19] tremendous director and lots and lots of activities. And we appreciate it and hope [01:03:25] to see you again soon. And again, we appreciate all that Marcy's done for us. [01:03:31] Move to approve. Second. I think it's awesome. Keep her in. She's doing a great job. [01:03:43] Pete. Thank you. Thank you for serving. The only festival I know that's older than that is [01:03:51] something goes on on the 4th of July in this country. All those in favor [01:03:56] signify by aye. Those opposed. 5-0. Next is authorization of the execution of FY24

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17. 14.b

    Authorizing the Execution of FY24 Audit Engagement Letters

    approved

    Council authorized execution of FY24 audit engagement letters with Malden Jenkins, the City's auditor for the prior three audit years, using the State's Master Services Agreement piggyback pricing. The fee is $50,100 plus $5,400 for each required single audit.

    • motion:Move approval of the request to authorize execution of the Malden Jenkins FY24 audit engagement letters. (passed)

    🏢Malden Jenkins👤Ms. Dunn#Department of Management Services contract 84111600-20-1#FY24 Audit#Florida Statutes 218.391#RFP 2022-001 Independent Audit Services#Resolution 2023-03

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    [01:04:09] audit and engagement letters. We are asking this year to enter into an [01:04:20] engagement letter with Malden Jenkins, who has served as our auditor for the [01:04:27] last three audit years. And Ms. Dunn is prepared to represent the agenda item. So [01:04:34] a little bit of background to bring you up to where we were at. On December 7th, [01:04:38] 2021, the City Council approved Resolution 2023-03, which established an [01:04:44] Auditor Selection Committee and a Committee Chair in accordance with [01:04:47] Florida Statutes 218.391. The resolution states that the committee shall have the [01:04:53] primary purpose of assisting the City Council in the selection of an auditor [01:04:57] to conduct the City's annual financial audit. The committee consisted of all [01:05:01] five current City Council members at that time and the mayor appointed as [01:05:05] the chair of the committee. On February 15th, 2022, the [01:05:10] City Council awarded RFP number 2022-001, the independent audit services to [01:05:16] Malden Jenkins for three audit years, from fiscal year 2021 through fiscal [01:05:21] year 2023, with engagement letters for those audit services executed each [01:05:26] fiscal year. Malden and Jenkins is part of the State's Master Services Agreement, [01:05:31] the Department of Management Services contract number 84111600-20-1, [01:05:37] financial and performance audits with an effective period of March 1st, 2021 [01:05:42] through February 28th, 2027, for services including the financial statement audits [01:05:48] and audits of segments of financial statements. In order to prevent further [01:05:54] delays with the fiscal year 2024 audit, staff recommends that City Council [01:05:58] authorize the execution of the Malden and Jenkins engagement letters that are [01:06:01] attached for audit services related to the fiscal year ending September 30th, [01:06:06] 2024, utilizing the pricing structure as presented in the Department of Management [01:06:11] Services contract number 84111600-20-1. The piggyback process is [01:06:17] allowed for under the current City's purchasing guidelines. Funds have been [01:06:21] budgeted in the fiscal year 2024-2025 to cover the cost of those services for the [01:06:26] audit for the fiscal year 2024. The fee associated with their services would be [01:06:32] $50,100 and an additional $5,400 for each single audit which would be required to be performed. [01:06:44] That's correct. I think we need one. One. Yes. [01:06:47] Any public comment? Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. [01:06:53] Move approval of the request. Do I have a second? Second. [01:06:59] Mayor? No, sir. I think timing is everything and it's time to get it [01:07:04] rolling so best to continue to use the services that are familiar with our city. [01:07:10] Second. I know, have to have our checks and balances. No, all good. No, sir.

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18. 14.c

    Request Approval of Pasco County Unmanned Systems Task Force Agreement

    approved

    Council approved an agreement to join the Pasco County Sheriff's Office Unmanned Systems Task Force, allowing the New Port Richey Police Department to pool drone capabilities for emergency response, public safety, search and rescue, and law enforcement operations. Chief Kochan presented that the agreement has no budget impact and will provide access to advanced drone technology and training. The motion passed 5-0.

