On the agenda

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

   Pledge of Allegiance

   Council recited the Pledge of Allegiance and observed a moment of silence.

   ▶ Jump to 0:29 in the video

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   [00:00:29] Plans please stand for the pledge in a moment of silence. [00:00:33] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for [00:00:40] which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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3. 3

   Moment of Silence

   Conclusion of the Pledge of Allegiance and/or moment of silence at the start of the meeting.

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   [00:00:40] which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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4. 4

   Approval of April 15, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes

   approved

   Council approved the minutes of the April 15, 2025 regular meeting on a motion and second, passed by voice vote.

   • motion:Motion to approve the April 15, 2025 regular meeting minutes. (passed)

   ▶ Jump to 0:51 in the video

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   [00:00:51] Thank you. [00:00:57] Approval of the April 15th, 2025 regular meeting minutes. [00:01:01] Mr. Mayor, I move to approve. [00:01:03] I'll second. [00:01:04] All those in favor signify by aye. [00:01:07] Aye. [00:01:08] Okay, we'll have a few proclamations to start with you, Judy.

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5. 5

   Proclamation - Municipal Clerks Week

   approved

   Mayor Chopper Davis read a proclamation recognizing May 4–10, 2025 as Municipal Clerk's Week in the City of New Port Richey, honoring the work of the Municipal Clerk and clerks generally.

   • direction:Proclaim May 4–10, 2025 as Municipal Clerk's Week in the City of New Port Richey. (passed)

   🏢International Institute of Municipal Clerks👤Chopper Davis#Municipal Clerk's Week

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   [00:01:19] Municipal Clerk's Week. [00:01:38] This is a proclamation of the Office of the Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, whereas [00:01:46] the Office of the Municipal Clerk is a time-honored and vital part of local government that exists [00:01:51] throughout the world and is the oldest among public servants, and whereas the Office of [00:01:56] the Municipal Clerk provides a professional link between the citizens, the local governing [00:02:00] bodies, and other governmental agencies, and whereas municipal clerks have pledged to be [00:02:06] ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all, and whereas [00:02:13] the Municipal Clerk serves as the information center on functions of local government and [00:02:17] community, and whereas municipal clerks continually strive to improve the administration of the [00:02:23] affairs of the Office of the Municipal Clerk through participation in education programs, [00:02:29] seminars, workshops, and the annual meetings of their state, county, and international [00:02:34] professional organizations, and whereas Municipal Clerk's Week is sponsored each year by the [00:02:39] International Institute of Municipal Clerks, a professional association of city, town, [00:02:44] and county clerks throughout the United States, Canada, and 15 other countries, and whereas [00:02:50] the City of New Port Richey deems it appropriate to recognize the accomplishments of the Office [00:02:55] of the Municipal Clerk. [00:02:57] Now therefore, I, Chopper Davis, Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, do hereby proclaim [00:03:01] the week of May 4th through 10th, 2025, as Municipal Clerk's Week in the City of New Port Richey [00:03:08] and extend appreciation to our Municipal Clerk and to all the Municipal Clerks for the vital [00:03:13] services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent. [00:03:24] I think the number one term is the vital need that we have for city clerks and what they [00:03:29] do behind the scenes that nobody knows, and you just see what goes on and what she does [00:03:34] to get us here at the meeting. [00:03:37] Thank you. Thank you once again for giving me this proclamation this year. Thank you.

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6. 6

   Proclamation - Alcohol Awareness and Power Talk 21 Month

   approved

   The Mayor read a proclamation declaring April as Alcohol Awareness and Power Talk 21 Month in New Port Richey, highlighting underage drinking statistics in Pasco County and the work of MADD and Pasco ASAP. A representative from the Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention's Alcohol Initiative Committee accepted the proclamation and promoted the 'Talk It Up, Lock It Up' campaign.

   • consensus:Council issued a proclamation declaring April as Alcohol Awareness and Power Talk 21 Month in the City of New Port Richey. (passed)

   🏢Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)🏢Pasco ASAP (Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention)👤Chopper Davis#Alcohol Awareness Month#Alcohol Initiatives Committee#Power Talk 21#Power of Parents program#Talk It Up, Lock It Up campaign

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   [00:03:44] This is a proclamation for Alcoholic Awareness and Power Talk 21 month. [00:03:51] This is a proclamation of the Office of the Mayor of the City of New Port Richey. [00:04:17] Whereas the City of New Port Richey recognizes the importance of parents talking with their [00:04:20] teens about alcohol and drugs in order to reduce the risks and dangers posed to teens [00:04:26] and communities, and whereas high school students who use alcohol or other substances are five [00:04:31] times more likely to drop out of school or believe good grades are not important, and [00:04:36] whereas 21.1 percent of Pasco County High School and 5.3 percent of Pasco County Middle [00:04:42] School students report past 30-day alcohol use, high school 30-day use is higher than [00:04:48] the state average of 15.5 percent, 3.4 percent of high school students reported drinking [00:04:54] before and during school, and whereas underage drinking contributes to more than 4,300 deaths [00:05:01] among people below the age of 21 in the United States each year, and whereas Power Talk 21 [00:05:07] was created by Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 2011 as a day to encourage parents and [00:05:12] caregivers to embrace their important role in influencing America's youth and their decisions [00:05:17] about drinking alcohol, and whereas during the month of April, MADD and Pasco ASAP encouraged [00:05:24] parents to use Power Talk 21 as part of the Power of Parents program to create a sustained [00:05:30] and prolonged conversation about underage drinking and other drugs among middle school [00:05:35] and high school students. [00:05:37] Now therefore, I, Chopper Davis, Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, do hereby proclaim [00:05:41] the month of April as Alcohol Awareness and Power Talk 21 month in the City of New Port Richey [00:05:47] and urge all citizens to join in the local and national efforts to raise awareness of [00:05:52] the importance of parents and teens talking together about alcohol to reduce the risks [00:05:57] and danger posed to teens and our community. [00:06:00] I just want to say how important this is. [00:06:06] Anybody that's in here that's got gray hair knows that I used to own a bar in this town, [00:06:10] and not only were the children around their parents that drank, but I think they followed [00:06:15] their parents. [00:06:16] So when I saw the parents sometimes lose their jobs, the families separate, the kids not [00:06:21] being taken care of. [00:06:22] So whether we start at this age or we start with the adults, this is so important, the [00:06:26] awareness of alcohol. [00:06:32] Mayor Davis, New Port Richey City Council members, as the co-chair of the Alliance for [00:06:37] Substance Abduction Prevention's Alcohol Initiative Committee, it is my honor to accept this proclamation [00:06:43] in observance of Alcohol Awareness Month and Power Talk 21. [00:06:48] The Alcohol Initiatives Committee and its partnership with MADD continue to enjoy the [00:06:54] joint mission of addressing limiting access to underage youth as well as reducing the [00:07:00] number of DUI arrests. [00:07:03] Recent statistics indicate that approximately 178,000 alcohol-related deaths in the United [00:07:09] States, 119,600 among men and boys, and 58,700 women and girls. [00:07:18] Additionally, there were 12,429 traffic-related deaths due to alcohol here in Florida, with [00:07:26] 5,232 resulted in injuries, 406 resulted in fatalities. [00:07:36] In the Tampa Bay area alone, approximately 495 people are arrested for DUI. [00:07:45] As the proclamation stated, in 2011, MADD started Power Talk 21 to encourage parents [00:07:51] and caregivers to embrace the importance of their role in influencing young youth and [00:07:57] their decisions regarding alcohol use and other drugs. [00:08:01] As part of the Power of Parents program created to sustain a prolonged conversation with underage [00:08:08] about drinking and other drugs among middle and high school students, the Alcohol Initiatives [00:08:13] Committee continues to distribute its best practices brochure to retailers in an effort [00:08:18] to educate them on the strategies to reduce underage access and promote responsible alcohol [00:08:25] sales. [00:08:26] We continue our mission to develop strategies to combat the challenges we face on a daily [00:08:31] basis such as home delivery of alcohol beverages. [00:08:35] The increased incidence of violence, assaults, robberies, child abuse, intimate partner violence, [00:08:40] and alcohol-related hospital admissions and impaired driving also remain areas of focus. [00:08:48] Pesco High School students who consume alcohol use reports that they use in residence the [00:08:57] majority of the time and the remainder report consuming alcohol in others' homes. [00:09:03] 67.2% report their usual source of alcohol is to have someone else purchase it for them. [00:09:11] They take it from a family member. [00:09:13] In Pesco County, retail access to alcohol has increased 240% with 4.6% of youth buying [00:09:22] the alcohol in store. [00:09:25] During recent conversations with youth, they have told me that they are placing single-serve [00:09:30] bottles of alcohol in drink cups, filling the cup with ice and soft drinks, though upon [00:09:35] checkout the clerks have no idea that the alcohol is hidden in the cup. [00:09:41] With this in mind, we ask that you support our Talk It Up, Lock It Up campaign, a campaign [00:09:46] that asks adults to monitor alcohols in their home, not provide alcohol to those under 21, [00:09:52] and to lock up large quantities of alcohol. [00:09:55] Although we do understand that there may be those who do not drink or consume alcohol [00:10:00] or purchase it, this should not limit the ability to support the campaign to ensure [00:10:04] our youth are not accessing alcohol. [00:10:07] My team members have pledged forms that we hope that you are willing to sign to support [00:10:11] the campaign. [00:10:13] As this coalition continues its mission to address the issues of alcohol and substance [00:10:18] misuse within Pasco County, we likewise remain grateful for the support and recognition that [00:10:24] you, our community leaders and policy makers, provide to us. [00:10:28] Again, I thank you for your continued support of ASAP and its initiatives. [00:10:33] I just wanted to say thank you as well for your leadership.

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7. 7

   Proclamation - Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day

   approved

   Mayor Archibald Davis read a proclamation designating May 11-17, 2025 as Police Week and May 15, 2025 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in New Port Richey. The Police Chief accepted the proclamation, noting his 35 years of service and honoring fallen officers including former colleague Officer Charles R. Kondek Jr.

   • proclamation:Designate May 11-17, 2025 as Police Week and May 15, 2025 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in the City of New Port Richey. (passed)

   🏢New Port Richey Police Department👤Archibald Davis👤Charles R. Kondek Jr.👤John F. Kennedy👤Justin#Peace Officers Memorial Day#Police Week

   ▶ Jump to 10:41 in the video

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   [00:10:41] Thank you. [00:10:43] Okay, now we have Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day. [00:10:51] Police Week is May 11th to the 17th, and Memorial Day is the 15th. [00:10:58] So Chief, can you bring in your backup down? [00:11:11] Whatever is easier for you. [00:11:25] Most of these guys have offered me a free ride to Land O'Lakes. [00:11:33] This is a proclamation of the Office of the Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, where [00:11:37] as police officers of the New Port Richey Police Department stand watch over our citizens, [00:11:41] selflessly risking their lives to protect individuals, families, neighborhoods and properties [00:11:46] against crimes, and where as May 15, 2025 is observed nationally as Peace Officers Memorial [00:11:52] Day in honor of those law enforcement officers who through their courageous deeds have made [00:11:58] the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the performance [00:12:03] of duty. [00:12:04] And where as across the nation, Police Week, the calendar week in which May 15th falls, [00:12:09] is observed with ceremonies to honor law enforcement officers who have sacrificed their lives in [00:12:14] the line of duty and to honor those who still strive to keep us safe. [00:12:19] And where as it is important that we acknowledge and honor the heroism of all our law enforcement [00:12:23] officers, and I encourage all citizens to express their deep appreciation to the men [00:12:27] and women who risk their lives to guard and protect us. [00:12:31] Now therefore, Archibald Davis, Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, do hereby designate [00:12:36] the week of May 11th through the 17th, 2025 as Police Week and May 15, 2025 as Peace Officers [00:12:44] Memorial Day. [00:12:45] I urge all citizens to join in commemorating law enforcement officers, past and present, [00:12:51] who by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities and their invaluable [00:12:55] contribution in upholding justice, enforce the rule of law and protect the innocent. [00:13:09] Thank you Mayor, Council Members, City Managers, City Attorneys, City Clerk. [00:13:13] In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as [00:13:19] Police Officer Memorial Day and the week that includes that date as National Police Week. [00:13:25] As I enter 35 years of service, nothing can be more honorable than this to honor all those [00:13:33] that stand on that thin blue line and this is why. [00:13:37] Since 1776, there have been 26,950 known law enforcement officer line of duty deaths in [00:13:44] the United States. [00:13:46] In Florida, 964 police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty with my former [00:13:53] colleague and friend, Officer Charles R. Condack Jr., who was shot and killed in the [00:13:57] line of duty on December 21st, 2014, being among Florida's fallen heroes. [00:14:03] Police Week is an important time to honor and remember those sacrifices made by law [00:14:08] enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty. [00:14:12] It is also a time to express gratitude to the brave men and women who continue to serve [00:14:18] and protect our communities every day. [00:14:21] May we never forget the sacrifices made by our fallen officers and heroes. [00:14:26] May we always express our gratitude to the men and women of the New Port Richey Police [00:14:30] Department, I call them New Port Richey's finest, thank you, who put their lives on [00:14:35] the line every day serving and protecting our community and I am so proud to serve with [00:14:40] all of you. [00:14:41] I know the great job that you do and I know what you face out there so thank you very [00:14:45] much. [00:14:46] Mayor, thank you. [00:14:47] Council members, thank you. [00:14:48] Thank you. [00:15:00] Anybody want to do pictures real quick with Justin? [00:15:04] This is a good idea. [00:15:34] I'm going to do my best. [00:15:58] I have two proclamations left but they were by title only.

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8. 8

   Proclamation - Public Service Recognition Week

   The Mayor noted that two proclamations—Stormwater Stewardship Month and Public Service Recognition Week—were being recognized, and that city employees from various departments had been thanked at a breakfast at the Spartan on Monday morning.

   🏢The Spartan#Public Service Recognition Week#Stormwater Stewardship Month

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   [00:16:24] One is a stormwater stewardship month and the other one is a public service recognition week. [00:16:31] We had recognized these people Monday morning at the Spartan, [00:16:36] bought them breakfast and thanked them from all the different departments in the city.

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9. 9

   Proclamation - Stormwater Stewardship Month (By Title Only)

   approved

   Council read by title only a proclamation recognizing Stormwater Stewardship Month. City employees had been recognized at a breakfast event at the Spartan earlier in the week.

   🏢The Spartan#Public Service Recognition Week#Stormwater Stewardship Month

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   [00:16:24] One is a stormwater stewardship month and the other one is a public service recognition week. [00:16:31] We had recognized these people Monday morning at the Spartan, [00:16:36] bought them breakfast and thanked them from all the different departments in the city.

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10. 11Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 17:06
11. 10

    Presentation on the Fair Housing Act

    David Fox of FedFox Enterprise delivered an informational presentation on the Fair Housing Act as part of the city's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application, which earns additional points for hosting such a presentation at a public meeting. The presentation covered protected classes, prohibited actions, exemptions, and the complaint process. No action was required.

