On the agenda

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

   Pledge of Allegiance

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

   ▶ Jump to 0:16 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:00:16] I stand for the pledge in a moment of silence.

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

3. 4

   ↳You arrived here from a search for “Smart Meter Replacement Project” — transcript expanded below

   Presentation: Water & Sewer System Overview and Introduction of Current Projects

   discussed

   Public Works staff presented an overview of the City's potable water, sanitary sewer, and reclaimed water systems, including system statistics, current and upcoming utility projects, and wastewater treatment facility upgrades such as the Schreiber tank conversion. Council discussed hurricane hardening of lift stations, expansion of reclaimed water service, and prioritization of projects based on cost-benefit.

   📍Little Road📍Maytum Water Treatment Plant📍Starkey Wellfield, off of Decubulus Road📍West Main🏢Florida Department of Environmental Protection🏢Florida Section of the American Water Works Association🏢Pasco County🏢Tampa Bay Water🏢Treatment Plant Operator Magazine👤Butler👤Colin👤Greg Wickholm👤Pat Edwards#Aeration Gearbox Replacement#Aeration Tank Seals and Coating#Hurricane Helene#NPR and Pasco County Interconnect Upgrades#Newport Corners project#Schreiber Tank Conversion / Oxidation Basin Conversion#Sewer Main and Manhole Lining Project#Smart Meter Replacement Project#Town and Country Leisure Lane Sewer Extension