    • motion:Move to approve the Pasco County Unmanned Systems Task Force Agreement with the Sheriff's Office. (passed)5–0

    🏢Pasco County Sheriff's Office👤Chief Kochan👤Ms. Manns👤Sheriff Nocco👤Tim Driscoll#Chasco event#Florida Mutual Aid Act#Pasco County Unmanned Systems Task Force Agreement

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    [01:07:20] Yeah, I think it's important to bring back somebody that's already familiar with us too. All those in favor, [01:07:24] signify by aye. Aye. Those opposed, 5-0. Moving on to the request approval of Pasco County [01:07:32] Unmanned System Task Force Agreement. Chief Kochan. Thank you, Ms. Manns. [01:07:37] Mayor, Council Members. The request for the City Council is to approve the Pasco [01:07:42] County Unmanned Systems Task Force Agreement with the Sheriff's Office to [01:07:46] enhance our department's operational capabilities with unmanned systems and [01:07:50] or drones. The Florida Mutual Aid Act authorizes law enforcement agencies to enter into [01:07:54] agreements for voluntary cooperation and assistance with public safety [01:07:58] initiatives. The purpose of this agreement is for our department to join [01:08:02] and pool our drone capabilities with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office Unmanned [01:08:06] Systems Task Force to be utilized for the following emergency response, public [01:08:12] safety operations such as parades, events, missing or endangered persons, and what [01:08:18] most people don't know is at the Chasco event, the Sheriff's Office had his whole [01:08:23] drone unit down here because of our relationships and because the Sheriff, [01:08:28] like myself, loved to network and work with people. Ms. Manns and I were down at [01:08:33] the Emergency Operations Center and we saw this system. I will give Sheriff [01:08:37] Nacco absolute kudos. He has a phenomenal unmanned systems task force. His drone [01:08:44] capabilities and technology equipment are probably some of the best in Tampa [01:08:49] Bay Area and I want to be a part of that and we should be a part of that. Also, law [01:08:53] enforcement and fire rescue operations, search and rescue operations, other [01:08:57] public safety operations as mutually agreed upon by the parties. As I just [01:09:02] stated, Sheriff's Office has a highly advanced, well-equipped, and professionally [01:09:05] operated unmanned systems task force. By joining this task force, our department [01:09:09] will greatly enhance our drones capability by gaining access to [01:09:12] cutting-edge technology, expert training, improved operational coordination like [01:09:17] we've seen at Chasco, and enhanced resources. City Attorney Tim Driscoll has [01:09:21] reviewed this agreement and approved it as the form. A recommendation for the [01:09:26] City Council is to approve the Pasco County Unmanned Systems Task Force [01:09:29] Agreement with the Sheriff's Office to enhance our department's operational [01:09:33] capabilities with unmanned systems and our drone deployment and there is no [01:09:37] budget impact. I'm here to answer any questions that you may have. I'm in. Seeing [01:09:44] no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. I'll move to approve. [01:09:47] Second. To the maker. Yeah, I think this is the perfect example of an agreement you want to [01:09:54] enter into where our city has everything to gain, to learn from, and to increase [01:09:59] our knowledge to be able to man our drone. I'll say drone singular for now [01:10:06] compared to Sheriff Nacco and his program. It's necessary for public safety, [01:10:11] it's cutting-edge, and it is exactly what we need right at this point in time. [01:10:18] I appreciate you plugging Chasco. In fact, I just had a conversation today [01:10:22] where the drone was brought up as potentially being used. I don't know [01:10:26] whether it actually got used, but it just shows that there's opportunities every [01:10:30] day where we could be using this technology, so why not get ahead of it? [01:10:34] Agreed. Yeah, there's so much advancement in technology and we need to be a part [01:10:38] of that. This also gives us another opportunity to work closely with the [01:10:42] Sheriff's Department and the county, again, to continue those relationships [01:10:45] that we've built with them, and I think it's a great way for us to advance our [01:10:49] police department without the cost. Yeah, this is a great way to partner with [01:10:54] them and also, you know, think about our public safety also. It can be used in so [01:11:00] many different ways, so very good. [01:11:03] The term you use is public safety. I think that's very important. All those in [01:11:10] favor, signify by aye. Aye. Those opposed, 5-0. Memorandum agreement with the

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19. 14.d

    Memorandum of Agreement w/United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency

    approved

    Council considered a 287-G task force agreement between ICE and the New Port Richey Police Department, required under recent Florida immigration laws. After extensive discussion about state preemption, threats of removal from office, and concerns about local resources and community trust, the Council approved the agreement.