    🏢FedFox Enterprise🏢HUD👤David Fox👤Debbie#42 U.S.C.#Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)#Fair Housing Act#Fair Housing Act conciliation requirement

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    [00:45:00] Mr. David Fox is here, and he'll be presenting the report. [00:45:06] Thank you. I'm David Fox from FedFox Enterprise. I have a sign-in sheet. This is part of a [00:45:14] CDBG application, and just as part of the application, we submit a sign-in sheet. I [00:45:25] had sent over a PowerPoint presentation. [00:45:28] It's up. [00:45:29] All right, great. This presentation is Fair Housing, Equal Opportunity for All. Slide [00:45:38] 2. Fair Housing Act, what does it do? 42 U.S.C. prohibits discrimination in housing-related [00:45:44] transactions including the sale, rental, or financing of dwellings. Discrimination includes [00:45:48] refusing to rent to someone, steering someone away to a particular type of housing or neighborhood, [00:45:53] enacting zoning measures to exclude particular groups, et cetera, because of membership in [00:45:57] protected classes. Slide 3. Protected classes are as follows. It includes race, color, religion, [00:46:06] national origin, sex, and familiar status and disability. Slide 4. What is prohibited? [00:46:15] No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, [00:46:19] familiar status, or national origin. You can't refuse to rent or sell housing based on one [00:46:23] of the classifications. You can't refuse to negotiate housing. You can't set different [00:46:28] terms or parameters. You can't falsely deny that housing is available for inspection when [00:46:32] it is available. And you can't for profit persuade or try to persuade homeowners to [00:46:36] sell or rent dwellings by suggesting that people of a particular classification have [00:46:40] moved into a neighborhood or deny any person access to a membership or participation in [00:46:45] an organization like an HOA. Slide 5. Other protection for families with children is unlawful [00:46:54] to discriminate against a person whose house includes one or more children who are under [00:46:58] 18 years of age under familiar status. There aren't exemptions to familiar status for 55 [00:47:04] and over and 62 and over communities. Those are the only two exemptions. Additional protection [00:47:12] if you have a disability. If you have a physical or mental disability, including hearing [00:47:16] mobility or visual impairment, cancer, chronic mental illness, or HIV AIDS, potentially limits [00:47:20] one or more major life activities, or if you regard it as having such a disability, a housing [00:47:24] provider may not refuse to let you make reasonable modifications to your dwelling at your expense. [00:47:30] Example of that would be if you needed to put in a wheelchair ramp. They can't refuse [00:47:34] for you to put it in, but they may require you to put the building back to the original [00:47:39] situation when you move out. Page 7. What housing is exempt? The Federal Fair Housing [00:47:48] Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units and single-family [00:47:53] housing. It's only a rental without the use of a broker. So if you have a garage apartment [00:47:58] and it's only a rental you have, then that could possibly be exempt. Senior housing exemptions. [00:48:04] Some senior housing facilities can use from the liability on familiar status. Once again, [00:48:08] that falls under the 55 and older or 62 and older communities. If you think your rights [00:48:17] have been violated, you can contact the following. It's listed on here. This slide presentation [00:48:21] is available at City Hall if you want to copy and the contact information. If you go to [00:48:29] file a complaint on slide 9, what you would need to include in your complaint is your [00:48:33] name and address. The name and address of the person your complaint is against. The [00:48:37] address or other identification of the housing involved. A short description of the alleged [00:48:41] violation and the date the alleged violation occurred. Some ordinances have a time frame [00:48:47] that you have to submit within 45 days, so you need to be aware of that time. And who [00:48:52] do you submit to is back on the previous slide, which I said is available at City Hall. That's [00:48:57] HUD's contact information in Atlanta and in D.C. What happens when you file a complaint [00:49:03] on slide 10? The office receiving the complaint will notify the person filing the complaint [00:49:08] of the alleged violation of the filing of your complaint and allow them to respond at [00:49:11] time to submit a written response to the complaint. HUD will investigate your complaint and determine [00:49:16] whether there is reasonable cause. It will notify you and respond if HUD cannot complete [00:49:20] the investigation within 100 days and you have the Fair Housing Act conciliation requirement. [00:49:25] During the complaint investigation, HUD is required to offer you and the respondent the [00:49:29] opportunity to voluntarily resolve your complaint with the conciliation agreement. This is for [00:49:34] information purposes. No action is required. I'd like to answer any questions you may have. [00:49:39] Anybody else have any questions up here? This gives you additional points in your CDBG application. [00:49:49] As just so you know, right, the city is applying for community development block grant funds [00:49:53] directly to the state. And as part of our block grant application, we compete with other [00:50:02] communities for funding. If we have a presentation at a public meeting related to the Fair Housing [00:50:11] Act, it entitles us to some additional points on our application. So we thought it was important [00:50:18] to maximize our opportunity to succeed in our grant application. And so we are, again, [00:50:26] this round, having a presentation to you this evening on the Fair Housing Act. [00:50:33] And I want to review the whole presentation and then maybe have questions for you, Debbie. [00:50:40] Any questions, we're prepared to respond. Thank you very much. [00:50:43] Thank you, Mr. Fox. [00:50:48] Okay, consent agenda, need approval.

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12. 12.a

    Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval

    approvedon consent

    Council approved the purchases/payments item on a 5-0 vote.

    • motion:Motion to approve purchases/payments for City Council approval. (passed)5–0

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    [00:50:50] Move for approval. [00:50:51] Do we have a second? [00:50:52] I'll second. [00:50:53] All those in favor, signify by aye. [00:50:55] Aye. [00:50:56] 5-0. Public reading of ordinance, a second reading of ordinance number 2025-2325, authorization

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13. 12.b

    Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes - March 2025

    approvedon consent

    Council accepted the Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes from March 2025 by unanimous vote.

    • motion:Motion to approve the Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes for March 2025. (passed)5–0

    #Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes - March 2025

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    [00:50:50] Move for approval. [00:50:51] Do we have a second? [00:50:52] I'll second. [00:50:53] All those in favor, signify by aye. [00:50:55] Aye. [00:50:56] 5-0. Public reading of ordinance, a second reading of ordinance number 2025-2325, authorization

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14. 13.a

    Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2325: Authorizing the Issuance of Non-Ad Valorem Revenue Notes

    approved

    Council held the second reading and approved Ordinance 2025-2325, authorizing the issuance of non-ad valorem revenue notes not to exceed $9 million in one or more series to finance capital improvements, including Railroad Square redevelopment, and the acquisition of real property at 7631 US Highway 19. Bond counsel Dwayne Draper outlined the structure: a tax-exempt Series A up to $3.35M at 3.745% and a taxable Series B up to $5.65M at 4.76%, with Webster Bank as lender.

    Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2325

    • motion:Motion to approve Ordinance 2025-2325 authorizing the issuance of non-ad valorem revenue notes not to exceed $9 million. (passed)5–0

    📍7631 US Highway 19🏢Bryant, Miller, and Olive🏢Webster Bank👤Dwayne Draper👤John Ford👤Ms. Dunn👤Peter Altman#Amended and restated interlocal agreement for debt service#American Rescue Plan Act funds#CRA tax increment funding#Ordinance No. 2025-2325#Railroad Square redevelopment#Resolution No. 2025-14#Series 2025-A tax-exempt notes#Series 2025-B taxable bank loan

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    [00:51:05] of insurance and non-vorm revenue notes. [00:51:10] This is ordinance number 2025-2325, an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, authorizing [00:51:16] the issuance of non-ad valorem revenue notes in one or more series in the aggregate principal [00:51:21] amount of not to exceed $9 million to finance the cost of various capital improvements and [00:51:26] the acquisition of real property and paying costs related thereto, providing that the [00:51:31] notes shall be limited obligations of the city payable from non-ad valorem revenues [00:51:35] budgeted, appropriated, and deposited as provided herein, providing for the right securities [00:51:41] and remedies for the owners of the notes, providing for severability, and providing [00:51:45] an effective date. [00:51:46] As council will recall, on April 1st, at our city council meeting, a matter was introduced [00:51:54] to you related to the issuance of non-ad valorem revenue notes in the amount of $9 million, [00:52:04] the purpose of which was to purchase some real estate located at 7631 US Highway 19, [00:52:12] and additionally to fund the redevelopment of Railroad Square along with the cost of [00:52:18] issuance of the bond. I have before you this evening Mr. Dwayne Draper and also Mr. John [00:52:28] Ford who are prepared to present to you the ordinance related to this agenda item. [00:52:36] Thank you, City Manager. Thank you, Mayor and City Commissioners. My name is Dwayne [00:52:45] Draper and I'm with Bryant, Miller, and Olive. We've had the privilege to serve as bond [00:52:48] council to the city for about two decades and I'll give you a concise summary with [00:52:54] regard to some actions that you'll be asked to take tonight. One relates to ordinance [00:52:59] number 2025-35 that the city manager mentioned and that authorizes not to exceed $9 million [00:53:07] in one or more series of notes secured, as the city manager mentioned, with the covenant [00:53:13] to budget and appropriate legally available non-ad valorem revenues of the city to finance [00:53:18] various capital redevelopment projects. So assuming that that were to pass, you'll also [00:53:24] consider in a subsequent action resolution number 2025-14 and that authorizes the two [00:53:33] series. One, a series A tax exempt and not to exceed $3.35 million to fund various capital [00:53:42] improvements at an interest rate of 3.745% with call protection through October 1, 2028 [00:53:50] and at that point the note becomes redeemable initially at a 1% premium and then declining [00:54:00] to par one year later. It also includes not to exceed $5.65 million taxable bank loan. [00:54:10] That's the 2025-B and that is to fund the real estate acquisition. Its taxable interest [00:54:15] rate is 4.76%. It becomes callable at a 1% premium in October 1, 2027, declining to par [00:54:24] starting in October 1, 2028. And that resolution also approves the form and authorizes the [00:54:31] execution and delivery of an amended and restated interlocal agreement for debt service, which [00:54:37] obligates the CRA's tax increment funding to reimburse the city for payments on the [00:54:45] debt service. And it also appoints Webster Bank as the lender. Also coming across the [00:54:51] dais tonight will be a public meeting certificate to be signed by each of those voting tonight [00:54:57] that says that they didn't violate the Sunshine Law and also don't have a prohibited conflict [00:55:01] of interest with Webster Bank. And again, John Ford is here. He's been your financial [00:55:09] advisor for many years as well, in case you have any questions for me or for him with [00:55:14] regard to these items. And I'm here to take any questions. [00:55:18] Do we have any public comment? Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring it back for discussion [00:55:24] and vote. [00:55:27] I would like to just make sure, since this is a public meeting and everyone's hearing [00:55:31] these numbers, to clarify that when you say it's callable after so many years, that means [00:55:36] that the city is able to pay off the note and therefore not have any more interest to [00:55:42] be borne, correct? [00:55:45] That's correct. The call flexibility initially after two and a half years in the case of [00:55:53] the tax exempt and one and a half years in the case of the taxable would be able to prepay [00:55:58] the debt with a one percent penalty declining to no penalty within one year thereafter. [00:56:03] So there's a lot of call flexibility for the city. [00:56:06] Mr. Draper, you and I go back a long way as well in the community development district [00:56:11] business and the bonds that are regularly put out for infrastructure purposes there. [00:56:16] So this is our redevelopment infrastructure on the tax-free and this is our investment [00:56:24] in the hotel for the CRA on the taxable. And it's of note, as I'm sure you're aware, that [00:56:32] the bill was laid on the table that was to affect the CRAs and to not allow us to do [00:56:41] more into the future. So for the time being, unless it comes back in its amended form, [00:56:46] which really is palatable, we're okay. But that bill was to suggest that CRAs, which [00:56:54] is our funding source, would potentially be restricted not to do other projects. [00:57:00] So in a way, by doing this and committing to this project and getting it approved now, [00:57:08] those laws, when they do come out, if we get a tax on this CRA method, they always put [00:57:16] a provision that debt can continue to be collected and paid. So I think for a number of reasons [00:57:22] I'm in favor of it. And thank you. [00:57:26] Well said. [00:57:29] I have a question, not necessarily for the city manager, regarding one of the projects [00:57:37] listed, the River Road Square project, the phase one, and how the American Rescue Plan [00:57:44] dollars compare to what's presented here. Is this overlapping? Are we putting American [00:57:50] Rescue dollars into the project in addition to this? [00:57:53] There are no American Rescue Plan dollars being afforded to the Railroad Square project [00:57:59] at all. [00:58:00] There aren't? [00:58:01] No. The funds used or that are being recommended for use to support the Railroad Square project [00:58:10] are exclusively the bond funds. [00:58:13] So maybe I've misunderstood. We were using upwards of $2 million for some sort of fund [00:58:21] project downtown from the American Rescue Plan Act. Is that no longer, am I not recalling [00:58:26] that? [00:58:27] You're recalling that accurately. That was the case at one point. But we had a deadline [00:58:32] by which we had to use the American Rescue Plan Act funds. And so they were reappropriated [00:58:40] to other projects. And at this time we're recommending that we use the funds, the bond [00:58:47] funds, to support the Railroad Square project. And I can have Ms. Dunn provide an accounting [00:58:54] of how those funds were used in my Friday report to you. [00:58:58] The American Rescue Plan funds? [00:58:59] Yes. [00:58:59] That was going to be my request. I appreciate you for reading my mind. And thank you for [00:59:06] presenting and for preparing this. I mean, Peter Altman said it pretty well. If we're [00:59:13] going to use it, let's use it, right? And make sure we're investing. [00:59:17] I'm all in favor. [00:59:21] I just wanted to, they brought up a couple other ordinances. Is it all under this one? [00:59:28] They're going to come up as we go through the agenda. So you'll see those other ones, [00:59:32] including the CRA meeting. [00:59:34] Okay. So all those in favor. [00:59:36] Mr. Mayor, I'll make a motion to approve. [00:59:38] Okay. I thought we did have it. Okay. [00:59:41] Second. [00:59:43] Anything else? [00:59:44] No, sir. [00:59:45] Okay. All those in favor, signify by aye. [00:59:47] Aye. [00:59:48] Those opposed, 5-0. Okay. The first reading of Ordinance 20-25-23-26, Property Lease Agreement.

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15. 13.b

    First Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2326: Property Lease Agreement w/CJBJ Ventures LLC (The Social)

    approved

    Council approved on first reading Ordinance 2025-2326, a three-year lease (with one-year renewal option) at $31.20/month allowing CJBJ Ventures LLC (The Social) to use a city-owned dumpster enclosure on the Thomas Meighan parking lot behind the old Department of Health building. The lease renews an existing arrangement; the businesses maintain the area and pay separately for waste hauling.

    Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2326

    • motion:Motion to approve first reading of Ordinance 2025-2326 leasing a portion of city property to CJBJ Ventures LLC (The Social). (passed)5–0

    📍Thomas Meighan parking lot behind the old Department of Health building📍south side of Nebraska Avenue, west of Grand Boulevard🏢CJBJ Ventures LLC🏢Dulcet🏢J.D. Parker🏢Kazoo Sushi LLC🏢Kazoo's🏢The Social👤Mr. Rivera👤Ms. Manz#Cavalier Square#Ordinance 2025-2326#Ordinance 2025-2327

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    [01:00:00] I'm with CJBJ Ventures LLC, the social. [01:00:04] This is ordinance number 2025-2326, an ordinance of the city of Newport Beach, Florida authorizing [01:00:09] the lease of a portion of a certain property owned by the city and located on the south [01:00:12] side of Nebraska Avenue, west of Grand Boulevard, providing authorization for execution of the [01:00:18] lease agreement and providing for an effective date. [01:00:21] As you are all aware, whenever we lease city property, we do so by ordinance, and in this [01:00:27] specific case, Mr. Rivera is recommending that we lease a rather small piece of city [01:00:33] property, but it is done so by ordinance, and he will represent the agenda item to you. [01:00:38] Thank you, Ms. Manz. [01:00:39] During the Thomas Manhattan parking lot that's directly behind the old Department of Health [01:00:44] building, during the project, we constructed a 28 by 10 concrete dumpster enclosure. [01:00:52] The purpose of the construction was to house trash dumpsters for a few of the adjacent [01:00:57] restaurants that either had no space available or limited space in their area, especially [01:01:04] with the construction of some of the outside cafe areas that they had, and so the intent [01:01:10] of the ordinance is to renew the existing leases that we have. [01:01:14] In this case, this item is for the social. [01:01:17] The subsequent item will be for Kazoo's, so those are the two businesses that are occupying [01:01:26] the dumpster area currently. [01:01:30] The agreement calls out, and it hasn't changed, it's the same agreement. [01:01:34] The two businesses are responsible for the maintenance of the areas. [01:01:40] We have a three-year agreement in place, if you approve it, with a one-year renewal option, [01:01:47] and the cost is $31.20 a month. [01:01:51] This is the same amount that we had in our first lease agreement. [01:01:55] It was based upon the rental that was executed between Dulcet and the city for Cavalier Square. [01:02:03] Many of you will remember that. [01:02:06] We kept the price the same this go-round as well. [01:02:08] We haven't had any complaints or issues with the two businesses. [01:02:13] Whenever we've had any minor issues for any kind of repair, any kind of clean-up, they've [01:02:18] been very responsive. [01:02:20] With that being said, we would recommend that you approve the first reading of this ordinance. [01:02:25] Any public comment? [01:02:28] Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [01:02:32] I'll move approval. [01:02:33] Second. [01:02:34] Second. [01:02:35] No, sir. [01:02:37] I think it helps our city look better, to consolidate all the bins. [01:02:43] Second. [01:02:44] Anybody else? [01:02:45] Yeah, Ms. Marich, I have a question. [01:02:50] The amount listed here, the $31.20 per month, how does that square up to other businesses [01:02:57] in town and what they're paying J.D. Parker for their waste services? [01:03:01] This just doesn't relate to pick-up or hauling charges. [01:03:04] This is just the lease cost associated with them placing their dumpster on our concrete [01:03:10] pad and within our enclosure. [01:03:12] So then they pay an additional fee? [01:03:14] They do, yes. [01:03:15] Okay. [01:03:16] Thank you. [01:03:17] All those in favor, signify by saying aye. [01:03:19] Aye. [01:03:20] Aye. [01:03:21] Those opposed? [01:03:22] 5-0. [01:03:23] First reading of Ordinance 2025-2327, Property Lease Agreement with Kazoo Sushi LLC.