   ▶ Jump to 0:38 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:00:38] Thank you. [00:00:39] For the presentation of the Public Works Department calling, I'll list it first, it's [00:01:00] not on my list. [00:01:01] All right, that was my mistake. [00:01:02] All right, good evening Council, thank you for having me tonight. [00:01:20] So this evening I'll be presenting the utility system overview and this is generally speaking [00:01:28] to give you kind of a scaled back view of what our utility system provides for the City [00:01:35] of New Port Richey residents and our customers. [00:01:50] So to give you just a general outlook here, we are comprised of the potable water main [00:01:57] system, the sanitary sewer system, reclaimed water system, and I will also be going over [00:02:03] the current and future utility projects. [00:02:08] Our potable water system is provided through the Starkey Wellfield, that's out off of Decubulus [00:02:13] Road and is treated via the Maytum Water Treatment Plant. [00:02:17] And if you're not aware of it already, in 2024 they received the Outstanding Water Treatment [00:02:22] Plant Award by the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association and was featured [00:02:28] in the November 2024 issue of Treatment Plant Operator Magazine. [00:02:33] That staff out there is run by Greg Wickholm, who is fantastic at what he does, which is [00:02:38] why he's been featured in so many different articles across the state of Florida. [00:02:43] So by the numbers here, we average 5.6 MGD, that's daily, that's million gallons per day, [00:02:52] with 3.63 million gallons being delivered to city customers, 1.97 million gallons being [00:02:58] to the regional system, that's through the interconnect that we share with both our Tampa [00:03:05] Bay water connections and Pasco County connections. [00:03:09] And we have 154.87 miles of potable water mains, 17,975 active service connections. [00:03:19] So that also has a projected increase with the Newport Corners project out there on Little [00:03:25] Road of 331 connections, which is being installed right now. [00:03:32] With that, we also have our sanitary sewer system, which is serviced by a wastewater [00:03:38] treatment plant, and if you're familiar with that one, that one is located right out of [00:03:43] West Main, as you get out towards the Gulf there. [00:03:48] This wastewater treatment plant has a capacity of 7.5 million gallons per day, averages about [00:03:53] 5.5, generally speaking, in flow, and then we transition that back into our reclaim system [00:04:01] through our treatment process, and then that's distributed through our reclaim system. [00:04:06] If you're not aware of it, these guys work incredibly diligently to make sure that they [00:04:12] maintain all of the DPE standards out there. [00:04:15] During the hurricane, we were inundated with heavy levels of flow during Hurricane Helene, [00:04:20] and these folks out there at that treatment facility were one of the few plants that never [00:04:23] had to discharge in the Gulf, because they were able to continuously rotate their system [00:04:28] around, maintain it within the plant, and keep that treatment flowing, so that way we [00:04:33] never had any issues, and we were able to push all that out through our reclaim and [00:04:37] meet all the standards that were set forth by DEP, so a lot of credits to those folks [00:04:41] out there. [00:04:43] So again, by the numbers, we have 76 lift stations, 29.82 miles of sanitary sewer force [00:04:49] mains, 87.46 miles of gravity sewer lines, 14,896 service connections, with a projected [00:04:57] increase in our service area, thanks to Newport Corridors, of 331, again, and that's going [00:05:01] on right now. [00:05:03] We average, with our reclaim, about 5 million gallons to 5.5 million gallons per day, and [00:05:09] that's the reclaim water that we'd use for irrigation, things like that. [00:05:14] We have 21.7 miles of reclaim transmission lines, 17.27 miles of reclaim distribution [00:05:20] lines, with a total of 496 service connections. [00:05:28] So again, this is what we were talking about with the reclamation facility, and this is [00:05:33] the treated sewage that comes through the plant that then is pushed out through our [00:05:38] reclaim system. [00:05:41] So projects for this current fiscal year, we have our potable and reclaim extensions, [00:05:48] the smart meter replacement project closed out this year, we replaced 7,400 meters total, [00:05:53] and we're continuing to replace meters in-house to this day, however, those are not needed [00:05:58] right now, we're doing those as we get to them. [00:06:01] The NPR and Pasco County interconnect upgrades, that project is in review right now, we're [00:06:08] looking at the submittals and should be underway shortly. [00:06:11] The sewer utility system improvements, sewer system extensions, and the sewer main and [00:06:17] manhole lining projects, that's an annual program that we conduct to ensure that we're [00:06:22] keeping our system up and we're having as little inundation into the system as possible. [00:06:30] So looking ahead, we have our town and country leisure lane sewer extension program, I'm [00:06:34] sure all of you are aware of, that we received through the annexation. [00:06:38] The potable water and reclaim water system improvements, the water utility system improvements, [00:06:44] the sewer system utility improvements, and the sewer main and manhole lining project, [00:06:47] which again will be each year, year over year, to maintain our system. [00:06:52] To highlight a few wastewater treatment facility projects, we have the Schreiber tank conversion, [00:06:58] which will be the oxidation basin conversion. [00:07:01] This will reduce the total nitrogen in the system and improve our overall system and [00:07:10] our process out there by reducing total maintenance time and kind of unifying it with what we [00:07:15] currently have out there. [00:07:16] If you've been out there, you'll have your oxidation basins and then there's the Schreiber [00:07:21] unit conversion, or the Schreiber unit off to the side, and that functions kind of as [00:07:26] this clarifying oxidation basin. [00:07:28] And that process is really, really heavily inundated with loads of maintenance to continue [00:07:34] that operation along. [00:07:36] And what we get out of it isn't necessarily much of a benefit in comparison to just a [00:07:41] standard oxidation ditch. [00:07:42] So the thought process there is to unify our system across the board and go with these [00:07:47] oxidation ditches throughout the whole thing. [00:07:49] And we've reached out to multiple sources for funding, so we're still looking into that [00:07:54] project. [00:07:55] The aeration tank seals and coating, this is kind of a general thing that we do year [00:08:01] over year out there. [00:08:02] So what you'll typically do is you'll break down one of the oxidation basins and the clarifiers, [00:08:07] and you'll go ahead and redo your coating out there and ensure that your process is [00:08:10] running smooth and you don't have any issues out there. [00:08:13] And again, that would go into the aeration gearbox, or aeration pumps, and then the gearbox [00:08:20] replacement that we have slated for this upcoming fiscal year as well. [00:08:26] So with that, I'm open for any questions, and thank you again. [00:08:31] I just want to, I know you didn't have any problems during hurricanes, but did you find [00:08:35] things that you want to address because we're down the road? [00:08:38] Yeah, absolutely. [00:08:40] We had our lift stations that we looked at that were in areas that would be exposed to [00:08:45] flooding, and so what we ended up doing is working with our operations team and kind [00:08:51] of looking at those elevations for some of the electrical panels and things of that nature [00:08:56] and elevating that. [00:08:57] And then for future projects, we've reached out for grant funding to ensure that some [00:09:02] of those lift stations have received some of the appropriate upgrades necessary to harden [00:09:06] them against future storms. [00:09:09] That would reduce our total inundation also as it would flow into the wastewater treatment [00:09:13] facility. [00:09:14] So that's kind of what we're looking at right now. [00:09:16] They just want to be ahead of the game, that's why it's asking. [00:09:20] Anybody else? [00:09:22] One thing about, I'm sorry, go ahead, about the greywater or the reuse project, I think [00:09:30] you've lost track of that, but to me, the reuse needs to go in new communities where [00:09:35] we're going to have the acceptable amount of, we don't get return on investment because [00:09:40] we pretty much give that away, and we do have a connection to the county and I know they [00:09:45] charge us a fee for taking our reuse water depending on need or use, but these greywater [00:09:54] irrigation projects are not, to quote one of my colleagues, provide any return on investment [00:10:02] for what we're doing. [00:10:04] Environmentally, if they cost more than it's going to cost us to dispose of it and put [00:10:10] it into a county's large reservoir, putting it into neighborhoods that don't have existing [00:10:19] irrigation systems does reduce the use of water perhaps, potable water, which is a good [00:10:29] thing, but I think that we need to look at the economics of doing those projects. [00:10:37] Just because they're green and they look good doesn't mean that it makes sense for the city, [00:10:43] with all the projects you've identified, to prioritize them. [00:10:47] New communities where you can install that as part of the construction is where greywater [00:10:53] and reuse water really belongs, I think. [00:10:59] So the new community out there, I'm imagining, I think we had this question before, you're [00:11:03] asking them or telling them to put in the greywater lines for you, so that's a good [00:11:11] way for you to dispose of it, but that's my comment. [00:11:17] I had the pleasure of touring the facility, the sewer treatment plant, with Colin, and [00:11:24] it was very informative. [00:11:26] So basically everything that you just went over, we went over there, I saw it firsthand, [00:11:33] I see the age of a lot of this equipment that needs definite maintenance. [00:11:38] So I want to make sure that everybody up here kind of knows that, and if they haven't done [00:11:44] a tour of the facility, you should. [00:11:48] Because when you see it firsthand and understand the process, you can see that a lot of these [00:11:52] things need the maintenance, and it requires, and it's not cheap. [00:11:56] So we definitely need to work on that. [00:11:58] But in reference to the reclaim, I think we need to try to do a little bit more reclaim, [00:12:05] because my brother has a property here in the city, and he's paying $200 a month just [00:12:11] to water his front lawn. [00:12:13] So if he switches that over to some reclaims, he's going to be paying about $50 a month [00:12:19] for water. [00:12:20] So yes, there's a little initial cost for that, but I think doing a little reclaim in [00:12:26] the city would be a benefit. [00:12:28] I'm good. [00:12:30] Yeah, to the point of reclaim, I would be excited to see a case where these individual [00:12:41] residents that perhaps want to see reclaimed, that they're able to excite their local neighborhood, [00:12:47] their community, and work with the city to find out if there's a way to, if there's enough [00:12:53] individuals on the street or the block that want reclaim, see if it can't be turned into [00:12:57] a project that is cost-affordable. [00:13:02] In regards to the facilities at large, what was talked about tonight, I think Public Works [00:13:06] does a phenomenal job staying ahead of the game, and one of the scary parts about their [00:13:11] job is that they know all the problems, they know what's going to break, and they have [00:13:14] to decide what the priority is to make sure that they're staying on top of things. [00:13:19] They do a great job at that, and the presentation is just a glimpse at everything that they're [00:13:26] keeping track of. [00:13:28] To the point of the hurricane season and their ability to continue to pump down the ponds [00:13:33] and make sure that we were stable there, a phenomenal work, and I'm curious to see some [00:13:40] more. [00:13:41] I know tonight wasn't necessarily about the lift stations, but I'm curious to see where [00:13:45] you're going with lift stations in anticipation for the next hurricane season. [00:13:48] But other than that, nothing on these specific projects. [00:13:51] When budget season comes around, I might have more, but I appreciate the update, really. [00:13:55] Thank you. [00:13:56] Anybody else? [00:13:57] Just to reply, kind of in agreement, whether it's new construction of a new community or [00:14:04] urban renewal or streetscaping or sidewalk programs, you know, whenever you can efficiently [00:14:11] install something that's a benefit to residents, and then to your point, Councilman Butler, [00:14:20] maybe it doesn't have to be by petition, but maybe you could identify those areas that [00:14:27] are natural. [00:14:28] I think you probably put them already up on the list, but it could be some promotion that [00:14:31] could be done to kind of get some sign in to do that cost-benefit analysis between saving [00:14:39] money for residents and costing, you know, making it worthwhile. [00:14:45] So I'm not in disagreement with you, but I think we have to be cautious about prioritizing [00:14:51] our projects. [00:14:52] Thank you, Colin. [00:14:53] Thank you, sir. [00:14:54] Thanks, Colin. [00:14:55] Thank you. [00:14:56] I'm Pat Edwards.