    • motion:Motion to approve the 287-G task force agreement between ICE and the New Port Richey Police Department. (passed)

    🏢New Port Richey Police Department🏢Pasco County Sheriff's Office🏢United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency👤Chief Cochin👤Councilman Butler👤Ms. Manns👤Tim Driscoll#287-G Task Force Agreement#Consolidated CAD RMS system#Florida immigration laws#LIFT program#Sanctuary city ban (2019)

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    [01:11:16] United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. The request before [01:11:22] you is to approve the 287-G task force agreement between the United States [01:11:28] Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency and the New Port Richey Police [01:11:32] Department, and Chief Cochin is prepared to introduce the agenda item to you. Thank [01:11:38] you, Ms. Manns. Mayor, council members, the state of Florida recently passed a [01:11:42] series of immigration laws that require all Florida sheriffs, chief correctional [01:11:46] officers of the state to enter into what is called the 287-G task force agreement [01:11:51] with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. Florida law [01:11:56] also requires all local communities, that's us, to cooperate with federal [01:12:00] immigration officials with their efforts to enforce immigration laws of the [01:12:05] United States. To comply with the spirit of Florida's immigration laws and to [01:12:09] fully cooperate with United States immigration officials, Florida [01:12:12] municipalities statewide are entering into the 287-G task force agreement. [01:12:17] Currently all the sheriffs have entered into the task force agreement and many [01:12:20] municipalities across Tempe region are entering into the task force agreement. [01:12:25] This agreement will allow selected and trained New Port Richey police officers [01:12:29] and selected Pasco County Sheriff's deputies to detain and arrest subject to [01:12:33] federal proceedings any criminal illegal aliens or any illegal aliens that we [01:12:38] come across in our community. The agreement also outlines other powers [01:12:42] that trained New Port Richey police officers will have as it pertains to [01:12:45] illegal immigrants in our community. The Pasco County [01:12:49] Sheriff's Office is currently operating a countywide database for all agencies [01:12:55] on the Consolidated Cab RMS system to access information on violent criminal [01:12:59] aliens that are in our area or jurisdiction. This agreement will enhance [01:13:04] the New Port Richey Police Department's ability to assist the United States [01:13:07] Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, otherwise known as ICE, to enforce [01:13:12] federal law. City Attorney Tim Driscoll has reviewed this agreement and approved [01:13:16] it as the form. The recommendation for the City Council is to approve the 287g [01:13:21] task force agreement between the United States Immigration and Customs [01:13:24] Enforcement Agency and the New Port Richey Police Department and there is [01:13:28] no budget impact. I'm here to answer any questions that you may have. [01:13:31] Do we have any public comment? Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. [01:13:37] Mr. Mayor, I'd like to entertain some discussion before we move to a motion [01:13:44] and I'd be happy to start. The MOA before us today for consideration, there [01:13:54] is no state basis that compels us to enter into this agreement. What has [01:14:02] happened is that a state attorney, excuse me, the Attorney General has made some [01:14:07] comments, some statements because of Fort Myers that suggests if we do not enter [01:14:12] this agreement that we could face penalties and the one that they [01:14:17] continue to cite is removal of the city officials who vote against the agreement. [01:14:23] In my mind, our Chief of Police has done a phenomenal job [01:14:29] networking with other police departments, with our Sheriff's Department, with the [01:14:36] state and I'm sure he's working at the federal level too and we just don't see [01:14:40] it and the problem I run into is that it is a slap in the face to our [01:14:44] municipalities, to our hard-working men and women in our police department that [01:14:48] the state cannot trust us to do what we think is necessary for our communities [01:14:53] and that they have to threaten our local officials and so the vote tonight will [01:14:58] likely [01:15:00] be in favor of this agreement and that's because you're under, you know, the people up here [01:15:05] are under undue stress and are being compelled to do so. That being said, before we vote [01:15:12] I just wanted to share some information if the rest of the council would be so inclined. [01:15:18] This agreement for me is not about concerns with the Fourth Amendment. I think in some [01:15:24] parts of the state I do think that's a major concern. Here we have a phenomenal police [01:15:30] department and so there is no question that this has nothing to do with the Fourth Amendment [01:15:34] in my mind. What this has to do with is us being compelled to do the work of the federal [01:15:41] government, one, without any due compensation. Yes, they're going to train