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16. 13.c

    First Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2327: Property Lease Agreement w/Kazu's Sushi LLC

    approved

    Council approved on first reading Ordinance 2025-2327 authorizing a property lease agreement with Kazu's Sushi LLC for a portion of city-owned property on the south side of Nebraska Avenue, west of Graham Boulevard, for concrete and an enclosure.

    Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2327

    • motion:Motion to approve first reading of Ordinance 2025-2327, the property lease agreement with Kazu's Sushi LLC. (passed)5–0

    📍south side of Nebraska Avenue, west of Graham Boulevard🏢Kazu's Sushi LLC👤Mr. Rivera#Ordinance No. 2025-2327

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    [01:03:30] This is Ordinance 2025-2327, an ordinance of the City of New Portage, Florida, authorizing [01:03:36] the lease of a portion of certain property owned by the City and located on the south [01:03:40] side of Nebraska Avenue, west of Graham Boulevard, providing authorization for execution of the [01:03:44] lease agreement, providing for an effective date. [01:03:47] As indicated by Mr. Rivera, this is a second agenda item relating to a lease agreement [01:03:57] for some concrete and an enclosure, more specifically relating to Kazoo's Sushi LLC. [01:04:06] Mr. Rivera? [01:04:08] It's basically the same agreement that we have for the social. [01:04:11] So we would recommend that you do approve the first reading. [01:04:15] Any public comments? [01:04:16] Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [01:04:20] I'll move to approve. [01:04:21] I'll second. [01:04:22] To a maker? [01:04:23] No comment. [01:04:24] Second? [01:04:25] Good. [01:04:27] All those in favor signify by aye. [01:04:29] Aye. [01:04:30] Those opposed? [01:04:31] 5-0. [01:04:32] Moving on to business items, Resolution Number 2025-14, Authorization Assurance of Tax-Exempt

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17. 14.a

    Resolution No. 2025-14: Authorizing the Issuance of Tax-Exempt Non-Ad Valorem Revenue Note 2025A and Taxable Non-Ad Valorem Revenue Note 2025B and Amended and Restated Interlocal Agreement

    approved

    Council adopted Resolution 2025-14 authorizing issuance of a tax-exempt non-ad valorem revenue note Series 2025-A (not to exceed $3,350,000) to finance Phase 1 redevelopment of Railroad Square, and a taxable non-ad valorem revenue note Series 2025-B (not to exceed $5,650,000) to finance acquisition of real property at 7631 US Highway 19. The resolution also approved an amended and restated debt service reimbursement interlocal agreement between the City and the CRA, under which the CRA will repay the City from tax increment revenues.

    Ord. Resolution No. 2025-14

    • motion:Motion to approve Resolution 2025-14 authorizing issuance of the Series 2025-A and Series 2025-B notes and the amended and restated interlocal agreement with the CRA. (passed)

    📍7631 US Highway 19🏢City of New Port Richey Florida Community Redevelopment Agency👤Councilman Altman👤Councilman Jonas👤Ms. Dunn#Amended and Restated Debt Service Reimbursement Interlocal Agreement#American Rescue Plan funds#North Grand#Railroad Square redevelopment Phase 1#Resolution No. 2025-14#Tax-Exempt Non-Ad Valorem Revenue Note Series 2025-A#Taxable Non-Ad Valorem Revenue Note Series 2025-B#US-19 unification

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    [01:04:41] Non-Ad valorem. [01:04:43] Revenue and Note Number 2025-A. [01:04:45] We're not doing D. [01:04:48] I don't have a D on mine. [01:04:50] This agenda item actually calls for two actions. [01:04:55] We're calling for your consideration as it relates to the issuance of tax-exempt non-ad [01:05:04] valorem revenue note, Series 2025-A, in the amount of $3,350,000 to finance the cost of [01:05:17] various capital improvements and taxable non-ad valorem revenue note, Series 2025-B, in the [01:05:25] amount not to exceed $5,650,000 to finance the acquisition of real property, and secondly, [01:05:35] approval of the form and execution of an amended and restated debt service reimbursement interlocal [01:05:42] agreement between the City of New Port Richey and the City of New Port Richey Florida Community [01:05:48] Redevelopment Agency. [01:05:52] Ms. Dunn, do you have some additional comments? [01:05:54] No, it's again for the purchase of the real property at 7631 US Highway 19 through the [01:06:01] taxable note, and also the Phase 1 of redevelopment of Railroad Square through the non-taxable [01:06:07] ad valorem note. [01:06:09] The interlocal agreement attached to the memo amends and restates the previous interlocal [01:06:13] agreement between the CRA and the City. [01:06:16] The amended and restated debt service reimbursement interlocal agreement reestablishes the CRA's [01:06:21] obligation to repay the City for all costs, present and future, which are incurred by [01:06:26] the City on behalf of the CRA, and in connection with the issuance of the taxable non-ad valorem [01:06:34] revenue note, Series 2025-A, and Series 2025-B, in the event tax increment revenues aren't [01:06:40] sufficient. [01:06:41] Do you have any public comment? [01:06:45] Seeing no one come forward, bring her back for discussion and vote. [01:06:47] Mr. Mayor, I need to read the title too. [01:06:50] This is Resolution Number 2025-14, a resolution of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, authorizing [01:06:55] the issuance of a not-to-exceed $3,350,000 tax-exempt non-ad valorem revenue note, Series [01:07:02] 2025-A, of the City to finance the costs of various capital improvements, and a not-to-exceed [01:07:09] $5,650,000 taxable non-ad valorem revenue note, Series 2025-B, to finance the acquisition [01:07:17] of real property, providing that the note shall be limited to obligations of the City, [01:07:21] payable from non-ad valorem revenues budgeted, appropriated, and deposited, as provided herein, [01:07:26] making such determinations as are required to afford Series 2025-A note bank-qualified [01:07:32] status, providing for the right securities and remedies for the owner of the notes, approving [01:07:36] the form of, and authorizing the execution of, an amended and restated debt service reimbursement [01:07:41] interlocal agreement between the City and the Community Redevelopment Agency of the [01:07:45] City, making certain covenants and agreements in connection therewith, and providing for [01:07:49] an effective date. [01:07:50] All right. [01:07:51] Do we have a motion? [01:07:52] We already asked and one came forward. [01:07:53] Yeah, you opened up to public already. [01:07:54] Yeah, I already did. [01:07:55] I'll make a motion to approve the forward of the resolution. [01:08:08] To make or anything? [01:08:12] I'm happy to say that it was brought up that the project that this is going to fund had [01:08:17] previously been identified in a budget to be spent with American Rescue Plan monies. [01:08:22] And the reality is those monies were already utilized. [01:08:29] And so they were used, I believe, a large part for administrative, you know, for labor [01:08:39] and wage costs, which is something that's promoted in order to make it easier for us [01:08:45] to pass through the audit because it's a much easier audit process. [01:08:53] And so auditors have been promoting that method. [01:08:58] But I think what happened was the idea that those dollars would be here, they're not. [01:09:03] And time has passed and years have passed. [01:09:06] So when you provide the report on Friday, I think if we could just provide that original [01:09:12] resolution because a lot of those projects were not able to be funded. [01:09:16] But lucky for us, we have revenue that comes in every year. [01:09:20] So we're going to have to start over from scratch versus looking back and wondering [01:09:25] what happened. [01:09:26] And that's why I'm hopeful that we can all sit, look at where we stand, what projects [01:09:30] we can do, how we can do them. [01:09:33] But those dollars were, by resolution, to be used for that. [01:09:41] They're timed out and they're gone. [01:09:44] So we may want to do a review to see what didn't get done and how we want to try to [01:09:50] fit that back into our capital projects. [01:09:52] But I just wanted to let you know, Councilman, that, you know, it's going to be a worthy [01:09:58] discussion to have when we find out our financial capital, you know, opportunities going forward. [01:10:04] This is a loan, however, and it will be paid back through CRA funds. [01:10:08] The project was identified in the CRA and I had discussions with the attorney about [01:10:12] this because I was concerned and I mentioned those concerns, which is why I want to bring [01:10:16] this up today. [01:10:18] He has satisfied me that the provision that you can't add something that was already [01:10:25] budgeted really relates to the initiation of a CRA. [01:10:31] So you can't form a CRA to pay for things that you were otherwise to do. [01:10:36] And I had a bit of a misinterpretation because it had been budgeted otherwise to be moved [01:10:41] here. [01:10:42] So I'm satisfied with the answer that I got from legal to that nature because you brought [01:10:49] it up. [01:10:50] Thank you. [01:10:52] I'm just happy that we're going to get this project finally off the ground, the railroad [01:10:56] square and get this thing moving. [01:10:59] Yeah, I just want to respond to Councilman Altman and say I kind of got muted because [01:11:05] I want to respect the city manager's opportunity to release that report before I do start looking [01:11:11] out the rearview mirror and seeing. [01:11:13] I think it is important that up until this point, we had told the public that we were [01:11:17] going to use COVID dollars. [01:11:19] And so just making sure the public is aware, hey, we shifted those funds, we're using these [01:11:22] funds. [01:11:23] And personally, I think, and this is just my personal opinion, no reflection on staff [01:11:29] and their strategic decision making. [01:11:32] But I think this is a better way of doing it only because I felt uncomfortable using [01:11:37] our American Rescue dollars for the core downtown when we've already invested millions of dollars [01:11:44] into the downtown. [01:11:45] I thought there were better uses for that, but that might be a difference of opinion. [01:11:49] So I am looking forward to seeing how those American Rescue dollars were used and which [01:11:52] ones did not, unfortunately, get used because of deadlines. [01:11:57] And to the point of this, the investment that's being made, as Councilman Jonas suggested, [01:12:05] in our downtown needs to continue. [01:12:07] And I think we need to look to the future of North Grand. [01:12:10] And we also have our eyes set on some of US-19, which has been a big push of the mayor when [01:12:15] he was deputy mayor and a council member of unification of US-19. [01:12:19] So this property acquisition towards that bridge over there is going to potentially [01:12:27] jumpstart some development along US-19 in a way that is both resilient for some of the [01:12:33] coastal council people in the room, as well as economically advantageous for our city. [01:12:39] Senator Pat? [01:12:40] Yeah, the railroad square project, we've definitely waited long enough for that. [01:12:44] So I'm glad we're getting that going and doing it through this process, and also taking [01:12:49] advantage of this in order to buy that property up on US-19. [01:12:54] And this vehicle to do it is a way to get things going now when you need to have it [01:12:59] done versus having to wait. [01:13:00] So opportunity knocks, and sometimes you have to jump on it then, so this is a good vehicle

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18. 14.b

    Ratification of the Initial Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City and IAFF, Local 1158 (District Chief Unit)

    approved

    Council ratified the initial collective bargaining agreement between the City and IAFF Local 1158 (District Chief Unit) covering October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2027. The agreement establishes a salary career ladder from probationary District Chief ($98,820) through District Chief 5 ($113,447) with 3% steps, educational requirements, and an annual wage re-opener. Motion passed 5-0.

    • motion:Move to approve ratification of the initial collective bargaining agreement between the City and IAFF Local 1158 (District Chief Unit). (passed)5–0

    🏢IAFF Local 1158👤Mr. Wetzel👤Ms. Manns#Article 25 - Tuition Reimbursement#Article 9 - Wages#District Chief career ladder#FY 2024-2025 Budget#Initial Collective Bargaining Agreement - District Chief Unit

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    [01:13:07] to do that. [01:13:08] And we look forward to the way it comes out. [01:13:11] I'm a big supporter of growth of the city, and not only this project or the hotel project, [01:13:17] but also Swetman project. [01:13:19] So all those in favor, signify by aye. [01:13:22] Aye. [01:13:23] Aye. [01:13:24] Aye. [01:13:25] Those opposed, five nothing. [01:13:26] Ratifying the initial collective bargaining agreement between the city and IAFF. [01:13:31] Mr. Mayor, members of council, it's a pleasure to be able to present to you an initial collective [01:13:37] bargaining agreement between the city and our district chief union. [01:13:42] It covers the time period October 1st, 2024 through September 30th, 2027. [01:13:51] Mr. Wetzel was very involved in the negotiations along with me, and he'll present the major [01:14:01] terms and conditions that were agreed upon. [01:14:04] Thank you. [01:14:05] Thank you, Ms. Manns. [01:14:06] Thank you, Mr. Mayor and City Council. [01:14:08] The request before you this evening for City Council is to vote affirmatively in favor [01:14:12] of ratifying the proposed initial collective bargaining agreement reached for fiscal year [01:14:17] 2024-2025 between the City of New Port Richey and the International Association of Firefighters [01:14:23] IAFF Local 1158, representing the district chief unit. [01:14:31] After relatively few negotiation meetings with the district chiefs, the staff is pleased [01:14:35] to present to you the proposed initial collective bargaining agreement that has been reached [01:14:39] between the city and IAFF district chief unit for fiscal year 2024-2025. [01:14:46] The vast majority of the articles in this collective bargaining agreement mirror the [01:14:51] articles contained in the rank and file firefighters agreement with only subtle differences in [01:14:56] title, etc. [01:14:57] The following highlights... [01:15:00] Several of the key items that are different and have been agreed upon by the union and [01:15:05] the city negotiating teams, the items are as follows. [01:15:08] The grievance procedure, arbitration will not be utilized for terminations, demotions [01:15:14] or suspensions. [01:15:15] City policy and procedure will be followed for such actions. [01:15:19] With regard to wages and compensation for fiscal year 2024-2025, the salary steps reflected [01:15:25] in Article 9 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement will be as follows. [01:15:29] There will be a probationary district chief that will start at a salary of $98,820 per [01:15:36] year. [01:15:37] Then there will be five different levels going from District Chief 1 to District Chief 5 [01:15:42] with 3% between each of those levels. [01:15:45] The District Chief 1 salary will be $100,796 per year, up to again I said 3% between each [01:15:53] level up to District Chief 5, which will be $113,447 per year. [01:16:00] The current District Chiefs will be placed at a District Chief 1 salary level. [01:16:05] This will be a three-year contract as Ms. Manns has stated with an annual wage re-opener [01:16:10] and the District Chiefs will remain exempt employees. [01:16:15] As part of the wages and the levels, there will be a career ladder for the District Chiefs [01:16:22] in order for them to elevate to the next level within the compensation and the wages [01:16:28] from that standpoint. [01:16:29] It will run from a probationary level, again up to a District Chief 5 level. [01:16:35] Again there will be, the way it is set up, there will be three years between each level. [01:16:40] And again, we also put in an educational requirement, so not just based on years of time, but also [01:16:46] educational requirements that they would have to obtain. [01:16:49] Everything from completing their probationary status as a probationary employee, up through [01:16:53] again I'll just highlight very quickly that the different levels, like a District Chief [01:16:57] 2 level, they would have to be a health and safety officer, which is a task book. [01:17:02] But again, like District Chief 4, again after three years at a District Chief 3 level, they [01:17:07] would have to have a fire officer 3 certification, which is a state exam. [01:17:11] So there's a mixture of task book and state certifications that they're required to do. [01:17:16] And with respect to the current District Chiefs, they must remain a District Chief at one classification [01:17:22] for at least one year to complete any incomplete educational requirements that they have. [01:17:28] The folks that are District Chiefs are quite senior folks, but they do not have the educational [01:17:33] requirements that are part of this level step career ladder, so they need to do that. [01:17:38] A current District Chief will be permitted to move to a District Chief 2 level when they [01:17:45] meet the educational requirements for the D.C. 2 level. [01:17:49] The three-year requirement will be waived for current District Chiefs to move to the [01:17:53] D.C. 2 level only. [01:17:55] Little bit again, because of their time and tenure, and do that, this is the only time [01:17:59] that that will be waived, is this step here. [01:18:03] So the recommendation this evening from staff is for City Councils to vote in favor and [01:18:08] ratify the proposed Initial Collective Bargaining Agreement reached with the IAFF Local 1158 [01:18:13] for the District Chief Unit. [01:18:16] The financial and fiscal impact associated with this agenda item was anticipated and [01:18:22] accounted for in FY 2024-25 budget, and again, based on the timing of this agreement approval, [01:18:30] there are no additional funds or amendments necessary to the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget [01:18:36] to fund this item. [01:18:37] If you have any questions, Ms. Manzer, I would be glad to answer them for you. [01:18:41] Any public comment? [01:18:44] Bring it back for discussion and vote. [01:18:46] Mr. Mayor, I'm going to move to approve. [01:18:49] I'll second. [01:18:51] First, I wanted to thank the Finance Director and the City Manager for preparing a budget [01:18:58] that proactively considered some of the complications of this need for a second round of collective [01:19:05] bargaining, or excuse me, initial bargaining agreement, and factoring that into the budget. [01:19:10] And then to the Human Resources Department and their team for working through the nuances [01:19:17] and being conscious of the needs of our city, but also of the employees. [01:19:22] And then to the IAFF and the District Chiefs and their courage for being willing to step [01:19:30] up in a state where it's not necessarily always popular to be a part of a union and to do [01:19:35] that so that they can consciously consider all the different aspects of their job. [01:19:40] Public safety is super important, and we need to be protecting our public servants. [01:19:45] In that respect, I see with the career ladder there, there's a comprehensive career ladder [01:19:48] and that Article 25, much like all city employees, but especially in this agreement, calls for [01:19:55] some level of tuition reimbursement for certain educational programs. [01:19:59] And so I don't know in particular if that extends to this career ladder, but the fact [01:20:04] that we are giving opportunities for these District Chiefs to continue to advance and [01:20:09] for the city to pay them back for that, so there's not a penalty, it shows that this [01:20:15] agreement is mutually beneficial both to our city and the District Fire Chiefs so that [01:20:21] we can have an equitable and very conscious relationship, so we're being mindful of how [01:20:28] we're treating our fire personnel. [01:20:33] I can concur with what you had there. [01:20:36] Anybody else? [01:20:37] No, sir. [01:20:38] All those in favor, signify by aye. [01:20:40] Aye. [01:20:41] 5-0. [01:20:43] Recommendation of culture program funding for the Boots on the Ground Celebrating the [01:20:48] Journey. [01:20:50] This recommendation before you this evening is being advanced, and I will ask Mrs. Feigart [01:20:59] to present the item to you for cultural programming out of the City Council budget. [01:21:08] Thank you, City Manager Manz, and good evening City Council and Honorable Mayor. [01:21:14] As City Council is aware, the Cultural Affairs Committee is an official committee of the [01:21:19] City of New Port Richey, and one of its primary responsibilities is to advise the City Council [01:21:25] on matters pertaining to cultural programming initiatives, projects, and related funding [01:21:30] requests. [01:21:31] At their April 16th meeting, Larnell Scott, a well-known community advocate and Special [01:21:38] Events Coordinator, presented a funding request of $3,700 for a special community event entitled [01:21:47] Boots on the Ground Celebrating the Journey. [01:21:52] The goal of this event is to raise awareness about the Juneteenth National Holiday by celebrating [01:22:00] the history, culture, and contributions of the African-American community while honoring [01:22:08] our community's spirit of unity. [01:22:14] If approved, the Boots on the Ground Celebrating the Journey event will take place at 7 p.m. [01:22:20] on June 18th at the Ritchie Suncoast Theater. [01:22:24] The event will be free and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served [01:22:29] basis. [01:22:30] A local comedian will emcee, and the event will feature traditional music and folklore [01:22:38] presentations by Oreshirishi, a critically acclaimed performing arts team. [01:22:47] The presentation would include a spoken word piece about the Juneteenth story and interactive [01:22:52] segments where the audience will be invited to participate in alafia drumming and a final [01:23:02] Boots on the Ground line dance. [01:23:05] After reviewing the proposal and discussing the program outline, the Cultural Affairs [01:23:09] Committee unanimously recommended that City Council fully fund this request in the amount [01:23:15] of $3,700. [01:23:18] Funding is available in line item 44810, Allocated for Cultural Affairs Events in the City Council's [01:23:27] fiscal year 2025 budget, which covers October 1st, 2024 through September 30th, 2025. [01:23:37] The requester, Ms. Larnell Scott, members of the Cultural Affairs Committee are in attendance [01:23:44] at tonight's meeting, and they or I are available if you have additional questions. [01:23:51] Do we have any public comment? [01:23:54] I see no one come forward. [01:23:57] Looking for discussion and vote. [01:24:01] Public comment?