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

4. 5.a

   Proclamation: America 250

   approved

   Mayor Chopper Davis read a proclamation recognizing America 250, commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, and encouraging residents to view the America 250 display at City Hall during June 2025. The proclamation also recognized the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

   🏢National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution👤Chopper Davis👤Gennaro#America 250#America 250 display at City Hall#Semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence

   ▶ Jump to 15:00 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:15:00] This is a proclamation for America 250, come on over here. [00:15:20] I was there around 250 years ago. [00:15:26] This is a proclamation of the office of the mayor of the city [00:15:29] of New Port Richey, whereas on July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the semi-quintennial [00:15:36] anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and whereas the journey towards [00:15:40] this historic milestone is an opportunity to reflect on our nation's past, honor the [00:15:45] contributions of all Americans, and look ahead to the future generations who will carry forward [00:15:51] the ideals of democracy and individual liberty that make the United States a unique nation [00:15:56] in the world community. [00:15:57] And whereas Florida played a role in the American Revolution with four battles occurring on [00:16:02] Florida's soil, the Battle of Thomas Creek, the Battle at Alligator Creek Bridge, the [00:16:07] Siege of Pensacola, and the last naval battle of the American Revolution off the coast of [00:16:12] Cape Canaveral. [00:16:14] And whereas the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-political [00:16:20] women's service organization established in 1890, and whereas through the President [00:16:24] Gennaro's leadership, all daughters are celebrating stars and stripes forever and rejoicing in [00:16:29] our ties of service and friendship by celebrating our nation's rich history and diversity, promoting [00:16:36] belonging through membership and dedicated service to God, home, and country, and by [00:16:41] completing projects in unique, local, and impactful ways. [00:16:45] And whereas from the 205th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party in 2023 until the 250th [00:16:52] anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 2033, daughters are celebrating [00:16:59] our nation's rich history and diversity of experience by honoring all men and women who [00:17:03] achieved American independence. [00:17:06] These patriots believe in the noble cause of liberty fought valiantly to establish our [00:17:10] new nation. [00:17:11] Now therefore, I, Chopper Davis, Mayor of the City of Newport Ridge, commend this commemoration [00:17:15] to all our city residents, America 250, and encourage all citizens to take time to view [00:17:21] the America 250 display at City Hall during the month of June 2025. [00:17:28] Thank you so much for this honor, and I hope that you will all please go see that, and [00:17:40] I hope that the City of Newport Ridge has big plans for 2026. [00:17:51] Thank you. [00:17:58] The approval of the minutes for June 3rd, 2025 work session regular meeting minutes.

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

5. 6.aApproval of Minutes – June 3, 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting▶ 18:06
6. 7Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 18:26
7. 8.a

   Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval

   approvedon consent

   Council moved and seconded approval of purchases/payments and approved them by voice vote.