the officers but [01:15:46] that's it. It's our overtime, it's our resources, it's our police personnel who do what they [01:15:54] already do. If someone commits a violent crime in our community and they're undocumented, [01:15:59] we already partner with ICE. We already do that. So in my mind this is a compelled political [01:16:06] agreement. It has nothing to do with what is proper immigration. And then my chief concern [01:16:12] other than the wasting of local resources on what is a federal issue is the data sharing [01:16:18] component. And the problem I have with that is that we, our chief and his department has [01:16:24] done a phenomenal job building trust with our community with the LIFT program and victim [01:16:29] advocacy and they have put us in a really good position where people do outreach to [01:16:34] our police officers and they do seek help. And so now just one person in our community [01:16:39] who's not inclined to work with our local police officers could come out of this agreement [01:16:44] when they hear that we've entered it because of state politics and federal politics. And [01:16:50] the position we're in up here, we have been told we will be removed or there's a threat [01:16:55] of being removed if we vote against this. But there is nothing in state law that says [01:17:00] that. They're relying on this claim that if you aren't in this agreement, you're a sanctuary [01:17:06] city. Since 2019, sanctuary cities have been banned in the state of Florida. So in my mind, [01:17:14] are we a sanctuary city right now? Since we're not in the agreement? That's what our [01:17:21] governor is suggesting. That right now we are a sanctuary city. That boggles my mind. [01:17:30] I would like to entertain someone to make a motion to approve this. It won't be me. [01:17:35] But when they make that motion, I ask that they make it contingent upon the city manager [01:17:40] working with our chief to come up with our own standards. Because that's one saving grace [01:17:47] of this resolution, or excuse me, this memorandum, is it does allow our city to compile companion [01:17:56] resolutions that say, look, if we nominate someone as an officer to enforce immigration, [01:18:05] you can inform that to city council so they're aware. If we do conduct an arrest with ICE, [01:18:10] you can make city council aware. Certain public records requests can be weighed for [01:18:14] fees so reporters can do their job. There are ways we can do this that's right. We can [01:18:18] carve out certain information from the lift team and victim advocacy so we can go back [01:18:24] to the community and say, look, if you're reaching out because you're homeless, we don't [01:18:27] care if you're undocumented. That's not the focus here. We have that opportunity. You [01:18:32] can make that motion. Unfortunately, I won't be voting for this, so it doesn't make sense [01:18:38] for me to make a motion to approve. But I will be bringing a resolution forward regardless. [01:18:44] I've been working on it with city staff and it is my hope that they present it to you [01:18:48] ahead of time so that you can share your input. But let's do this right. Let's be the first [01:18:53] city in the state that passes this but also works with our agency to make sure the accountability [01:18:59] and transparency components are also attached to the memorandum of agreement. And that's [01:19:05] all I have to say. [01:19:06] Mr. Mayor, what I would recommend to you is based on the Florida law is that you just [01:19:17] vote to approve this and if there's any additional information that you want the city manager [01:19:23] or the police chief to provide that you do that through a separate vote and a separate [01:19:26] time, whether that's by resolution or just a directive. But at this point, I wouldn't [01:19:31] put any conditions on the approval of this particular application that's being requested. [01:19:37] Based on the fact that the Attorney General has already made it clear that there will [01:19:41] be enforcement action against communities that do not adopt this and support this. And [01:19:47] that one of those remedies, as Councilman Butler spoke of, is removal from office. And [01:19:53] the governor does have broad authority when it comes to that. So I would be derelict in [01:19:58] my duties if I did not warn you that that is a potential. There's also provisions that [01:20:04] provide for $5,000 fines for interference with detainers, immigration detainers, and [01:20:10] whether or not this could be viewed as some type of interference of that is also a possibility. [01:20:16] And Councilman Butler correctly pointed out that the statute specifically requires the [01:20:23] sheriff to enter into this agreement. And all sheriffs have done so, as the police chief [01:20:28] told you, because of their correctional facilities. We are not compelled by the statute verbatim [01:20:34] and under the language of the statute to execute it. But the statute says that we will use [01:20:39] best efforts to assist the federal government in immigration. This is our state government [01:20:44] telling us what to do. We don't have any authority to override the state government. They have [01:20:49] preemption, absolute preemption over us, in