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

19. 14.c

    Recommendation for Cultural Program Funding Re: "Boots on the Ground" Celebrating the Journey

    approved

    Larnell Scott of the African-American Club of Pasco presented 'Boots on the Ground: Celebrating the Journey,' a Juneteenth kickoff cultural event proposed for June 18th, developed with the Cultural Affairs Committee. Council approved the cultural program funding 5-0, with Councilmember Maker advocating to restore the cultural events budget closer to the original $20,000 in future budget cycles.

    • motion:Move to approve the cultural program funding for 'Boots on the Ground: Celebrating the Journey.' (passed)5–0

    🏢African-American Club of Pasco🏢Cultural Affairs Committee🏢State of Florida Guardian ad Litem👤Chuck Gray👤Debbie Manns👤Eugene Scott👤Larnell Scott👤Maker👤Marlon Jones#Boots on the Ground: Celebrating the Journey#Chasco Fiesta#Cultural Program Funding#Juneteenth

    ▶ Jump to 1:24:03 in the video

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    [01:24:03] I'm sorry. [01:24:09] Hi, I'm Larnell Scott. [01:24:12] And I have stood before this council over the years representing State of Florida Guardian [01:24:16] at Lytton. [01:24:18] I've stood here representing the African-American Club of Pasco. [01:24:21] But tonight I just stand here as an African-American citizen who frequents the city of New Port Richey, who has worked in the city of New Port Richey, and who lives in the greater metropolitan [01:24:31] area of New Port Richey. [01:24:33] That makes us sound big, right? [01:24:36] And I stand here as a citizen, first of all, to thank you guys, the council, Ms. Debbie, [01:24:43] the city manager, and the Cultural Affairs Committee for proactively reaching out to [01:24:48] say, hey, we want to have a cultural event that represents your community, the African-American [01:24:53] community. [01:24:54] Guys, in the climate that we're in today, that's just not happening. [01:24:57] We're leaders of municipalities are proactively reaching out to do that. [01:25:02] I talk to friends and families all over the country. [01:25:05] It's just not happening. [01:25:06] And I let you in on a little secret. [01:25:08] I'm kind of bragging on you guys saying, well, where I live, you know, they reached out. [01:25:12] You know, they want to be inclusive. [01:25:13] And so we pulled together a very small core group of people to say, okay, what can we [01:25:19] do so that anybody attending can not just be an academic experience, but they can experience [01:25:25] a little bit of our culture and tradition. [01:25:28] And so we came up with Boots on the Ground, Celebrating the Journey, where we'll kind [01:25:33] of start with some of our origin in Africa, some of our origin here in the city, and then [01:25:40] not in the city, in the country, and then end up with the Juneteenth, and where we were [01:25:47] able to have our boots on the ground and walk into freedom. [01:25:49] Now, why Boots on the Ground? [01:25:51] That's actually a very popular line dance that's out right now. [01:25:55] And it uses a fan. [01:25:56] Go on YouTube. [01:25:57] You'll see it. [01:25:58] It's all over the place. [01:25:59] And so we thought we'd play off of that. [01:26:02] But if you attend, and I hope all of you will, you will actually engage and be able to experience [01:26:08] some of what we experience as African Americans, and hopefully be able to appreciate our culture [01:26:13] and the traditions and the impacts that it has had on the society and the fine arts, [01:26:18] and even in popular musical genres today. [01:26:21] And so I just want, whether you say yea or nay, I do want to thank you for reaching out [01:26:25] proactively to say, hey, you know, this city is just as much as yours as anybody else's, [01:26:31] and we want to have a cultural event for it. [01:26:33] So I just want to say thank you. [01:26:35] Thank you, Ms. Manns and the Cultural Affairs Committee. [01:26:37] I just want to, while you're right there and people are sitting at home and listening, [01:26:41] can you remind us of the date? [01:26:43] June 18th. [01:26:44] It's the kickoff for Juneteenth. [01:26:46] It's the day before Juneteenth. [01:26:49] I got it, but I just, people just catching up. [01:26:52] Okay. [01:26:53] Thank you. [01:26:54] Yeah, I'm back for, okay, back for discussion and vote. [01:27:04] I'll move to approve. [01:27:05] Second. [01:27:06] Mr. Maker? [01:27:08] I want to recognize the African American Club members here, and Eugene Scott, and also the [01:27:11] Cultural Affairs Committee members here as well, and to give my thanks to the library [01:27:18] director and the Cultural Affairs Committee for putting together this recommendation for [01:27:23] city council to decide on. [01:27:26] I will say that the African American Club has, over the years, found its way to participate [01:27:36] not only in its own celebrations, but to try to integrate themselves within some of [01:27:42] the city-sponsored events, and so this is just a continuation of that. [01:27:48] I think the word that was used was proactive, and I'm glad to see that we're being proactive [01:27:52] on our end. [01:27:53] So much so, not to turn a plug out of this, but you might recall in some of our budget [01:27:57] discussions earlier in the year that I had pitched for us to get back to the original [01:28:04] budgeted amount, which was closer to $20,000, if I'm not mistaken, and we weren't able to [01:28:08] get there. [01:28:09] It ended up staying closer to $12,000. [01:28:11] But as you can see, as events like this that are very important pop up, and we are being [01:28:16] proactive and continuing to find ways to promote culture, I think it's important that we get [01:28:21] back to that originally budgeted amount that, over the years, has dwindled. [01:28:27] So just going to make that plug in anticipation for budget year, which I think is right around [01:28:30] the corner. [01:28:32] One second. [01:28:34] I love performances and our programs, especially based from a historical perspective. [01:28:40] I think they're very good to watch and very instructional, so I look forward to seeing it. [01:28:48] It looks good. [01:28:49] Anybody else? [01:28:51] I'll need to just give a plug, as well, to the dance group who came to Chasco Fiesta [01:28:56] and they danced the Native Americans in the circle as part of the Native American activities. [01:29:03] And they were welcome, and it was really great. [01:29:06] And so next year, we'll see if Chuck Gray is here, that he'll use his budget to maybe [01:29:12] we could actually pay them, because they came in and volunteered and danced. [01:29:17] And it was really emotional to see the Native American community who were being recognized [01:29:25] and supporting and welcoming you all into their venue. [01:29:30] And thank you for doing that. [01:29:35] I'm good. [01:29:36] I just want to say, Marlon Jones, who was here earlier, he's now the vice president [01:29:41] of the African American Club. [01:29:42] I wish he'd stuck around, get his opinion a little bit about this. [01:29:45] I'm a member, also. [01:29:47] So those in favor, signify by aye. [01:29:49] Aye. [01:29:50] Aye. [01:29:51] Those opposed? [01:29:52] 5-0. [01:29:53] Request for contractor for off-hour construction. [01:30:00] I received a communication from Weiss Building, who is the contractor on the Anchors at Gulf [01:30:07] Harbors project, which is the project being constructed on Seaforest Drive, just north [01:30:15] of Marine Parkway, 388th Senior Housing, an apartment complex. [01:30:25] And they have requested to do some concrete pours the week of May 19th, actually nine [01:30:32] concrete pours between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m., which is contrary to our ordinance, and so [01:30:40] they need to request special permission to do so. [01:30:45] And so I'm advancing that item for your consideration, and we're recommending in favor of allowing [01:30:53] them to do so, because it will expedite their construction process. [01:30:56] Do we have any public comment? [01:31:01] Come on down. [01:31:06] Irene Jonas, hello. [01:31:08] Is there a cost to the change from daytime work to evening for the construction? [01:31:15] Is there more of a charge for the actual project, for them to do it in the evenings? [01:31:21] Okay. [01:31:22] Thank you. [01:31:23] I just wanted to clarify, what day of the week is that on? [01:31:33] It will fall on various days of the week. [01:31:36] They won't conduct all of the pours on the same day of the week. [01:31:40] And although they've committed to it being on the week of May 19th, they haven't specified [01:31:46] what day yet. [01:31:47] It will depend on where they are in their construction sequencing. [01:31:50] I only ask. [01:31:51] I live literally the other side of 19, just off of Marine Parkway. [01:31:55] I have teenagers, and that's the last two weeks of school. [01:31:59] So I know there are several other families in my little area of that neighborhood that [01:32:03] have kids as well, and that's something to consider as well, as far as that date. [01:32:09] Once school gets out, during the week's not a big deal, but if it's going to be loud enough [01:32:13] that they need to have a noise ordinance for it. [01:32:16] You live in the county? [01:32:17] No, ma'am. [01:32:18] I'm in the city. [01:32:19] Okay. [01:32:20] The only area that would really be impacted are the residential units that abut on Seaforest [01:32:26] Drive. [01:32:27] Okay. [01:32:28] Actually, a little bit closer to Cross Bayou. [01:32:32] Okay. [01:32:33] Isn't this the property that's right there at Marine Parkway and US 19? [01:32:38] No, it's not. [01:32:40] This is actually abutting Seaforest Drive. [01:32:42] Okay. [01:32:43] Then that's my misunderstanding. [01:32:44] I'm sorry. [01:32:45] That's okay. [01:32:46] No problem. [01:32:47] There's a lot of kids in that neighborhood. [01:32:48] Yeah. [01:32:50] I'm not aware of the little shops from Marine Parkway and 19, and that would be something [01:32:54] that would definitely hinder the last couple weeks of school. [01:32:57] Got it, Cha. [01:32:58] Ma'am, I need your name for the record. [01:33:00] I'm Shannon Helton, 5213 Tangerine Drive. [01:33:04] Anybody else like to speak? [01:33:08] Seeing no one else come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. [01:33:12] I'll follow staff direction and move to approve. [01:33:15] Second. [01:33:16] Maker? [01:33:17] No. [01:33:18] Second? [01:33:19] Yeah. [01:33:20] To either one? [01:33:21] Yes, Mr. Mayor. [01:33:22] Kind of picking off of one of the comments made by a resident, Mrs. Jonas, is there a [01:33:29] reason why it needs to be done at night? [01:33:31] I'm just trying to ... Is this like it's happening day and night, and some of it happens to go [01:33:36] past the time, or why are they ... [01:33:38] It would happen day and night as part of their construction sequencing. [01:33:44] They need more than the hours that can be afforded during the day, and they need a concentrated [01:33:52] number of hours, so they have to start earlier in the morning. [01:33:58] Instead of having to do two weeks' worth of work only during the daytime, they're trying [01:34:03] to squeeze it in day and night, do 24-hour pours? [01:34:08] They are doing not 24-hour pours, no. [01:34:12] They actually will work through the daytime hours. [01:34:15] Okay, because the email here says ... It just said basically they're just doing it at night. [01:34:21] That's why I'm a little confused. [01:34:23] It says 10 ... Let me pull it up here. [01:34:25] It says 2 a.m. to 7 a.m., and if I'm correct or if I'm wrong, the ordinance goes to ... Excuse [01:34:30] me, 2 a.m. to 10 a.m., and the ordinance goes to 7 a.m., I'm assuming. [01:34:35] The ordinance starts at 7. [01:34:36] That's why the north is prohibiting it. [01:34:38] They're just deliberately doing it at night only. [01:34:40] I don't have to do construction. [01:34:41] Maybe Matt can help here. [01:34:43] Why nighttime instead of daytime? [01:34:46] If I might clarify, the issue here is not the time of the pours. [01:34:52] It's the amount of noise and the excessive noise that's generated for working. [01:34:57] You can actually work 24 hours around the clock within certain decibel rates. [01:35:02] Our code sets the decibel rates to a much lower minimum through the night hours. [01:35:08] Since they need continuous pours to maintain their construction integrity, [01:35:14] they need to start earlier in the evening and pour throughout the night. [01:35:18] The request is not necessarily to allow them to do the work. [01:35:22] It is to allow that they adjust the noise ratio to the daytime ratio. [01:35:30] To give you an example of it, the daytime ratio is up to 85 decibels. [01:35:38] What does that mean? [01:35:40] Music at Sims Park, Firefall, was probably, a rock concert's 90 decibels. [01:35:47] Metallica's 120 plus decibels. [01:35:50] The nighttime drops it down to 65 decibels.

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

20. 14.d

    Request of Contractor for Off-Hour Construction

    approved

    Council approved a contractor's request for off-hour construction during the week of May 19th, allowing concrete pouring with decibel levels reaching up to 85.