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

   ▶ Jump to 35:11 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:35:11] to the city. [00:35:12] Move for approval. [00:35:13] Second. [00:35:14] Second. [00:35:15] Anybody else? [00:35:16] No. [00:35:17] All those in favor, signify by aye. [00:35:18] Aye. [00:35:19] Business items, approval of the entry into contract negotiations with the leading firm

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

8. 9.a

   Approval to Enter into Contract Negotiations with the Leading Firm for RFQ 25-014 – Employee Benefits Broker and Consulting Services

   approved

   Council voted 5-0 to authorize HR to enter into contract negotiations with McGriff Insurance Services, the highest-ranked firm under RFQ 25-014 for Employee Benefits Broker and Consulting Services. The broker will advise the City on health insurance, dental, vision, life, and overall employee benefits, including a likely new benefits platform.

   • motion:Motion to approve authorizing HR to enter into contract negotiations with McGriff Insurance Services for RFQ 25-014 Employee Benefits Broker and Consulting Services. (passed)5–0

   🏢AccuSure🏢Gehring Group Risk Strategies🏢McGriff Insurance Services🏢Pasco County Schools👤Arnie Wetzel👤Councilman Butler👤Ms. Madsen#Employee Benefits Broker and Consulting Services#RFQ 25-014

   ▶ Jump to 35:30 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:35:30] for RFQ 25-014, Employees Benefit Broker Consulting Services. [00:35:37] Ms. Madsen. [00:35:40] Thank you. [00:35:41] As indicated in the title, the RFQ is related to a contract to enter into a discussion with [00:35:59] a benefits broker related to employee benefits, and it was led by Arnie Wetzel, driven by [00:36:10] a desire both to improve our program platform and to reduce program costs, and I'll allow [00:36:16] him to introduce the agenda item to you. [00:36:20] Thank you, Ms. Madsen. [00:36:21] Good evening, Mayor. [00:36:22] Good evening, City Council. [00:36:23] The request before City Council is to vote in the affirmative for human resources to [00:36:27] enter into contract negotiations with the highest rated firm for qualification based [00:36:32] upon the evaluation criteria listed in RFQ 25-014 and an interview before the Evaluation [00:36:40] Committee. [00:36:41] The two highest scoring firms based upon criteria and the incumbent broker were selected to [00:36:46] participate in an interview process. [00:36:48] After careful evaluation and completion of the process, the Committee recommends the [00:36:52] City should enter into contract negotiations with McGriff Insurance Services. [00:36:57] Staff believes McGriff will best be able to advise and guide the City in the key areas [00:37:02] of health insurance and employee benefits. [00:37:04] For discussion, on March 28, 2025, RFQ 25-014 was released and advertised for Employee Benefits [00:37:13] Broker and Consulting Services. [00:37:15] On May 7, 2025, seven submitted proposals were opened and recorded in the City Clerk's [00:37:21] office. [00:37:22] The seven proposals were submitted by leading and respected firms, including the incumbent [00:37:26] provider. [00:37:28] The proposals were thoroughly reviewed and evaluated by the Human Resources Department. [00:37:32] Staff conducted a thorough evaluation process of the seven firms utilizing the following [00:37:36] criteria. [00:37:38] Service design and methodology. [00:37:41] Experience working with local and state agencies. [00:37:44] Qualifications of key personnel. [00:37:45] References and location of firm and staff assigned to this project. [00:37:50] After all the firms were evaluated utilizing the evaluation criteria listed above, the [00:37:54] two highest scoring firms based upon criteria and the incumbent broker were selected to [00:37:59] participate in an interview process. [00:38:02] Upon completion of the interview process, the Evaluation Committee ranked the three [00:38:06] finalist firms as follows. [00:38:08] First, McGriff. [00:38:09] Second, AccuSure. [00:38:10] Third, Gehring Group Risk Strategies. [00:38:14] The recommendation, staff recommends that the City Council vote in the affirmative for [00:38:18] HR to enter into contract negotiations with McGriff in an effort to secure their services [00:38:23] as broker consultant for employee health insurance and benefit programs. [00:38:28] Staff believes this is the best firm to advise and guide the City in the key areas of health [00:38:32] insurance and employee benefits at this time. [00:38:35] In the event negotiations do not yield an acceptable contract, staff will seek to enter [00:38:40] into negotiations with the second highest-raised firm. [00:38:43] With that, I'll be glad to answer any questions. [00:38:45] Do we have any public comment? [00:38:49] Seeing no one come forward, bring them back for discussion and vote. [00:38:53] Mr. Mayor, I'm going to move to approve. [00:38:56] I'll second. [00:38:57] I'll second. [00:38:58] To the maker. [00:38:59] The part that you mentioned, to guide the City in the key areas of health insurance [00:39:09] and employee benefits, can you elaborate on that? [00:39:12] Sure, Councilman Butler. [00:39:13] For that, it's also to help advise us on what's trending, again, to help us with negotiations [00:39:18] with contracts for our health insurance and services. [00:39:22] Also to work with the insurance companies if we're having issues or problems, to help [00:39:25] our employees if claims aren't being paid and stuff along those lines. [00:39:30] So it's really kind of multifaceted. [00:39:31] Plus also to work with us, again, part of this process, we will most likely be looking [00:39:36] for a new employee benefits platform. [00:39:39] So that really comes into play for open enrollment, where our employees apply and stuff along [00:39:43] those lines. [00:39:44] I hate to say this, unfortunately we've had some issues the last three years with our [00:39:46] current situation. [00:39:48] So again, really, the consultant will, again, help in advising us, Commissioner Butler, [00:39:53] as well as, again, looking at helping us with the insurance companies and looking at the [00:39:56] services and looking at the costs and fees, really the broker on our behalf that we're [00:40:01] getting the best deal for our money. [00:40:04] And actually also, too, to look and see that we're giving the best services to our employees [00:40:08] that we can, our coverages that we can in the plans. [00:40:10] It does include dental and vision and life as well. [00:40:14] It will include the whole encompassing of everything that we have out there. [00:40:16] We will look at everything with this broker consultant, as we've done with the current [00:40:21] one, but we'll do a little bit, it'll be a different perspective, you know, some new [00:40:24] eyes and stuff along those lines. [00:40:26] Yeah, I would just say to that then, I appreciate you having that top of radar, the employee [00:40:33] benefits and clarifying it, it includes all that. [00:40:36] For the reason of you transitioning into this role, I know it's not new now, but in retrospect [00:40:42] of three years, it just seems like continuity, keeping the ball rolling, because this was [00:40:46] brought up as a major point and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes out of the interviews [00:40:54] and whatever gets selected. [00:40:56] But I'll