addition to the federal preemption. So [01:20:55] ignoring the state statute or going against the state statute when this is being requested, [01:21:01] I think would be a very dangerous position for the city to take. And when the statute [01:21:06] says best efforts, that is the highest level of effort that you are required to provide. [01:21:14] You would be taking the risk that a court, if you overrode this particular request and [01:21:21] you voted against it, or it was voted down by this Council, that you did not use your [01:21:26] best efforts. And the very vote against this particular agreement would be the actual evidence [01:21:35] of the failure to use best efforts. I can't tell you that's going to happen. I think some [01:21:40] of these threats are very onerous, and I agree with Councilman Butler in that respect, [01:21:47] but it's the situation that we are in. And so I would highly recommend that you vote [01:21:52] to approve this. And if you do not do so, I'm warning you and advising you that you [01:21:57] do so at your own personal peril and at the peril of the city. [01:22:01] I have a motion. I move to approve. Second. [01:22:07] I think that we really don't have a choice but to move forward with it. It's been directed [01:22:12] to us. I mean, our police chief's already signed it, so we have to move forward. And [01:22:18] I think that we can put some directives with it later. [01:22:21] Second. [01:22:22] Yeah, I think we need to move forward. This is coming down, requiring us to do it. And [01:22:30] I think it may seem harsh or rough, but I think it's more about everybody working together [01:22:40] as a team and everybody being on the same page to battle the problems that we have. [01:22:45] I think it's more about working together than anything. And I think moving forward, I think [01:22:53] it won't be what people are making out to be. [01:23:03] Yeah, thank you. Probably for me, the less said the better. But I can't help myself but [01:23:08] to say that there's one most important thing, I think, for everyone to understand and to [01:23:16] lean to, and that is the golden rule, and that's treat others the way that you would [01:23:22] like to be treated. [01:23:23] So we have a very strange situation going on right now, which is we have a federal government [01:23:29] who is in a massive redesign process for the purpose of providing more independence to [01:23:37] the states and giving us more freedom. And yet we have a state that is now, in a very [01:23:46] odd way, working with the federal government in their sense, but who has always bucked [01:23:53] the idea of the federal government telling them what to do, who's compliant with the [01:24:01] whole concept of the big dog telling the little dog what to do. [01:24:06] So I am an advocate for independence. I believe in the Constitution. I believe in freedom. [01:24:13] And I believe in home rule. So I don't know why we have to pass something if we're told [01:24:19] we don't have a choice, because I'm not given a choice by our attorney. So I'll vote for [01:24:27] it, but I can only say, you know, why doesn't the state look at the way they feel they're [01:24:32] treated sometimes and start treating the cities in this state the way that we should be treated [01:24:38] with some respect, and the lack of threats and the kind of just vitriolic rhetoric that's [01:24:46] going on right now. [01:24:47] Yeah, I just want to thank our police chief for all the work he's doing to continue to [01:24:54] network and to thank our city attorney for the conversations we had at length about this. [01:24:59] And just recognize the fact that while the city attorney does provide advice to each [01:25:04] council member individually and advice to the council as a whole, his secondary and [01:25:09] probably more important responsibility is to be protective of the fiduciary and legal [01:25:14] vulnerabilities of our city, and that is what he's exercising tonight. [01:25:17] And so I don't hold it against him that he's doing what he thinks is best to make sure [01:25:21] that our city is not on anyone's radar for any reason, way, shape, or form. [01:25:28] But me personally, I just will not be bullied by any governor, Democrat, Republican, or [01:25:33] Independent. [01:25:34] I just want to say that I see that the whole entity here is to try to protect the public, [01:25:41] and that's you and I. You and I that are registered voters. You and I that, you know, believe [01:25:46] in the city and love the city, and I think this is just another hand in the team that [01:25:52] the police chief has here. [01:25:54] So I see no reason that it's an individual looking out for another individual. [01:25:59] You're all citizens of the United States. You're all citizens of the city. [01:26:03] You're all voters in the city, and that's not what this is all about. [01:26:06] You know what it's all about. [01:26:07] So all those in favor, signify by saying aye.

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20. 15Communications▶ 1:26:10
21. 16Adjournment▶ 2:01:26
22. 3

    Moment of Silence

    Moment of Silence.
23. 9

    Proclamation - Donate Life Month (By Title Only)

    Proclamation recognizing Donate Life Month, by title only.

    #Donate Life Month