    • vote:Approve contractor's request for off-hour construction during the week of May 19th to allow concrete pouring at up to 85 decibels. (passed)5–0

    ▶ Jump to 1:35:54 in the video

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    [01:35:55] They're asking it basically, they're allowed to pour, [01:35:58] which would increase their decibel level to about 85. [01:36:01] That's the maximum level that they would reach at that time. [01:36:05] We're allowing them that flexibility during that week to pour the concrete [01:36:11] and thus potentially reach the 85 decibels. [01:36:18] This is just for the week of May 19th? [01:36:20] Correct. [01:36:21] Okay. Thank you. [01:36:26] Signify by aye. [01:36:27] Aye. [01:36:28] 5-0. [01:36:30] Consider continuation of agreement with BayCare Behavioral Health for social worker services. [01:36:42] Our existing contract with BayCare Behavioral Health for our social worker [01:36:48] that in large part works with our lift program, elapses July 1st. [01:36:55] The second part of this agenda item also calls for a budget amendment [01:36:59] and Chief Cochin will further explain the agenda item. [01:37:03] Thank you, Ms. Manns. [01:37:04] Mayor, council members, so the request before the council is to approve the memorandum [01:37:08] of understanding agreement with BayCare Behavioral Health [01:37:11] in the amount of $67,452.56 [01:37:15] for case manager social worker services to assist the New Port Richey Police Department's [01:37:20] life improvement facilitation team, also known as LIFT. [01:37:24] Also, we're asking you to approve the budget amendment which allocates opioid settlement fund dollars [01:37:29] to the FY 2025 police budget to pay for case manager social worker services [01:37:34] for the remainder of this fiscal year. [01:37:36] So under the current agreement with BayCare Behavioral Health, [01:37:39] which expires as the city manager said in June 2025, [01:37:43] the social worker in partnership with the LIFT team provides critical wraparound services to those in need. [01:37:49] In fact, social worker's keen ability to locate the appropriate wraparound services [01:37:54] allows the LIFT team to spend much more time in the field identifying those in need. [01:37:59] The social worker LIFT team partnership is invaluable [01:38:02] and has greatly enhanced our ability to assist people. [01:38:05] So let me go off script here for a minute. [01:38:07] This social worker has been amazing for us. [01:38:10] So let me just explain it. [01:38:11] So the LIFT team, without the social worker, would have to build trust [01:38:16] and take a person from A to Z the whole nine yards. [01:38:20] They'd have to go from A to Z, take them to the services, do all the follow-ups, [01:38:24] do all the work all on their own. [01:38:26] And they've been very successful at doing that in the first year. [01:38:29] Now we have the social worker here. [01:38:31] This social worker works with the LIFT team. [01:38:34] There's phenomenal synergies there. [01:38:36] So this social worker will basically take that person with all the skills that she has [01:38:41] and take them through all those services while the LIFT team goes back out on the street [01:38:45] and builds trust with more people and brings more people in. [01:38:48] So over the year of the current contract, we've had 252 contacts. [01:38:53] Now you may say that's not a lot, but that is a lot. [01:38:56] And when I say a contact, I mean actually communicating with people, building trust. [01:39:00] It's not just how you're doing everything okay and leaving them. [01:39:03] A contact is significant. [01:39:05] And of those 252 contacts, the LIFT team and the social worker have placed 102 people [01:39:13] into critical wraparound services. [01:39:15] That's more people in this whole chamber. [01:39:17] And that is making a difference in people's lives. [01:39:19] That is saving people. [01:39:21] It's absolutely amazing to watch. [01:39:23] So Corporal Giurina in the back, Ryan Warner and Sandy Serrano comprise the LIFT team. [01:39:29] Sandy Serrano is the social worker. [01:39:31] Gabe Giurina is the corporal. [01:39:32] Thank you, Gabe, for all that you do. [01:39:34] And Ryan Warner is the other officer that works in this unit. [01:39:37] So the renewed agreement with BayCare Behavioral Health will continue to enhance the services [01:39:42] the LIFT team provides to our community by having case managers, social worker available, [01:39:47] as per the terms of the MOU, to provide comprehensive wraparound service help to end homelessness, [01:39:53] provide mental health support, provide substance abuse services, [01:39:57] and to support the LIFT team's overall efforts within the community. [01:40:01] The annual funding of $67,452.56 for the case manager social worker services [01:40:07] will be paid for by the opioid settlement funds received by the City of New Port Richey. [01:40:12] The LIFT team will provide monthly reporting to the administration [01:40:14] and the New Port Richey Police Department to document the activities of this partnership [01:40:18] and its successes. [01:40:20] City Attorney Tim Driscoll has reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding Agreement [01:40:23] with BayCare Behavioral Health and has approved it to form. [01:40:27] Our recommendation, obviously, is to approve the Memorandum of Understanding Agreement [01:40:30] with BayCare Behavioral Health in the amount of $67,452.56 for case manager social worker services. [01:40:38] Also, we are asking to approve the budget amendment which allocates opioid settlement fund dollars [01:40:44] into the FY 2025 police budget to pay for the case manager social worker services. [01:40:50] And the budget fiscal impact, we have a budget amendment in your packet [01:40:54] that allocates these opioid settlement fund dollars into the FY 2025 police budget [01:40:59] to pay for these social worker services for the remainder of this fiscal year. [01:41:03] I'm here to answer any questions that you may have. [01:41:06] Any public comment? [01:41:09] Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring it back for discussion and vote for approval. [01:41:12] I'll second. [01:41:13] To the maker? [01:41:14] Yeah, like the Chief said, this is absolutely necessary to fight what we have going on [01:41:19] out there in the streets and I support this agreement. [01:41:23] Second. [01:41:24] Yeah, I would add that in the last two years, two and a half years, [01:41:29] the Chief of Police and his team have just hit the ground running [01:41:35] when it comes to some of the community partnership building elements of the role of policing [01:41:41] and are doing a phenomenal job and while doing so are not just expending taxpayer dollars [01:41:49] but finding ways to use those dollars that were repurposed for this for their reason. [01:41:55] I just spoke earlier tonight about feeling in a way about using some of our COVID dollars [01:42:00] for what I felt was legally within the realm of its use, [01:42:07] but to me fell outside the scope of the purpose.

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

21. 14.e

    Consider Continuation of Agreement w/BayCare Behavioral Health for Social Worker Services

    approved

    Council approved a Recreation and Aquatic Center summer membership sale offering 20% off for residents and 10% off for non-residents, running from May 7 through June 4, 2025, with memberships active through August 10, 2025. Discussion expanded into a broader call by Councilmember Bridges to pursue a recreational service area interlocal agreement with Pasco County to capture revenue from the ~65% of rec center users who are county residents.

    • motion:Approve summer membership sale with 20% resident / 10% non-resident discount, sale running through June 4 with memberships active through August 10. (passed)

    📍Shwetman Gulf High property🏢Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department🏢Pasco County Schools👤Ms. Manns👤Pete👤Tim Driscoll👤Trapp#Chasco#Recreation Membership Revenue Account#ad valorem parks and recreation maintenance assessment#recreational service area interlocal agreement#summer camp programming

    ▶ Jump to 1:42:08 in the video

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    [01:42:10] Whereas this is a prime example of opioid dollars being for the reason of a community that's been torn apart. [01:42:17] I mean, everyone in here knows someone who has an addiction or who's struggling with an addiction [01:42:21] and who's potentially passed away from an addiction. [01:42:25] And so getting to them and getting them the services and help they need ahead of time, [01:42:29] that's what these dollars were for and that's exactly how they're being used. [01:42:33] And so there is not one person in New Port Richey that can point at our police [01:42:39] and say they're not doing their job because we have a robust program. [01:42:43] I'm advocating eventually to see some more effort towards the nighttime hours [01:42:48] where a lot of our population on US-19 is in need of help. [01:42:52] But other than that, I think all blind spots have been covered with this program [01:42:56] and it's only up from here. [01:42:58] So thank you, really. [01:43:01] Anybody else? [01:43:03] It's all been said. [01:43:04] That's all. [01:43:06] I just think it's just an addition of another team member with the expertise that we need, [01:43:12] you know, in the city as well as the police department does. [01:43:15] All those in favor, signify by aye. [01:43:17] Aye. [01:43:20] Five-nothing. [01:43:21] Approval of criminal justice information sharing agreement with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. [01:43:28] Chief Coach, and please introduce the item. [01:43:30] So I'm up to bat again. [01:43:32] Thank you, Ms. Manns. [01:43:33] Thank you, Mayor, Councilmembers. [01:43:35] Request for city council is to approve the criminal justice information sharing, [01:43:38] otherwise known as CJIS, interagency sharing agreement with the Pasco County Sheriff's Department. [01:43:44] The Sheriff's Office currently maintains criminal justice information networks [01:43:48] consisting of computer-aided dispatch, also known as CAD, [01:43:51] records management systems, also known as RMS, [01:43:54] and mobile computer terminals, also known as MCTs, as well as other systems. [01:43:59] As you know, we do a whole kind of integration project with the Sheriff's Department, [01:44:04] other municipalities within Pasco County. [01:44:06] We're all in the same systems, but the Sheriff's Office and the county are a hub for all these systems. [01:44:12] The New Port Richey Police Department has direct access to these systems [01:44:15] and shares information across these systems with the Sheriff's Office and other police agencies. [01:44:20] This interagency agreement outlines the responsibilities of both parties [01:44:23] as it relates to the operations of this system. [01:44:26] City Attorney Tim Driscoll has reviewed the agreement and approved it as a form. [01:44:30] Our recommendation is that you approve the criminal justice information sharing agreement [01:44:34] with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, and there is no budget impact. [01:44:37] I'm here to answer any questions that you may have. [01:44:39] Do we have any public comment? [01:44:42] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. [01:44:49] Chief, if I may, through the city manager or the city manager, [01:44:52] an outside IT vendor is helping with this, not our in-house IT department? [01:45:00] Is that how this works? [01:45:02] I would want to defer that to IT, but I understand both our IT division and their IT divisions [01:45:08] work together on all these systems, whether it pertains to the firewalls and how they [01:45:12] interface and interact with each other. [01:45:16] That's correct. [01:45:17] Okay. [01:45:18] And that was, that's all I had for this one. [01:45:21] A second? [01:45:22] Yeah, this agreement, I mean, to me it's just, you know, if anything, it's safety. [01:45:27] Safety for officers, safety for citizens, so you get the information you need when you're [01:45:32] out there real time. [01:45:35] You may not get, if we weren't sharing, you may not get vital information and, you know, [01:45:38] like I said, it could be a safety issue, so, I mean, I think it's just a no-brainer. [01:45:42] Anybody else? [01:45:43] Pete? [01:45:44] Yeah, I just think it's another example of teamwork. [01:45:51] So all those in favor, signify by aye. [01:45:54] Aye. [01:45:55] Those opposed? [01:45:56] 5-0. [01:45:57] Recreation and Aquatic Center summer membership sale. [01:46:00] Yes, sir, Mr. Mayor, members of Council, it's that time of year, and Mr. Trapp is prepared [01:46:07] to tell you a little bit about it this evening. [01:46:10] Thank you, Ms. Manns. [01:46:11] Good evening, Mr. Mayor and Councilmembers. [01:46:13] Summer is right around the corner, and as Ms. Manns said, it's my favorite time of the [01:46:16] year. [01:46:17] Staff is requesting Council to review and consider approval to offer a summer membership [01:46:21] sale again this summer. [01:46:23] If approved, the membership sale would start tomorrow and span four weeks, ending on Wednesday, [01:46:27] June 4th. [01:46:28] The summer membership spans the length of summer while local schools are not in session. [01:46:33] The membership will be active from the date of purchase and expire on Sunday, August 10th, [01:46:36] which is the day before Pasco County Schools' classes resumes. [01:46:40] Staff is proposing a 20% discount for residents and 10% discount for non-residents, which [01:46:45] is in line with the other membership sale that is offered during the holiday season. [01:46:49] This sale has been popular over the years, especially among families, and it helps provide [01:46:53] some financial relief for community members looking for ways to remain active during the [01:46:58] summer. [01:46:59] The anticipated revenue generated from this sale is factored into the Recreation Membership [01:47:03] Revenue Account projections for this fiscal year. [01:47:06] Staff recommends approval of the proposed resident and non-resident discount rates, [01:47:09] as well as the proposed sale dates and membership dates as listed in the agenda memo. [01:47:14] I'm available if you have any questions. [01:47:17] Do we have any public comment? [01:47:20] Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring you back for discussion and vote. [01:47:23] Move to approve. [01:47:24] I'll second. [01:47:25] To the maker. [01:47:26] Yeah, kids are out of school. [01:47:27] They need somewhere to go to do some fun things, and so this is that. [01:47:30] I just also want to touch a little bit on financial pieces, that as where, for anyone [01:47:35] who doesn't use the Rec Center who might be concerned, you know, why is my tax dollars [01:47:39] going to discount this? [01:47:40] I think it's an honorable thing to do just because it's strategic, it gets more people [01:47:45] using the facility and talking about it. [01:47:47] But also, at the same time as us reducing these rates, we're seeing a profit from our [01:47:52] summer camp programming, so that level, that cost to level of service is almost balancing [01:47:57] out in a sort of way. [01:47:59] And so, in my mind, this is not only advantageous for our kids and for our families, but it's [01:48:04] also fiscally responsible to see that if we're going to be making a profit off of a summer [01:48:09] camp program, we should see to it that we're also offering some sort of a package discount [01:48:15] for our residents. [01:48:16] Second. [01:48:17] I think it's a great thing for kids to do, keep them off the streets, get them in the [01:48:22] water and get them cooled off. [01:48:30] This is probably the third year that I've gone through this same discussion, and I spoke [01:48:36] to the city manager last week saying, where is the service agreement, the opportunity [01:48:44] for us to, we can talk about money saved and profit and loss in a recreation budget that [01:48:53] doesn't make a profit in the big picture, but the big answer for our city, considering [01:49:00] where we're at right now, is that we need to address the county commission and invoke [01:49:05] the opportunities the statutes give us to create a recreational service area that accommodates [01:49:12] the area of the people who use our facility. [01:49:17] That opportunity is there. [01:49:22] I'm committed to doing whatever I can to sit down on the map. [01:49:26] I wrote the ordinance, a draft resolution, and provided it over a year ago, I think. [01:49:34] We're going to talk afterwards, I'm going to speak about our overall financial, but [01:49:39] we have an opportunity to make more revenue. [01:49:41] If 65% of the people that use our rec center are county residents, we're spending a lot [01:49:47] more tax dollars of our own to provide probably the best facility in Pasco County to folks [01:49:53] who aren't paying anything for it. [01:49:57] So please, I'll vote for this again, but please, let's get this service area discussion [01:50:04] up here, because it can be very significant, and it's most significant as we're looking [01:50:10] at the Shwetman Gulf High property, because if we're going to expand our recreation facilities [01:50:16] and put kayak rentals or put more park staff in another park, we're going to need to develop [01:50:24] a budget for that, because we can't have a project that serves the public and expect [01:50:31] that to be profitable without having us take those elements of those eight parks that were [01:50:36] mentioned by Captain Kirk and be ready to stand up to them, whether it's the library [01:50:43] or the parks department. [01:50:45] So there is an answer, I studied it, I look forward to talking to you all about it again. [01:50:50] I know you've indicated on the dais that you want to see this back, and it's a significant [01:50:58] potential addition to our budget. [01:51:00] Finally, to say that Pasco County had last year approved an ad valorem parks and recreation [01:51:09] maintenance assessment on the tax bills, and then they set it at zero. [01:51:14] So we also have to pay very close attention to how the Pasco County Parks and Recreation [01:51:20] Department is serving the residents of the county. [01:51:24] In the City of Dade City, they provide all the recreation, and those residents get in [01:51:30] for $5, and they are served, and members of the Pasco staff come to the city council meetings [01:51:39] and provide those benefits to them. [01:51:43] So this is our opportunity to equalize the playing field and say we've got one of five [01:51:49] major facilities in this county, and the law is with us. [01:51:55] And so I don't know why we would hesitate considering the potential revenue that this [01:52:02] would bring in. [01:52:03] So I'll support it, but it gave me a chance to pitch my recreation service area interlocal [01:52:11] agreement with Pasco County, and I believe we can convince them to be part of that. [01:52:17] So thank you for that sidetrack, Mr. Mayor, to let me squeeze that in without objection. [01:52:23] I'm good with that. [01:52:25] I appreciate it. [01:52:26] No, I agree with what you're saying, there's an opportunity to bring some more revenue [01:52:30] in. [01:52:31] I think that would be great, and I think there's probably a lot of other avenues and possibilities [01:52:36] too with it, especially for our residents, giving them extra benefits by having a membership, [01:52:43] getting Chasco free, or other things that go on in the city. [01:52:46] So anyways, that's a topic for another discussion, but we'll sure talk about it soon, I'm sure. [01:52:54] Mr. Mayor, if I could just add to our comments as a new topic came up, just to say that in [01:53:01] the past I've been reluctant to speak out on this, just because we do have a different [01:53:05] rate between non-resident and resident, and because of that, neither are producing a profit [01:53:12] overall for our budget. [01:53:13] But in my mind, the non-resident is being penalized with a higher rate as opposed to [01:53:18] paying a tax for our facility use. [01:53:20] However, to your point, the county is making movement to further try to get revenue out [01:53:28] of their services. [01:53:29] And we have the best state-of-the-art $14 million plus with new renovations, rec center, [01:53:36] and so if they want to tax their residents more to use our facility, it only makes sense [01:53:41] that they take some of that tax and give it to us, because they're trying to pitch to [01:53:46] their residents that they have this great park system, and they do for some part, but [01:53:51] we have the leading rec center, and their pools do not compete with ours and our services [01:53:59] that we provide. [01:54:00] And so to your point, since that has happened, I would indicate to the city manager that [01:54:04] I'm all ears for hearing a resolution if we need to workshop it, or if you want to, if [01:54:08] the mayor is open, I think he sets the agenda according to the charter, so if he wants to [01:54:11] put it on the rolls so we can talk about it, vote on it, or amend it, I'm all games.