have follow-up questions when that process happens, but I'm excited to see where [00:41:01] this goes, really, because I know it was top of mind, I know it was brought up in the past [00:41:05] as a major point. [00:41:06] I think it was actually listed as one of the, don't quote me on this, but in our budget [00:41:11] as one of the major things that we're trying to achieve is swapping over to a more beneficial [00:41:16] system for employees. [00:41:17] So I'm looking forward, if you're able to achieve that, and then Pasco County Schools [00:41:23] might want to take one out of the City of New Port Richey's playbook, because we are [00:41:27] having the same struggles over there, too, when it comes to employee benefits and health [00:41:32] insurance. [00:41:33] I mean, hiring a broker to look at these things and try to find the best deals you can get, [00:41:42] the best bang for your buck, it's a process, and let's face it, it just keeps going up [00:41:49] every year and year and year after that, especially in the insurance side of it. [00:41:54] So staying on top of it and getting out there and looking that we can serve the employees [00:42:02] of the city better through it. [00:42:05] It's a lot of work, and thanks for doing that. [00:42:09] I'm good. [00:42:11] All those in favor, signify by aye. [00:42:13] Aye. [00:42:14] Aye. [00:42:15] Those opposed, five to zip. [00:42:16] Approval to enter into a contract negotiation with a leading firm for RFQ 2515, insurance [00:42:23] broker records risk management consultant services. [00:42:27] Again, Mr. Wetzel took the lead on this broker services, and it relates to risk management [00:42:37] and various other insurance coverages. [00:42:41] From the perspective of effectiveness and cost savings, we wanted to evaluate our insurance [00:42:48] broker and look for somebody or shop a little bit on coverages with the city, and he led [00:42:57] a request for qualifications and take it from there, Mr. Wetzel. [00:43:02] Thank you, Ms. Manns. [00:43:03] I feel like I'm doing the doubleheader here. [00:43:04] This is going to be a little redundant, but just a different perspective on a different [00:43:08] group. [00:43:09] So again, thank you. [00:43:10] We request this evening before city council is to vote in the affirmative for human resources [00:43:14] to enter into contract negotiations with the highest rated firm for qualification based [00:43:18] upon the evaluation criteria listed in RFQ 25-015 and an interview before the evaluation [00:43:26] committee. [00:43:27] Again, the two highest scoring firms based upon criteria and the broker representing [00:43:31] the incumbent provider were selected to participate in an interview process. [00:43:35] After careful evaluation and completion of the process, the committee recommends the [00:43:40] city should enter into contract negotiations with Gearing Group Risk Strategies. [00:43:44] Staff believes Gearing Group Risk Strategies management will best be able to provide and [00:43:49] advise the city in the key areas of risk management and various insurance coverages. [00:43:54] For discussion, on March 28, 2025, RFQ 25-015 was released and advertised for insurance [00:44:01] broker of record risk management consulting services. [00:44:04] On May 7, 2025, three submitted proposals were opened and recorded in the city clerk's [00:44:10] office. [00:44:11] The three proposals were submitted by leading and respective firms, including the broker [00:44:14] for the incumbent provider. [00:44:16] The proposals were thoroughly reviewed and evaluated again by human resource department. [00:44:21] Staff conducted a thorough evaluation process of the three firms utilizing the following [00:44:25] criteria, service design and methodology, experience working with local and state agencies, [00:44:31] qualifications of key personnel, references, and location of the firm and staff assigned [00:44:35] to this project. [00:44:37] After all the firms were evaluated utilizing the evaluation criteria listed above, the [00:44:41] two highest scoring firms based upon criteria and the broker for the incumbent firm were [00:44:45] selected to participate in an interview process. [00:44:48] Upon completion of the interview process, the evaluation committee ranked the three [00:44:51] finalist firms as follows, first, Gearing Group Risk Strategies, second, McGriff, third, [00:45:00] brokers FFIB. The recommendation for staff is that the City Council vote in the affirmative [00:45:06] that for HR to enter into contract negotiations with Gearing Group Risk Strategies in an effort [00:45:10] to secure their services as broker consultant for the risk management and various insurance [00:45:15] coverages. Staff believes this is the best firm to advise and guide the City in the key [00:45:20] areas of risk management and insurance at this time. In the event negotiations do not [00:45:24] yield an acceptable contract, staff will seek to enter negotiations with the second highest [00:45:29] rated firm. With that I'll be glad to answer any questions. [00:45:31] Do you have any public comment? Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring you back for [00:45:36] discussion and vote. I'm going to move to approve. [00:45:42] Yes. Can you elaborate on what you mean by guide the City in the key areas of risk management and [00:45:51] various insurance? Sure. Councilman Butler again, very similar again, looking for a firm [00:45:56] to guide and advise us. Again, this risk management and the various insurance with [00:46:00] that involves our property and casualty, our pollution insurance, our cyber security, [00:46:05] all the insurances that protect the City from that standpoint, auto and everything else comes [00:46:08] under that. So really what we're looking for again, currently we're in a pool. Again, we're [00:46:13] looking for a broker consultant to help guide us to make sure that we are getting the true [00:46:18] services that we pay for. Also to help with training and advising us as the City from [00:46:24] safety and risk management terms from that end. So again, similar to the health insurance side, [00:46:31] we're looking for a broker consultant that will help guide and advise us, [00:46:35] lead us again, making sure we're getting the right coverages. We have the right amount of [00:46:39] coverages and that we have all our buildings covered. All those things that come up and [00:46:43] that we're prepared in advance before we hit some of these storms or we have just issues that happen [00:46:50] with our buildings and stuff along those lines. So we're protected. And again, [00:46:53] I guess also to say it does include our workers' compensation and stuff along those lines for our [00:46:57] employees. Some legal guidance from that standpoint. Again, if there's legal issues [00:47:02] outside of just the City Council from the standpoint of again, if it's a workers' comp [00:47:06] claim or if it's on our insurance or we're being sued by somebody from that standpoint. So [00:47:11] again, we're looking for somebody to help us. Again, this is another area that [00:47:16] we really could use at times some of that expertise to guide us because that's really [00:47:20] not our forte. It's not something we deal with every day from that end. [00:47:25] Not being sued a lot is a good problem to have. [00:47:31] Again, you really need somebody that's involved with every day

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

9. 9.b

   Approval to Enter into Contract Negotiations with the Leading Firm for RFQ 25-015 – Insurance Broker of Record/Risk Management Consulting Services

   approved

   Council expressed support for entering contract negotiations with the leading firm (Davidson) for RFQ 25-015, Insurance Broker of Record/Risk Management Consulting Services, praising staff's due diligence.

   • vote:Approve entering into contract negotiations with Davidson, the leading firm for RFQ 25-015 Insurance Broker of Record/Risk Management Consulting Services. (passed)

   🏢Davidson👤Mr. Rivera👤Ms. Vance#RFQ 25-015

   ▶ Jump to 47:33 in the video

   ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

   Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

   [00:47:35] with that sort of business. And whether it's political or laws or policy, [00:47:40] I mean, they're involved with every day. They know the ins and outs. And you have to have [00:47:44] somebody that knows that in order to get the best. [00:47:50] I just want to say I appreciate your due diligence, you and all your staff, [00:47:53] for putting all this together and presenting it to us. [00:47:58] I don't want their heads to get too big, so I'll just be quiet and vote for it. [00:48:03] I'll vote for Davidson. [00:48:09] Grand Boulevard multi-use path, phase one, change order number one. [00:48:15] This agenda item is a change order and it also includes a budget amendment. And Mr. [00:48:22] Rivera will present the agenda item. Thank you, Ms. Vance, counsel. The attached [00:48:27] project change order is in the amount not to exceed $128,206.01. And the attached budget

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

10. 9.c

    Grand Blvd. Multi-Use Path (MUP) Phase 1 Project – Change Order No. 1

    approved

    Council considered Change Order No. 1 for the Grand Blvd. Multi-Use Path Phase 1 Project, a $129,000 budget amendment to correct landscaping quantity errors in the original bid documents prepared by the engineering firm. Funds are to be reallocated from Penny for Pasco dollars previously designated for the Francis Avenue Park boardwalk element. Staff confirmed the project remains the lowest bid even with the change order, and that $1,000/day liquidated damages will be deducted from the contractor's final pay request for delays.

    • motion:Motion to approve the budget amendment and Change Order No. 1 for the Grand Blvd. Multi-Use Path Phase 1 Project in an amount not to exceed $129,000. (passed)

    📍Francis Avenue Park📍Grand Boulevard between Marine Parkway and Gulf Drive👤Unknown Councilmember👤Unknown Councilmember#Capital Improvement Program#Change Order No. 1#Francis Avenue Park boardwalk#Grand Blvd. Multi-Use Path (MUP) Phase 1 Project#Penny for Pasco#liquidated damages ($1,000/day)