    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.

22. 14.f

    Approval of Criminal Justice Information Sharing Agreement w/Pasco County Sheriff's Office

    approved

    The transcript labeled as the Pasco Sheriff CJIS agreement actually covers a different item: approval of Task Order #25001 from K2M Design, Inc. for engineering services related to hardening improvements at Fire Station #1, funded by a CDBG grant and Penny for Pasco. Council approved the task order 5-0.

    • motion:Motion to approve Task Order #25001 with K2M Design, Inc. for $75,180 for engineering services for Fire Station #1 hardening improvements. (passed)5–0

    📍Fire Station #1 (located directly behind the library)🏢K2M Design, Incorporated🏢U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development👤Mr. Rivera👤Ms. Manz#CIP#Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)#Fire Station #1 Building Hardening Improvement Project#Penny for Pasco#Task Order 25001

    ▶ Jump to 1:54:15 in the video

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    [01:54:17] So it will be on a future agenda. [01:54:19] Thank you. [01:54:20] I might just go back to what this is all about. [01:54:25] I believe the membership sells out every summer, so that's quite a compliment to the [01:54:29] rec center and what it does for us. [01:54:31] All those in favor, signify by aye. [01:54:33] Aye. [01:54:34] Those opposed, five-nothing. [01:54:35] Moving on to fire station number one, building hardening improvement, project engineering [01:54:42] services. [01:54:43] So most of you will recall that we received a community development block grant fund [01:54:49] for building hardening at fire station number one. [01:54:53] Mr. Rivera has been working hard to contract with an engineer related to the proposed work, [01:55:00] and he has a recommendation for you to present this evening. [01:55:03] Thank you, Ms. Manz. [01:55:06] As you said, this item is for your consideration, is the attached task order. [01:55:10] It's number 25001 from K2M Design, Incorporated. [01:55:16] It's in the amount not to exceed $75,180, and this is for the engineering services [01:55:23] associated with the design, bidding, and construction phase of the fire station located [01:55:29] directly behind the library. [01:55:32] The structure was built in 1964 and went through a renovation in 1993. [01:55:40] The bay is approximately 7,200 feet. [01:55:43] It can hold three trucks. [01:55:45] The fire station has five fire personnel per shift that are housed in the building. [01:55:52] It is, other than the normal fire and rescue operations, it is a critical facility during [01:55:57] storm and other natural disasters, pre and post events. [01:56:02] The city did receive the community development grant block. [01:56:07] It's in the amount of $572,005. [01:56:12] It's from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. [01:56:16] As part of the grant, the city will provide $397,495 in funds for a total amount of $969,500. [01:56:31] This is for the purpose of hardening the structure itself. [01:56:35] The elements to the project would include a metal roof replacement, the replacement [01:56:40] of bay doors, exterior doors and windows, the replacement of the existing 85-kilowatt [01:56:48] auxiliary power generator, and then the upgrades to all the restrooms that are inside the facility [01:56:54] itself. [01:56:56] Should you approve the task order, we would anticipate that the construction phase would [01:57:00] begin in late October or November and be completed around April. [01:57:06] I think that's prior to the grant's expiration date, so we feel confident that we would meet [01:57:12] those deadlines. [01:57:14] The project is included in the current CIP document. [01:57:17] Again, the fundings are identified as CDBG funding and penny for PASCO tax increment [01:57:24] dollars. [01:57:25] With that, we would recommend that you do approve the task order. [01:57:28] Do we have any public comment? [01:57:30] Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring it back for discussion. [01:57:35] Move to approve. [01:57:36] Second. [01:57:37] To the maker. [01:57:38] Yeah, it's in the budget, and my thought is if anything happened at the rec center during [01:57:41] our emergency command operations, you have a second place. [01:57:46] I don't know if you have a third place or fourth place, but making sure we're hardening [01:57:49] all those infrastructures during public safety is important, especially as we go into another [01:57:54] – well, this won't be done until after the fact – but especially as we continue [01:57:58] to go into these hurricane seasons. [01:58:00] Second. [01:58:01] I'm good. [01:58:02] Anybody else? [01:58:04] Just to clarify, you said penny for PASCO tax increment, so just penny for PASCO, correct? [01:58:10] Correct. [01:58:11] Yeah, thank you. [01:58:12] All those in favor, signify by aye. [01:58:14] Aye. [01:58:15] Aye. [01:58:16] Aye. [01:58:17] Five-nothing. [01:58:18] First public hearing, small cities, community development, block grant application. [01:58:22] As we indicated to you earlier this evening, we intend to apply to the state for community [01:58:30] development block grant funds in conjunction with this next funding cycle. [01:58:38] The purpose of this agenda item is to conduct our first public hearing in respect to the [01:58:43] small cities community development block grant program. [01:58:47] The type of eligible projects that we could apply for are things like water and sewer [01:58:56] projects, the housing rehabilitation project, stormwater improvements, street and sidewalk [01:59:05] improvements, economic development projects, and park facilities, although the list isn't [01:59:14] exclusive, but the projects always have to either meet a particularly urgent community [01:59:19] need, they have to address slum or blight, or they have to provide a direct benefit [01:59:29] to a low or moderate income person or neighborhood, and we have to justify our projects by way [01:59:40] of those three national objectives, and this is our opportunity to take public comment [01:59:47] on the project. [01:59:48] We will be meeting with the Citizens Advisory Task Force, and we met with them today at [01:59:54] four o'clock, and you want to tell us a little bit about that?

    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.

23. 14.g

    ↳You arrived here from a search for “West side of US-19” — transcript expanded below

    Recreation and Aquatic Center Summer Membership Sale

    discussed

    Despite the agenda title referencing the Recreation and Aquatic Center Summer Membership Sale, the transcript covers a public hearing on a CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) application for the 2023-2024 special cycle with $40 million available. Consultant David Fox presented program guidelines, and public commenters debated whether to pursue housing rehabilitation versus capital infrastructure projects in low-income pockets of the city.

    📍11544 Grover Boulevard📍6235 Florida Avenue📍Charlene📍Leisure Lane📍River Road📍West side of US-19, between the river and south of Gulf Harbors🏢Florida Department of Commerce🏢Fred Fox Enterprise🏢Pasco County Community Development🏢U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)👤David Fox👤George Romanoli👤Ms. Manning👤Ms. Vance👤Paul Ivey#2023-2024 CDBG Special Cycle ($40 million)#Citizen Advisory Task Force (CATF)#Fair Housing Workshop#Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)#Housing Rehabilitation Program#Leisure Lane sewer project

    ▶ Jump to 1:59:56 in the video

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    [02:00:00] The program first, we've got to get public comment before we are allowed to talk about [02:00:04] the CATF recommendation. That's how the program is set up. This is a unique program because [02:00:11] the guidelines are pretty strict. It's HUD funds that come through the Department of [02:00:15] Commerce through the state. They call it the Florida Small Cities Community Development [02:00:19] Block Grant Program. There are steps required when applying and they say if you don't follow [02:00:24] the steps they will reject your application. I've been doing this for a long time and they [02:00:28] are pretty stringent on the steps. That's why I'm trying to guide you in that direction. [02:00:33] The guidance comes because we work with HUD and the Department of Commerce both on the [02:00:41] administration of the program. Mr. Fox is with Fox and Associates who is our consultant [02:00:48] that administers the program on our behalf. I'm David Fox with Fred Fox Enterprise. Just [02:00:55] to go through this PowerPoint pretty quick with you, I know it's been a long evening. [02:00:59] These are 2023-2024 CDBG grant application funds. Usually under this program, if you [02:01:05] have an open grant in the housing, neighborhood, or commercial category, you can apply. This [02:01:10] is a special cycle. There's $40 million available. I know you've got an existing housing grant, [02:01:15] but under this cycle alone, you can still apply. Usually you can't because of your housing [02:01:21] grant. Usually under the program, you max out at $750,000, but under this special cycle [02:01:27] for this year, the available funds are $40 million and you can apply up to the $40 million. [02:01:33] They didn't set a minimum or maximum amount for a request. The way the program works, [02:01:40] it is competitive. It's going to be highly competitive this year for funds. There are [02:01:45] four categories. You have, as Ms. Manning has discussed, you have housing rehabilitation [02:01:50] where you go into owner-occupied, low-to-moderate income households and you address all code [02:01:55] violations, health and safety issues. You have commercial revitalization which you go [02:02:01] into downtown areas. You can address streetscape, sidewalks, pedestrian malls, parking, those [02:02:08] kinds of items. For that, at least 51% of your city must be low-to-moderate income. [02:02:13] We can either determine that by census or by survey. In your situation, it would have [02:02:17] to be a random survey. The third category is neighborhood revitalization where you go [02:02:23] into a low-to-moderate income neighborhood and you can do infrastructure improvements [02:02:27] such as paving, repaving, sidewalks, or you can even city-wide benefits at 51% threshold [02:02:35] and you can do sewer plant, water plant improvements. Under categories 1, 2, and 3, usually you [02:02:40] can only apply for one when you have one open. Unlike this special year, if you have one [02:02:44] open, you can't apply again. The fourth category, economic development, you have to have a [02:02:48] developer on board for every job they create for the project. You can request $34,199.99 [02:02:56] up to $1.5 million on the regular cycle and up to $40 million on the special cycle. Under [02:03:03] the ED, economic development category, that's the only one you can apply for on a regular [02:03:07] basis even if you have an open grant. That just gives you some information on the program. [02:03:13] The income levels, this is just a slide to tell you the income amounts. When we talk [02:03:18] about low-to-moderate income, it's based on household size. As you can see, a four-person [02:03:23] household, 83,450, six-person, 96,850, and then up. These are competitive grants, so [02:03:32] there's points associated with it. For every $2,000 the city would obligate toward the [02:03:39] project, once it's funded, then they get one point or up to 25 points for $50,000 in leverage. [02:03:46] If the project doesn't get funded, of course, you don't have to spend the leverage. Under [02:03:50] the neighborhood and commercial projects, if you go in shovel-ready, plan and specs [02:03:55] are completed, and you've applied for permits, then you get 50 additional points. If you [02:04:01] go in shovel-ready, you cannot be reimbursed for the cost for shovel-ready even if you're [02:04:06] funded, so that's a risk you take to get those 50 points. [02:04:10] Then the steps when applying for a CBG application. You have a Citizen Advisory Task Force meeting. [02:04:15] You had one this afternoon, and I'll provide you with their recommendation after the public [02:04:20] comment. We'll advertise and hold a CATF meeting. That was done today. Advertise and hold a [02:04:25] first public hearing, which we're doing tonight. If you decide to proceed with an application, [02:04:30] we'll advertise and hold a second public hearing with the finalized application narrative, [02:04:35] and then as we did previously, you've got points for that advertising and holding that [02:04:38] fair housing workshop we held at the beginning of the meeting tonight. [02:04:42] That's it, and I'll open it up to public comment and questions from the board. [02:04:46] Do we have any public comment on this? [02:04:57] George Romanoli, 6235 Florida Avenue. As some of you know, I worked 30 years administering [02:05:03] block grant programs in Pasco County and the city of Largo. One thing, and especially [02:05:09] Ms. Manz and I found out when we had initial meetings with, I think his father, I think [02:05:15] it was, how different small cities block grant is from entitlement block grant. HUD puts [02:05:21] a lot of rules on, as was said, but what's worse is the Department of Commerce puts all [02:05:26] these extra rules on, which makes it almost impossible for local government to do it themselves. [02:05:31] I think the experience we had in housing is we don't want to do housing again, and [02:05:35] frankly, Pasco County Community Development does not have a waiting list for housing, [02:05:39] so anybody who needs housing assistance now can get it through Pasco County. The only [02:05:44] downside to that is while the small cities grants are grants, Pasco County is a deferred [02:05:51] loan that's due on sale. However, I'd point out to you way back when, the city actually [02:05:57] contributed to the county housing rehab program through its CRA and gave money in addition [02:06:03] to what the county gave, and they actually gave an incentive to the county to help those [02:06:10] people out first. So what should we do? Again, not housing, and you know, we look at our [02:06:16] low income areas, you know, we've done a lot in the downtown River Road, River Road's not [02:06:21] really low income, but there's areas that are low income, Leisure Lane, and we have [02:06:26] isolated pockets, pockets like Charlene and some of these other places, we really should [02:06:30] look at. It should be a capital facility. That's what we need to spend the money on. [02:06:35] As was said, we can't really supplant what we already have money for, and I think we [02:06:40] already have money for the Leisure Lane sewer project, I think, but we need to think about [02:06:44] that and look at those low income areas that have been forgotten, and in New Port Richey, [02:06:49] we don't really have large areas of slum and blight. I won't say that for the CRA purposes, [02:06:54] we are, but we have pockets. We need to look at our pockets in the census eligible areas [02:07:00] with the CDBG money if we're fortunate enough to get the grants, which I hope we are. I [02:07:05] still advocate, Ms. Vance came to me when I was Director of Community Development and [02:07:10] said, the city was going small cities, I said, if more money can come into the county, great. [02:07:17] And I still think that's the way, because if we went back to the county, you may get [02:07:21] less than $80,000 or $70,000 in block grant funds from the county because they do it by [02:07:26] population and the CDBG formula. And frankly, as the county's population exploded, and [02:07:33] ours has been flat, we would get much less CDBG money than we got. I think the last allocation [02:07:39] was like $110,000 or $120,000. We would get much less than that, so I'd stay independent [02:07:45] and do something capital in those isolated pockets. Thank you. [02:07:52] Anybody else like to speak? [02:08:01] Paul Ivey, 11544 Grover Boulevard. I would like to second the gentleman's idea on not [02:08:11] using the money geared towards residential per se, with critical infrastructure, waterways [02:08:18] being listed on there as an option. I would imagine a good use for that money in the LMI [02:08:27] areas on the west side of 19, in between the river and south of the Gulf Harbors area. [02:08:35] There are pockets, as stated, of blighted areas, and a lot of that has roadway and drainage [02:08:45] issues that that could possibly be used for in those areas, and it could solve a lot of [02:08:50] the flooding issues as well. So I just wanted to kind of second what he was saying there. [02:08:56] Appreciate it. [02:08:58] Anybody else like to speak? [02:09:02] Mr. Mayor, if there's no one else. [02:09:10] I appreciate very much Mr. Romagnoli's knowledge, his skills, and his passion for community [02:09:18] development, but I have to say that, and he's completely accurate in stating that HUD is [02:09:32] and the Department of Commerce specialize in rulemaking associated with the administration [02:09:40] of those programs, and they make it very, very difficult. And we've only been through [02:09:47] one cycle with them, and almost completely through one cycle with them, on the administration [02:09:55] of the Housing Rehabilitation Program, but we've learned something through that experience. [02:10:02] I feel much better suited, having done so, to go through it again. And I feel that it's [02:10:11] appropriate, based on the level of need in our community for improvements in our housing [02:10:19] stock, to ask for a grant for housing, to support the Housing Rehabilitation Program.

    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.

24. 14.h

    Fire Station No. 1 Building Hardening Improvements Project – Engineering Services

    approved

    Despite the agenda title referencing Fire Station No. 1, this transcript segment is a discussion of CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding priorities, with the City Manager and Mr. Fox recommending housing rehabilitation as the category for a $2 million application due May 16th. Council directed the consultant to work with the city manager on an application prioritizing housing, and noted a special meeting/second public hearing next Tuesday at 6 p.m.

    • motion:Direct the consultant to work with the city manager to put together a CDBG application plan with housing as the priority. (passed)5–0

    📍Leisure Lane🏢Citizens Advisory Task Force👤Councilman Altman👤Mr. Fox#$2 million funding request#CDBG (Community Development Block Grant)#CRA#Housing rehabilitation#LMI / area median income criteria#May 16th application deadline#Special meeting Tuesday 6 p.m.

    ▶ Jump to 2:10:21 in the video

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    [02:10:28] We asked for a million last time. I want to ask for two million this time. And I believe [02:10:35] we can do it. And we have the CRA, which we can use as a compensatory tool to address [02:10:43] some of the, what we'd call curb appeal type improvements that we couldn't finance through [02:10:51] use of community development block grant funds. And we could implement a lot of good neighborhood [02:10:58] programs that way. We are working with a new consultant this year that's much better versed, [02:11:06] I believe, in the administration of the program, and will be very helpful to us. And I believe [02:11:15] it is a community need that needs to be addressed. The sewer projects, no question about it, are [02:11:26] worthy for consideration, but there's a myriad of grants out there right now, which are well [02:11:34] suited for infrastructure projects. Housing rehab money is hard to find. This is one source [02:11:44] that we can rely on to implement housing improvements. And I can tell you that the comment I hear [02:11:53] most commonly from people about the city and the CRA is one that I've never heard before. [02:12:03] When are we going to address the housing stock? It's time. It truly is time. And this is an [02:12:11] appropriate funding source, and I hope you'll give some consideration to it. Mr. Fox. [02:12:21] Thank you. We met with the system advisory task force earlier today. We talked about the four categories, [02:12:28] and the presentation that I presented tonight to the public and to the council. Due to time [02:12:35] restraints, these are due May 16th. To do a neighborhood project, we would need to either meet census [02:12:42] data, which a lot of times you don't meet because of the income levels, or... Can you say that again? I [02:12:47] missed that part. Okay. So for a neighborhood project and a commercial project, you have to meet at [02:12:53] least a 51% low to moderate income. Okay. To do that, you either have to use census data, which I don't [02:12:59] believe you meet for census based on that, or you have to do a random door-to-door survey set up through [02:13:07] the program. You've got to go map the whole area, which sometimes is citywide if it's a park or if it's a [02:13:13] neighborhood center or something like that. If it's a water or sewer plant upgrade, everybody on water and [02:13:19] sewer you've benefitted, so you have to map that area. And then you have to do a random survey before the [02:13:25] applications are submitted. The only category you don't have to do that, to either meet census data or a survey, [02:13:35] is housing, because you don't pick your clients up front. You're already saying in your application you're [02:13:42] going to meet low to moderate income, and you're stating in there how many usually and how much you're [02:13:48] requesting. Point-wise, you're going to say you're going to address 330% LMI or area median, and then 250% [02:13:56] area median, and then the rest will be under 80% area median. I'm not trying to direct you a certain way. [02:14:01] This is a public comment section. Just for time restraints, being due May 16th, and recommendation from the [02:14:09] CATF that you look at housing, just keep that in mind. [02:14:14] It's the first time I heard you say anything about the recommendation. [02:14:19] They don't allow us to bring that up until we get public comment, the application process. [02:14:26] The CATF recommended housing. [02:14:35] Up here? Are you talking about up here? [02:14:40] Is it public comment? Does it come back to us, or how does this work? [02:14:45] If you want to hold more public comment, or you just want to ask questions, you held your public comment, and it's up to you if you want to have additional. [02:14:52] So public comment's good. [02:15:00] We're not, there's no motion for this, correct? Okay. On the comments of housing, [02:15:07] first and foremost, let me address public comment, just make sure that's [02:15:12] been heard. There's the funding coming in through the, that Councilman Altman has [02:15:19] mentioned in terms of the 585 million and what that will be going towards in [02:15:23] terms of that. But sticking relevant to this program and what the city manager [02:15:28] has brought up, I think she made a great timeline of where we've gone with this [02:15:34] program and where we're at currently and the need for us to be investing into our [02:15:39] neighborhoods. So I'm really, when we talk about rulemaking, red tape, [02:15:44] bureaucracy, what the state wants, what the federal government wants, the reality [02:15:48] was we were down a development director for a while, we were down an economic [02:15:51] development director for a while, we ping-ponged back and forth, there was an [02:15:54] audit, there was requirements from the state, the city manager is trying to hold [02:15:58] the line with Leisure Lane and other projects, and so now is not the time to [02:16:01] slow down. We have the momentum, we've gone through the process, we know how to [02:16:06] do it now, and in my mind, the perfect need for this is to continue to invest [02:16:11] in our neighborhoods. We just had a, regardless of the hurricane, but we just [02:16:16] had a hurricane that has knocked out a significant portion of our housing stock. [02:16:20] And so in my mind, I think the city manager and the Citizens Advisory Task [02:16:25] Force that was put together quite a bit ago is right in their [02:16:31] recommendation that we need to be investing in our neighborhoods with [02:16:34] these funds to fulfill their purpose. Otherwise, we might be starting from [02:16:39] square one again and trying to, like you said, with the canvassing element and [02:16:44] trying to determine the different criteria that needs to be met to do a [02:16:48] capital-based project. And so in my mind, the priority needs to be housing for [02:16:57] these funds. [02:17:01] We've only got a few days to do something, and we're asked to discuss it now. So [02:17:07] based on what's being said and the fact that you said that it's highly [02:17:12] competitive, so we don't even know if we're going to get it, I'm, you know, for [02:17:17] this particular source, you've got in mind what you want to do. It would be [02:17:21] nice if we had these discussions when we weren't rushed, but... [02:17:25] And we just got on board. We just were brought on board recently, so we didn't... [02:17:30] I'm not arguing. I'm just saying I'm good with you and your comments. I agree. [02:17:37] But to be clear, we've been talking about this since before I was on council and [02:17:41] I was on that side. Yes, we're talking about this round of funding, but this [02:17:46] conversation, you could have brought up a workshop years ago when I was arguing [02:17:50] with our city manager over the improper use of the funds the first round. So I'm [02:17:54] not blindsided by this. I'm excited that we're finally starting to have this [02:17:57] conversation in the appropriate manner. And so in my mind, I get that we're [02:18:02] making the decision up against the deadline, but this has been a long time [02:18:06] coming, and I'm glad that we're actually doing it instead of missing the deadline [02:18:11] and missing out on $2 million of potential funding. Not to characterize [02:18:16] what you're saying, but I just take it. [02:18:18] We've got both your opinions. [02:18:20] Anybody else? [02:18:22] Copper, will you allow more public comment? [02:18:24] No, we've already done it. [02:18:26] He's wrong about the census block groups. [02:18:28] We're done. Thank you. [02:18:31] I think you've got guidance. She's got guidance from us. [02:18:36] I think we're done. Is there anything else you'd like to add? [02:18:40] No. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. [02:18:42] I just need direction if y'all want me to proceed with the application and what category. [02:18:47] Yes, you can work with the city manager on that. [02:18:50] Is that agreeable? [02:18:52] Is it a census that y'all want to do housing? [02:18:56] There's four categories. I just want to make sure. [02:18:59] Housing, we don't have the time. [02:19:01] Do we need a motion? [02:19:03] Why don't we entertain a motion to direct him? [02:19:05] I'm going to move to recommend the consultant work with our city manager [02:19:13] to put together a plan with the priority being housing. [02:19:18] There's a second public hearing for this next week, correct? [02:19:22] It's Tuesday. [02:19:24] Correct. [02:19:26] Second. [02:19:28] All those in favor, signify by aye. [02:19:30] Aye. [02:19:32] That's five nothing. Thank you very much. [02:19:34] For the record, there's a special meeting on the same subject next Tuesday at 6 p.m., correct? [02:19:41] I believe it's at 6 p.m. It's been advertised tomorrow, I think. [02:19:45] Just for clarification, the census data, you can get LMI, [02:19:51] but you cannot get the points for very low income, [02:19:53] which you would lose unless you did the survey. [02:19:56] Just to respond to his comment. [02:19:58] Thank you. [02:20:01] We're going to communication right now. [02:20:05] I just want to say one thing, [02:20:07] because there's probably three-quarters or at least two-thirds of the SOS people have left, [02:20:13] and I just want to say a couple things here. [02:20:16] And I'd like you guys to take this time to go out in the public, [02:20:21] because people ask me what my job is as a mayor when I'm in the public eye.

    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.

25. 14.i

    First Public Hearing - Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Application

    Although agendized as the First Public Hearing on the Small Cities CDBG Application, the captured transcript contains no substantive presentation or vote on the CDBG item. Instead it consists of council comments: the Mayor urging the housing/CDBG group to combat community rumors and seek grants, and Councilman Altman delivering extended remarks on CRA finances, the Aqua Harbor project, density rights, building fees, the City Manager review timing, Penny for Pasco/ARPA funds, and a request for professional development support and financial transparency.

    📍Main and 19📍the bank building🏢Aqua Harbor🏢Cigar Bar🏢Gulf High School🏢Hands-on science folks🏢New Port Richey Police Department🏢Pasco Schools🏢Pasco Sheriff's Department🏢SunTrust🏢Tampa General Hospital👤Councilman Altman👤Mr. Draper👤Mr. Jonas👤Pete#$475,000 building fees (Aqua Harbor)#$8 million CRA cash contribution#American Rescue Act / ARPA funds#CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency)#Capital improvement plan#City Manager annual review#Density rights transfer ($1.6 million)#NICE program#Penny for Pasco#Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