    ▶ Jump to 48:32 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [00:48:34] amendment is in the amount not to exceed $129,000. As you are aware, the project is currently in the [00:48:43] construction phase. This is a multi-use path on Grand Boulevard between Marine Parkway [00:48:48] and Gulf Drive. During the project review, the engineer discovered there were errors [00:48:54] in the quantities for the landscaping elements portion of the project, and that's what's created [00:49:01] the change order. Should you approve the change order, it would fulfill the original intent of [00:49:07] the project that city council had approved last year. The funds for the budget amendment are [00:49:14] identified as penny for pasco dollars. They are allocated in the city's current capital [00:49:21] improvement program. For the Francis Avenue Park improvement project, this is for that boardwalk [00:49:28] portion element that we had. And so that can either be admitted and taken out at your discretion. [00:49:37] I know that you all had a discussion about that previously. Or the following upcoming physical [00:49:44] year, we can add that back, but that's where we would request that the funds come from. So with [00:49:50] that, we would recommend that you do approve the budget amendment as well as the change order. [00:49:55] And then just one more note, too. There were three original bidders of the project, so if we do add [00:50:01] the $129,000 in there, you're still the lowest bid from all three, or from the other two. [00:50:11] Any public comment? Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. [00:50:16] Move to approve. I'll second. And not to put you on the spot here, it's a genuine question. [00:50:24] Correct me if I'm wrong, the other bids had the error as well? So they're all still equal [00:50:31] playing field? Yes, sir. Okay. So just to make it known, so what was the reasoning for the error [00:50:40] with landscaping? How it occurred was the firm that we've hired to design the project [00:50:50] also was the lead in the bidding process and producing the bid documents. On our last review, [00:50:57] city staff reviewed it, reviewed quantities. During the process of the engineering firm [00:51:03] handing out the bid packages to the bidders, as well as the plan sets, that's where the error [00:51:09] occurred. So now we're trying to... Now do we have any recourse with them, with that mistake [00:51:16] being made, or no? There's no recourse with the engineers. It's material that we're utilizing, [00:51:22] that we have to take possession for, and we can't hold the contractor accountable [00:51:27] because he bid on what was presented to him in the bid documents. Thank you. [00:51:32] Thank you. Are you using reuse water? [00:51:41] Yes, sir. [00:51:46] Does this affect the delay or any of the fines that the people are going to get for the delay? [00:51:53] It should not affect the delay of the project because the contractor still has [00:52:00] different other activities to do. They're behind in time. But he is behind in time, [00:52:07] and so we have $1,000 daily liquidated damages. So our intent is, once the project is over with, [00:52:13] to take an add dose and deduct it from the final pay request.

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

11. 9.d

    Approval of Contract Extension for the Traffic Safety Red-Light Camera Program w/Verra Mobility

    approved

    Council approved a month-to-month contract extension with Verra Mobility for the red-light camera program, which expires June 20, 2025, while staff develops a new contract proposal that will likely combine red-light cameras with a new school zone speed enforcement program. Council discussed concerns about red-light cameras feeling like 'gotchas' versus their safety benefits, with broad support for school zone speed cameras.

    • motion:Approve contract extension (month-to-month) for the Traffic Safety Red-Light Camera Program with Verra Mobility. (passed)5–0

    📍Golf (Boulevard)📍Highway 19📍Ridge Road🏢Verra Mobility🏢Walmart👤Butler👤Chief Cochin👤Kim Bogart👤Lieutenant Pascali👤Pete#School Zone Speed Enforcement Program#Traffic Safety Red-Light Camera Program