    ▶ Jump to 2:20:22 in the video

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    [02:20:27] Not so much here, but when I'm in the public eye. [02:20:29] And what I feel myself sometimes is a cop in the middle of the street directing traffic. [02:20:34] People come to me and say, what about this or what about that? [02:20:37] And I say, you go this way, go that way. [02:20:39] I hear these rumors, I tell them it's not the rumors. [02:20:41] I hear stories, they're not the whole story. [02:20:43] And so what I've been hearing a lot, especially in the past six months, [02:20:47] is a lot of rumors about what we're trying to do. [02:20:51] I don't think we have pretty much a unanimous opinion up here [02:20:54] that we're on your side as far as this. [02:20:57] So I'd like you to take your time, instead of sitting here the whole night, [02:21:01] is to talk to the community. [02:21:03] I don't know where you want to go to do this, [02:21:05] but I'm tired of the rumors that we're doing something, [02:21:08] and we're doing this and we're doing that, [02:21:10] and we've all got these attitudes. [02:21:12] We don't have anything like that. [02:21:14] So I think I would really like you guys to go out [02:21:17] and talk to your community and tell them what's really going on. [02:21:21] I don't know how you can get to them, whether it's Facebook, [02:21:24] whatever way you want to do it. [02:21:26] I'm just tired of the lies that I'm hearing about the rumors [02:21:30] that there's multiple types of things. [02:21:34] But I need your help, is basically what I'm asking for, [02:21:37] to spread the rumor and get rid of the rumors. [02:21:40] That number... [02:21:42] No, because there's too many of them, they're too wrong, [02:21:45] and I just try to tell them, but I'm hearing it all the time. [02:21:48] You know, just... [02:21:50] Well, it's multiple different types of things. [02:21:54] You write down that we're not even going to buy the property. [02:21:57] That's how bad it is. [02:21:59] That's not even close. [02:22:04] And then I would like you guys as a team, [02:22:06] when you have your meetings and stuff, [02:22:08] is to start... [02:22:10] Because a lot of you are highly educated in your group, [02:22:13] and I'd like you to look for grants. [02:22:15] Here we're going to have this project down the street, [02:22:17] and then we're going to start to work on it. [02:22:19] So grants sometimes take some time and have deadlines and stuff, [02:22:24] but even to apply for them. [02:22:26] So I'd like you to take that... [02:22:28] Sell your project to the community, not just to us. [02:22:33] And then also look for grants. [02:22:35] So those are points. [02:22:37] Okay, now... [02:22:39] Communication. [02:22:41] No, we're done. [02:22:43] You can talk next meeting. [02:22:47] You want me to? [02:22:48] Sure. [02:22:49] Can I just say something about what we just discussed real quick? [02:22:52] I want to slow down, [02:22:54] and I'm going to talk about Shortman later, [02:22:56] but I want to give Pete his time. [02:22:58] I want to slow down and go back to that last item [02:23:00] and just say to Councilman Altman, [02:23:02] my passion for that is because we have spent [02:23:04] a total of $35,000 on housing residents [02:23:07] for the last three and a half years, [02:23:09] and that was out of the NICE program, [02:23:11] not even CBDG or CRA. [02:23:16] So the opportunity we get to actually help our residents [02:23:19] who are paying taxes, [02:23:21] I'm very passionate about that, [02:23:23] and so my passion was not at all directed towards you. [02:23:26] I appreciate it. Thank you. [02:23:28] First thing, thank you. [02:23:30] I did make some lists. [02:23:33] I want to start with the fact that [02:23:35] I was sent a review of the City Manager's job [02:23:39] for the last year, [02:23:41] and last year when we were at this point, [02:23:43] I've made an impassioned request [02:23:45] that we hold the review [02:23:47] until after the budget season is over in September [02:23:50] because all the work, [02:23:52] the main job of the City Manager [02:23:54] is to get us through the budget, [02:23:56] and for years I've been hoping [02:23:58] that we would be the authors of our destiny, [02:24:01] which I made a speech about last week. [02:24:03] So I'm going to hold off on my review [02:24:07] until the end of September. [02:24:09] So I'm not going to be forced [02:24:11] to give a review at a point [02:24:13] when I don't have the opportunity [02:24:15] and the results of our operations [02:24:17] and when we have [02:24:19] so many major things pending. [02:24:21] So just so you know, [02:24:23] I don't know that anyone can [02:24:25] force me to do it, [02:24:27] but my suggestion would be [02:24:29] that we would wait and budget [02:24:31] the City Manager's salary [02:24:33] in the fiscal year along with everything else [02:24:35] once we find out where we are. [02:24:37] But that's just me telling you. [02:24:40] Secondly, [02:24:42] I want to say that I'm here [02:24:45] for a purpose [02:24:47] and the purpose is that [02:24:49] over the career I've had [02:24:51] and this is my last run here [02:24:53] to find sustainable [02:24:55] investments in our community [02:24:57] and we've made them and we've seen the results of that. [02:24:59] Way back into the late 80s [02:25:01] until now, [02:25:03] we've seen the results of that [02:25:05] and it's really great [02:25:07] and that's why we have so many people [02:25:09] passionate about our city. [02:25:11] The request that's been made [02:25:13] and first, I also want to say [02:25:15] to the Cigar Bar [02:25:17] that a comment [02:25:19] was made to me that he applied for some [02:25:21] of these grants for fixing up [02:25:23] and the response he got was [02:25:25] they were only available in the downtown. [02:25:27] So if that's a true response [02:25:29] then it shouldn't be one that we [02:25:31] should have. And secondly, [02:25:33] I'm happy to hold [02:25:35] the sign discussion again to find out what [02:25:37] the real meaning of the [02:25:39] interpretation of the pole sign [02:25:41] is, but I'm also just as happy [02:25:43] to solve this problem after three [02:25:45] years and see if [02:25:47] we can have a grant to provide [02:25:49] him a sign that will make him [02:25:51] stick out and let people know he's in the [02:25:53] city because everybody around him is [02:25:55] not in the city. And so [02:25:57] if there is anything [02:25:59] we can do to help [02:26:01] the Cigar Bar, considering [02:26:03] all that they've been through, [02:26:05] I'm for it. If it's a variance [02:26:07] he wants, but I'd also like [02:26:09] to understand how we're giving [02:26:11] out our grants and our [02:26:13] incentives because we should be the ones [02:26:15] approving them as CRA [02:26:17] folks. But his request was [02:26:19] for us as city council members to hear his [02:26:21] variance. So just to get [02:26:23] that off my chest, [02:26:25] the Aqua Harbor [02:26:27] project was mentioned in [02:26:29] the various matters statement [02:26:31] we got last week and [02:26:33] it did confirm [02:26:35] that the [02:26:37] strategy that [02:26:39] was presented to us [02:26:41] last summer included [02:26:43] the payment of [02:26:45] $475,000 [02:26:47] worth of building fees. So [02:26:49] two things to that. One, the building [02:26:51] fees can only be used internally [02:26:53] in the building department if they're not used [02:26:55] for building and inspection services [02:26:57] to pay for that service [02:26:59] then they have to be refunded [02:27:01] to the developers [02:27:03] so it's not [02:27:06] money that's going to help our general fund. It has to [02:27:08] stay within that [02:27:10] zone. [02:27:12] And [02:27:14] I personally [02:27:16] don't know how far we're [02:27:18] into this project, but my concern [02:27:20] was that it was already under construction [02:27:22] that a permit [02:27:24] I'm imagining [02:27:26] a permit was issued [02:27:28] and no payment was made for it or [02:27:30] we've already made the payment or he's going to [02:27:32] reimburse us. So [02:27:34] bottom line, to the audience [02:27:36] who is looking for financial [02:27:38] information, I'm waiting for it too [02:27:40] It's promised [02:27:42] I believe it's coming and I want to have [02:27:44] a respectful conversation [02:27:46] with management [02:27:48] for the purpose of [02:27:50] working out any problems that we [02:27:52] have. So this is not a [02:27:54] gotcha, this is a where are we [02:27:56] and how can we make sure that [02:27:58] all of our projects are [02:28:00] at least envisioned how we're going to [02:28:02] Tonight we're going to [02:28:04] pay for another third [02:28:06] investment in a hotel [02:28:08] or to [02:28:10] approve that [02:28:12] for the purpose of making [02:28:14] it into something that will be a [02:28:16] public-private endeavor [02:28:18] I'm imagining. I don't think we're planning at all [02:28:20] to turn that all [02:28:22] into a park, but we're buying [02:28:24] it so we can remove a blighted [02:28:26] structure and put something really [02:28:28] exciting, probably commercial [02:28:30] whatever we envision [02:28:32] there [02:28:34] I knew Mr. Draper [02:28:36] from many years back because [02:28:38] this state was built [02:28:40] by community development bonds [02:28:42] where all these communities [02:28:44] were built and [02:28:46] assessed the people in their community [02:28:48] so we're assessing our residents [02:28:50] our normal taxes and we get it all [02:28:52] back into the CRA fund [02:28:54] and I know that we have an [02:28:56] 8 million dollar cash that [02:28:58] to be contributed and I'm sure it will be [02:29:00] I also know and believe [02:29:02] that the 4 million [02:29:04] or whatever it was [02:29:06] in the old agreement [02:29:08] was to pay for [02:29:10] the CRA [02:29:12] to purchase from the general [02:29:14] fund the transfer [02:29:16] of density rights [02:29:18] and those density rights [02:29:20] we already own. We have them in the bank [02:29:22] and we paid for them [02:29:24] so it's not like we're going to go out and buy something [02:29:27] so first I need to know [02:29:29] when we paid 1.6 million dollars [02:29:31] for those density rights [02:29:33] where did that money come from [02:29:35] did it come from the CRA already [02:29:37] and did that [02:29:39] property get and I'm just talking about [02:29:41] that one property so I don't know how [02:29:43] many units and how much of that [02:29:45] 1.5 million purchase [02:29:47] I don't understand the math [02:29:49] of how we achieved our [02:29:51] density rights or what we paid for them [02:29:53] but I don't believe that the general [02:29:55] fund should be charging [02:29:57] for a profit from the CRA [02:30:00] CRA to take money from it for something that it's going to give away to the Aqua Harbor project. [02:30:08] So I have suggested another way to get money from the CRA to the general fund, [02:30:15] and that is to have the bank building that the hands-on science folks want to try to temporarily occupy, [02:30:24] to have it become a redevelopment asset to be turned over at some point for commercial or to see whatever happens to it. [02:30:34] It's valued at $2.6 million. [02:30:37] So we could have the CRA acquire a city facility for value [02:30:45] and get money into the general fund to help us solve our general fund problem. [02:30:50] That goes back to the issue of the American Rescue Act money, [02:30:54] because we're borrowing money to pay for a capital improvement that we used in part to help us with the operational situation. [02:31:05] While the folks are here, I just want them to know, [02:31:08] for years we have been dancing on this buy one, get one free of getting all this CRA tax money in, [02:31:17] getting $8 million into that fund, [02:31:19] and we knew that it wasn't going to increase our annual increase of property tax collections [02:31:24] because all of that extra money goes into that fund. [02:31:28] So there is need for the general fund to be able to survive during this redevelopment time. [02:31:36] And so that's my pitch, and what troubles me is having a document that was done in June [02:31:44] now becoming an urgent matter to approve as it is, [02:31:49] and my discussions with the city manager have been straightforward, that it's up to us. [02:31:55] So I want to make sure that, to my comment before at the last meeting, [02:32:01] once we learn where we sit, we shouldn't spend all our money to invest in a private enterprise [02:32:10] on the most prime spot in the city, on the deep canal, [02:32:15] while we have three other projects that are going to need investment. [02:32:20] So bottom line is, if we're a developer, which we are, on Main and 19, at the bridge, and now at the other bridge, [02:32:30] we need to act like a developer, and we need to get the right people involved to get us the best-looking projects we can [02:32:39] and get those projects going. [02:32:42] So the lateness of this today is just part of a systemic lateness of us actually taking action. [02:32:53] We've had an $800,000 or $900,000 grant for the attenuation pond at the SunTrust, [02:33:01] and to be fair, we've continued to acquire more land to assemble it so we have something to push. [02:33:09] But the time is now for us to turn our properties into something that can result in profit [02:33:17] and not spend all our money on that project. [02:33:21] Now, that doesn't mean I'm not for the project. [02:33:23] So my question to the attorney is this. [02:33:26] Can the building permits be promised to be paid by the CRA to be taken from the tax increment [02:33:34] that we receive from the project when it's completed? [02:33:38] Can we get a note from somewhere that will allow us to keep whatever agreement that the developers [02:33:50] clearly must have thought they had in place before they got financing? [02:33:53] So, you know, I cannot imagine that all the financing is in place for that building [02:34:00] without taking into consideration for the fact that it's got to have property, [02:34:05] it has to have the right to develop units on it, and it's got to pay for its permits, [02:34:14] and it's got to pay for the impact fees for water and sewer and all of the other impact fees that are there. [02:34:19] So whatever expenses that we've decided we need to put into that project, [02:34:26] we need to make sure there's enough money to do what we need to do on our other projects. [02:34:32] And it's not fair to have that come in front of the understanding of how we're going to – of our business plan. [02:34:40] And I think we can do it and put it together, and I think we need to all talk about it. [02:34:45] And that's, you know, that's basically the deal. [02:34:52] Penny for PASCO was mentioned today. [02:34:55] And Penny for PASCO, as you mentioned, the use of ARPA money, is a purpose for us. [02:35:03] The voters voted on it to enhance our community. [02:35:06] So I'm always harping that we look at Penny for PASCO and take the same approach you do with ARPA and say, [02:35:11] these are funds that we have to help us to achieve our goals, to grow the city, [02:35:16] as we're in this sort of big explosion of change that's happening here. [02:35:21] And so we have to be, during the budget process, involved. [02:35:25] So I'm not willing to wait until the last meeting to get the capital improvement plan [02:35:31] or to have you present us with your strategic plan. [02:35:35] I want to be part of that discussion because I have skills and you all have skills, [02:35:40] and I think we want to jump in and be part of it. [02:35:46] So that's my pitch, and I've said plenty today. [02:35:51] So thank you for your time, and I think we're at a great point. [02:35:58] You're basically asking for a work session. [02:36:01] Well, not just a work session, but I think that I'm saying I'm going to get all this financial information. [02:36:08] The group made a comment that they want to know as well. [02:36:12] And there's nothing to hide. [02:36:13] It's not like we have to have private plans. [02:36:17] We know what our big plans are. [02:36:19] We're just buying one piece. [02:36:20] We've had another piece we've been assembling, and we just bought the piece. [02:36:25] So I think it's time for us to acquire some help. [02:36:28] You can't have a city manager who's also running an $8 million a year operation as a developer [02:36:37] and now also operating a housing grant and negotiating police. [02:36:45] We need some professional help in order to move these projects along, [02:36:48] and I don't think we're going to hire somebody, an individual. [02:36:52] I think we need to look at some professional firms and some professional support, [02:36:57] and I think we have to be willing to spend the money to do it. [02:37:02] But I'm willing to put my time in, and I just want to know if you all will accept my involvement [02:37:10] because I think I can help. [02:37:13] And that's been my offer to the city manager, [02:37:16] and I believe she has, you know, certainly she has agreed that, you know, [02:37:22] our opinions and how we come out are what makes the day. [02:37:28] If you develop, bring it back to us. [02:37:30] Yeah. [02:37:31] Because we can't really sit in the meeting, so when you two have your discussions. [02:37:35] Well, as long as you're okay. [02:37:36] I mean, these are big dollars. [02:37:39] They're multimillion. [02:37:41] When I came here in 2013, I had a phone conversation with you, Mr. Mayor, [02:37:45] when you were just getting on the city council about our financials and where we were, [02:37:49] and our budget said the city was relegated simply to a collection agency. [02:37:55] The CRA was only a collection agency because if you remember in 2000 and what was it, [02:38:03] eight, nine, when the economy collapsed, our values in our city dropped by 50 percent. [02:38:10] And when they dropped by 50 percent, it was not the city's general fund that got hurt, [02:38:15] but the CRA lost everything. [02:38:17] And it had at the time $18 million in debt, [02:38:24] and that's when we went to the utilities and we got the money back to pay off one of our loans [02:38:29] to get ourselves back on our feet again. [02:38:31] So I just know all of the history of where we are and the dollars, [02:38:37] and I think I can help. [02:38:39] And unless the city manager tells me she doesn't want it, [02:38:43] we're planning to have to sit down and look over everything. [02:38:47] And I want to do it in a professional way so we can actually achieve these things [02:38:51] and decide how best we can go along because I think we need to jump in. [02:38:58] When you do meet, just bring us back because you're the professional in that particular area. [02:39:05] I might need just not the verbal, but I may need something written so I can study a little bit. [02:39:11] I'm happy to, and I look forward to it because, once again, there's two years left, [02:39:16] and it takes seven years to build a road, and I'm running out of time. [02:39:21] And I'd like to see these items be successful. [02:39:27] There was a point when one of our council members decided we had too much land [02:39:31] and we just had to sell it off. [02:39:33] So we can't abandon ship. [02:39:35] And I know, Mr. Mayor, you've said that you believe in the development of our city, [02:39:40] and we've got some incredibly great parcels and opportunities. [02:39:44] Now is the time to get the pictures and get the community excited about it, I think. [02:39:51] Yeah, I'll start off with what Councilman Altman was discussing, [02:39:56] just to say that I have not had a chance to be up here to have communication with you, [02:40:02] but I did meet with the city manager, and one of the questions I did ask was, [02:40:06] you know, Councilman Altman has been pushing for financials for quite some time, [02:40:10] and I wanted to know exactly what that request looked like. [02:40:14] And she communicated to me that there was some sort of timeline, I think it was a month, [02:40:19] maybe more than that, where she was working with the finance department [02:40:22] and some consultants to prepare something to present to all of us, hopefully. [02:40:26] And so that was about two weeks ago now, maybe a week and a half. [02:40:30] And so my position has been there is no point in me trying to even attempt to pretend like I know [02:40:38] what I'm speaking about when it comes to finances if I don't even have anything in front of me. [02:40:42] And so I've been defaulting to you and the conversations you've been having with the city manager, [02:40:47] and all I can do is to communicate that you at least have two people up here, [02:40:51] I can't speak for everyone else, that want that. [02:40:53] And so I share in that vision, so she knows there's at least two of us. [02:40:56] Maybe you've had similar conversation and she knows there's three or four, [02:40:59] or the priority is every one of us are communicating the same thing to her, [02:41:02] which is that we want to see those financials. [02:41:04] Because I also felt you have 20 years of reference, maybe even 30. [02:41:09] I had one year of reference for budget season, and I felt we were told you've got to vote this time. [02:41:15] We didn't get opportunities to make revisions. [02:41:18] In fact, I was blindsided when I learned half of my requests that were approved that we all agreed to, [02:41:24] with the exception of Mr. Jonas, because there was someone else up here, [02:41:27] we all agreed to some of my budget requests, and then nine out of ten of them were gone. [02:41:32] And there was no opportunity for us to have that conversation. [02:41:35] I learned about it during the actual vote. [02:41:38] So I agree with you that was rushed, and I'd like to see that changed where we have more conversations. [02:41:44] I'm sure it's not easy. [02:41:45] I'm sure there's a lot of work that goes into it. [02:41:47] But at the end of the day, the buck stops with us. [02:41:50] We are accountable to the public, and we have to be able to have confidence in the budget that's being presented. [02:41:55] And if we can't even see the financials to know the health of the budget, [02:41:59] then I can't go back to constituents and tell them where I think we stand. [02:42:03] So I'm with you on that. [02:42:04] I'll continue to support you with the city manager and hope that she gets you that information so you can get it back to us [02:42:10] and so we can have some fruitful conversations instead of being up here banging at a wall, [02:42:15] hoping something falls out of the tree. [02:42:18] Some things from our communications tonight. [02:42:21] The talk about the alcohol abstention and making sure children do not get a hold of alcohol [02:42:29] and substance abuses more generally. [02:42:32] The Gulf High School and a couple other high schools have been putting together some promises. [02:42:37] I know the Fort Ritchie Police Department, Arpasco Sheriff's Department, the Tampa General Hospital, [02:42:42] Arpasco Schools, all partnered to put on a wonderful display, a tragic display, [02:42:49] in reenacting what it would be like to be a part of a DUI that leads to a fatal collision on your way to prom. [02:42:59] It is a very compelling presentation. [02:43:03] It's a great partnership. [02:43:04] You see all the elements come together. [02:43:06] I mean, they fly a helicopter out and everything, [02:43:08] and so that's just one of the many ways that we are trying to address some of the substance abuses proactively. [02:43:13] So thank you to, I guess it's only New Port Richey Police that would be here to recognize, [02:43:17] but thank you to them for helping with that partnership. [02:43:20] And I think the library was there in some capacity, too, but don't quote me on that. [02:43:24] Nathan Pollack and the Patriot Stogees and that issue, I did have a conversation with our city attorney [02:43:32] and tried to learn more about where we're at, where we can go. [02:43:35] My next consideration would be, from what we discussed, [02:43:42] I don't know how much the statute that's referenced in the letter pertains to the quasi-judicial process [02:43:48] that took place at your meeting. [02:43:50] However, in my interpretation, since I wasn't sitting up here, [02:43:54] I agree that there was not a comprehensive, substantive meeting where you had an opportunity [02:44:02] to really give your perspective and be heard. [02:44:05] But that is my personal opinion, not a reflection on the role of someone who's holding a quasi-judicial hat [02:44:10] because I didn't sit up here at the time. [02:44:13] That being said, I'm going to have more conversations with the city manager [02:44:19] and hopefully the development department about our sign ordinance overall, [02:44:23] where we're at with tweaking that and figuring out what we want to do with it. [02:44:29] I did mention to the city attorney during our call that I was going to let off of him, [02:44:33] but I do have one more request, which is, [02:44:36] if what Florida statute says we should be following for a variance or a comprehensive review challenge, [02:44:44] if that is not applied to the case with Nathan Pollock, [02:44:48] as an education for me and perhaps for others on council that want it, [02:44:53] what should that process look like? [02:44:55] Because to me it was very sloppy. [02:45:00] to speak and then we let staff present. He wasn't able to question staff. He wasn't able [02:45:08] to build a case. He wasn't really able to lay out where he was at with things. He submitted [02:45:13] some evidence and then they just voted on it. And to me, quite frankly, we didn't even [02:45:18] – I don't even think he necessarily understood what was before him, but I didn't even necessarily [02:45:23] understand that that was a completely quasi-judicial matter and that only the facts before us were [02:45:29] to be considered. We've come a long way from that. I know we reference it way more in memos [02:45:33] and I know we make clear what it is. Some cities go above and beyond and they list it [02:45:38] in front of the podium for anyone that speaks, understanding the limits of – they make [02:45:43] a notice at the front of a quasi-judicial proceeding to describe what that protocol [02:45:47] is. I'm not saying we go that far, but at least in his case, where it did have a negative [02:45:52] impact, if I can better understand what – if we followed that to the T and if we didn't, [02:45:57] what we can do to improve moving forward to make sure people are being heard. And then

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26. 15Communications▶ 2:46:01
27. 16Adjournment▶ 3:02:12