    ▶ Jump to 52:17 in the video

    ▸Show transcriptHide transcript

    Auto-transcript · machine-generated, may contain errors

    [00:52:18] Okay. Because I think to some, because of their delay, I think some of the businesses need to be [00:52:24] compensated with that $1,000 a day. That's why I'm asking. [00:52:28] Understood. [00:52:30] All right, all those in favor, signify by aye. Aye. [00:52:34] Those opposed, five nothing. Approve the contract extension for the [00:52:38] traffic safety red light camera program for Vera Mobility. [00:52:42] The city's contract with Vera Mobility related to our red light camera program expires on June 20th [00:52:53] of 2025. In that regard, we would like your permission to enter into a month-by-month [00:53:00] contract with them until such time as we're able to advance a recommendation to you [00:53:08] for a new contract. And our expectation is, based on what I'm being told by Lieutenant [00:53:17] Pascali, who's been very involved in discussions on this matter with Chief Cochin on a program [00:53:28] that in all likelihood will involve the school zone camera speed enforcement program in conjunction [00:53:36] with a red light camera program and will involve new cameras in the red light camera zone as well [00:53:47] as, of course, the school zone, which will be new to us in all three areas of the city where we have [00:53:56] schools and speeding problems, as I'm told, in excess of 10 miles over the posted speed [00:54:06] limit in those areas. And they are working along with some of the providers at this time [00:54:15] to come up with a program that we can bring back to you for your consideration. [00:54:21] Any public comment? I see no one from the floor. We'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [00:54:27] Move to approve. I'll second. Yeah, so month-to-month, just so I'm assuming if we did another, [00:54:34] I don't know if it's one year, three year, whatever the original contract was, that would kind of [00:54:38] prevent us from doing the speed camera and make it a bad angle. So the month-to-month is so [00:54:42] when the month ends, we can talk about it when we're ready? Yes, that's correct. Perfect. And [00:54:47] I'm excited for the speed camera aspect, especially for our schools. I will have some follow-up [00:54:52] conversations on the idea of, because I didn't realize this, and when we were originally presented [00:54:58] the idea of speed traffic, I think either in a memo or the budget or somewhere, it exists. It only [00:55:04] mentions schools, as far as I'm aware. I did not see anything about by our speed, like a red light [00:55:10] camera. So I don't, I'm just throwing it out there so you're aware. I'd love to talk about that more [00:55:15] because I think our schools should be the starting point, just because that, you know, kid safety, [00:55:19] that's a challenge, that's a concern. But some people in the community, and I sometimes share [00:55:25] the sentiment, is that some of these red cameras can be perceived as gotchas, as a revenue making, [00:55:31] and not necessarily a safety element, especially when they're placed on interstates and highways. [00:55:37] And so we might have a difference of opinion up here, and I'm willing to have that conversation [00:55:41] when that's the actual item. But just put it on your radar as a footnote, that I'm looking forward [00:55:47] to it at school zone areas, but I'm hesitant to say by the actual red light cameras. Especially [00:55:52] the two back-to-back on golf, and because you go through one, and then next thing you know, [00:55:57] you get hit with another one, and the way they're timed, I hold a good sentiment that it does feel [00:56:02] like a gotcha at times. And we appreciate the advance notice, and we'll be prepared to help [00:56:11] have that discussion with you when it's time to renew the red light cameras, [00:56:17] because I believe the police, I know the police department believes strongly that it is an [00:56:23] improved intersection safety tool. I think also that the more knowledge you have of it, [00:56:32] the more prepared you'll be. You're not necessarily sitting here, you know, [00:56:36] get with the staff and talk to them about it. I've been familiar with the program for [00:56:40] how many years it's been around. To the second. I did have the pleasure of touring the PD, [00:56:46] and I did speak with the chief, and he gave me the lowdown on the red light cameras. And [00:56:53] at first, I was not a huge proponent, but after discussing it with him, and [00:56:58] him giving me some numbers, and some percentages of safety advantages to it, I'm all for it, [00:57:05] and even more encouraged to do it in these school zones, because everybody speeds around here. [00:57:11] You know, so we just need to find a way to get people to slow down, [00:57:14] and I think that will be a benefit for everybody. [00:57:19] Good. Pete? [00:57:22] To the motion, it's a temporary one, but to the point of purpose of discussion, [00:57:27] when it does come back, you know, the gotcha part of this is that I can see [00:57:35] and I can make it. If I stop, I feel less comfortable because someone's coming down [00:57:41] the highway. So it was always the red light, right on red, turn light problems that were really [00:57:48] pervasive when this thing started. A lot of people got them just for rolling. Now we don't do a [00:57:53] rolling California stop now, and so there's been some relaxation of that. But I only, I have to say, [00:58:02] people flying down Highway 19, that's a missile. Coming onto our major roads from a stop or [00:58:11] from a near stop is more of the gotcha, I think, part of this. As far as the speeding tickets are [00:58:20] concerned, there's no way to, maybe the new technology's actually got to, following our [00:58:28] phones, to know that we were the driver or weren't the driver. But the problem legally has always [00:58:32] been that you don't get points if you get caught by an electronic device because it could be my [00:58:39] wife that drove through the red light camera and not me in my truck or vice versa. So [00:58:48] I only wish that there was a level beyond the $175 for the poor person living close to the [00:58:58] vest because of a slight problem. It's just you either get the ticket or you don't. I wish there [00:59:06] was some kind of a, you know, within the first second, like I got one in New Port Richey behind a [00:59:16] Walmart truck in full traffic with the traffic moving with the inability to see the light [00:59:24] at Ridge Road. And I looked at the camera and the front bumper went across the line. And [00:59:34] that's happening regularly. That's normal business in traffic in general. And so [00:59:43] that, I think that strict adherence could get a ticket and say you shouldn't have done that. [00:59:50] But I don't know if it's a $200 ticket. And I wish there was a way that we could have [00:59:55] more complexity to the problems of driving. [01:00:00] versus just, oh man, now I can't pay my car payment this month, or now, you know, I've got a problem. [01:00:07] So the level of cost and the money comes out of our city residents, particularly coming out of our streets, [01:00:13] is significant, and the amount we get back may be [01:00:17] $30 or $40 out of the close to 200 bucks or whatever it is now. [01:00:22] So I see it as a drain on our local resources when it goes out of the city and out, you know, in some cases [01:00:29] out of the state, but for safety purposes, I can buy that argument. [01:00:34] And maybe I'm just dreaming about some future where we would have a better, you know, [01:00:41] ability to refine things than it's happening now, but I'd be curious to know if there are any kind of [01:00:49] other best practices other than just maximum [01:00:54] penalty for a minimum infraction. I think that goes along with Mr. Butler's point. [01:00:59] Comment. [01:01:01] I just, [01:01:02] I've only known, I've never known anybody to be, anybody got you twice. [01:01:07] I've only known they got you once. [01:01:09] So people learn with a $150, $175 fine, and I think it works pretty good. [01:01:16] I remember Kim Bogart went around and he went ahead and checked a lot of the yellow lights and [01:01:22] extended them a second or so, or equalized them, so for the speed of that road. [01:01:26] So, you know, we've reviewed that and to some degree and helped up in the beginning to try to straighten it out. [01:01:32] So anyhow, all those in favor signify by aye. Aye. [01:01:36] Those opposed by nothing. Communication will start with you, Pete.

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

12. 10Communications▶ 1:01:39
13. 3

    Moment of Silence

    Moment of Silence.
14. 11Adjournment