Council passed Ordinance 2025-2328 letting special magistrates hear slum and blight demolition appeals, and took on a $1.25M FEMA flood mitigation grant.
15 items on the agenda · 9 decisions recorded
On the agenda
- 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
- 2
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
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[00:00:24] Pledge of Allegiance. [00:00:25] To the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one [00:00:32] nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
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- 3
Moment of Silence
Moment of silence.
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[00:00:40] Thank you.
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- 4.a
June 17, 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the minutes from the June 17, 2025 work session and regular meeting.
- motion:Approve the June 17, 2025 work session and regular meeting minutes. (passed)4–0
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[00:00:41] The approval of the June 17th work session, regular meeting minutes. [00:00:54] Move for approval. [00:00:55] I'll second. [00:00:56] All those in favor, say aye. [00:00:57] Aye. [00:00:58] Aye. [00:00:59] That's 4-0.
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- 5Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 1:00
- 6.a
Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval
approvedon consentThe council moved and seconded approval of purchases/payments for City Council approval as a consent-style item.
- motion:Motion to approve purchases/payments for City Council approval. (passed)
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[00:03:05] agenda. [00:03:06] Move for approval. [00:03:07] I'll second.
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- 7.a
Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2328: Slum & Blight - Magistrate
approvedCouncil held the second reading of Ordinance 2025-2328, amending the Code of Ordinances to authorize special magistrates to hear appeals of slum and blight orders of demolition. No public comment was offered, and the ordinance passed 4-0.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2328
- motion:Motion to approve Ordinance No. 2025-2328 on second reading, authorizing special magistrates to hear appeals of slum and blight orders of demolition. (passed)4–0
Ordinance No. 2025-2328Sections 6190 and 6191, Division 5, Article 6, Chapter 6 of the Code of OrdinancesSlum and Blight appeals▶ Jump to 3:08 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:03:08] We're moving on to public reading of ordinance, second reading of ordinance, 2025-2328. [00:03:19] This is ordinance number 2025-2328, an ordinance of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, providing [00:03:28] for amendment of sections 6190 and 6191 of Division 5 of Article 6 of Chapter 6 of the [00:03:36] Code of Ordinances pertaining to appeals of slum and blight orders of demolition, providing [00:03:41] for special magistrates to hear such appeals, providing for required findings and orders, [00:03:46] providing for conflict, severability and effective date. [00:03:50] As indicated, this is the second reading of an ordinance and the purpose of the ordinance [00:03:58] in large part is to authorize that the hearings be assigned to the special magistrate so that [00:04:07] he may hear the appeals of orders to demolition on slum and blighted structures and we're [00:04:21] prepared to respond to any questions that you may have in relationship to this ordinance. [00:04:26] Do we have any public comment? [00:04:31] Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [00:04:35] I'll move for approval. [00:04:37] Second. [00:04:38] This is the second reading and nobody questioning anything. [00:04:42] It sounds like smooth sailing. [00:04:45] I'm good. [00:04:46] Thank you. [00:04:47] I'm good. [00:04:48] Cleaning up the act, that's what it's about. [00:04:52] All those in favor? [00:04:53] I guess that time's up on Bev. [00:04:54] On you. [00:04:55] All those in favor signify by aye. [00:04:56] Aye. [00:04:57] Those opposed? [00:04:58] Four nothing. [00:04:59] Okay. [00:05:00] On board reappointment of Del Deschamps and Tom O'Neill, Environmental Committee.
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- 8.a
Board Re-Appointments: Dell deChant and Thomas O'Neill, Environmental Committee
approvedCouncil reappointed Dell deChant (committee chair) and Thomas O'Neill to the Environmental Committee for new two-year terms after their previous terms expired in February and May 2025, respectively. A councilmember also expressed interest in hearing more about the Milan PAC, an Environmental Committee initiative, in the future.
- motion:Motion to reappoint Dell deChant and Thomas O'Neill to the Environmental Committee. (passed)
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[00:05:10] Yes. [00:05:11] Both Mr. Deschamps and Mr. O'Neill have had terms that have expired on the Environmental [00:05:20] Committee. [00:05:21] Mr. Deschamps, pardon me, his term expired in February of 2025 and Mr. O'Neill's, [00:05:30] term expired in May of 2025. [00:05:34] The terms of office on the Environmental Committee are for a two-year period of time. [00:05:41] Both of them have been valuable members of the group. [00:05:45] Mr. Deschamps is serving as the committee's chair and has for many years. [00:05:52] If you determine that you would like to appoint or reappoint them to serve, their terms of [00:05:59] office would span through July 1st of 2025 and we're recommending you do so. [00:06:05] Any public comment? [00:06:08] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. [00:06:12] Move for approval. [00:06:13] I'll second. [00:06:14] Can we go ahead and like double their terms? [00:06:21] Both of them have like, you know, a lot of time in this building and I'm surprised they're [00:06:26] not here. [00:06:27] Maybe they want a day off. [00:06:28] Is this second? [00:06:29] No, I'm good. [00:06:30] Thank you. [00:06:31] Just to mention, I did see some communication coming to us about the Milan PAC. [00:06:41] I don't know if it was just for informational purposes for the new board members, but it [00:06:44] was interesting for me to reread through that. [00:06:49] I know that was an Environmental Committee initiative and that there was some kind of [00:06:55] request for them to go out and win an award or get some grant money or something on it, [00:06:59] but I think it would be helpful to learn more about that in the future from that organization. [00:07:04] Okay, great. [00:07:05] They'll be... [00:07:06] No hurry, but... [00:07:07] You want to speak on 88? [00:07:10] All those in favor, signify by saying aye. [00:07:13] Aye. [00:07:14] Aye. [00:07:15] Aye. [00:07:16] Aye. [00:07:17] Aye. [00:07:18] Aye. [00:07:19] Aye. [00:07:20] Aye. [00:07:21] Aye. [00:07:22] Aye. [00:07:23] Aye. [00:07:25] Okay, thank you.
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- 8.b
You arrived here from a search for “Environmental Committee” — transcript expanded below
Board Appointment: Catherine Cappello, Environmental Committee
approvedCouncil appointed Catherine Cappello as a first alternate to the Environmental Committee, with a term running through July 1, 2027. The motion passed unanimously 5-0, leaving one alternate position still open.
- motion:Motion to approve the appointment of Catherine Cappello as first alternate on the Environmental Committee with term through July 1, 2027. (passed)5–0
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[00:07:26] Catherine Capello, Environmental Committee. [00:07:27] Catherine Capello is being recommended as a first alternate on the Environmental Committee. [00:07:36] She submitted her application on June 14th of 2025. [00:07:41] As I indicated to you already this evening, the terms of office are for two years on the [00:07:48] Environmental Committee. [00:07:50] She meets the requirements set forth in the city's ordinance, and if you vote in favor [00:07:59] of placing her as a member of the Environmental Committee as an alternate, her term of office [00:08:08] would span through July 1st of 2027, and that would leave one alternate position open on [00:08:16] the committee. [00:08:17] Do we have any input? [00:08:21] Catherine, just wave at us. [00:08:22] Okay, so everybody knows who you are now. [00:08:25] I knew we couldn't drag you up here. [00:08:27] All right. [00:08:28] Any comments? [00:08:29] Move to approve. [00:08:30] Yeah, I was just saying I had a pleasure to meet Catherine, and she seems to be a wealth [00:08:37] of knowledge and will be a great asset to the committee and has a lot of non-profit [00:08:44] experience in the past, and looking forward to the contributions she can make. [00:08:49] Second. [00:08:50] Thank you, and we appreciate you serving. [00:08:54] I concur. [00:08:55] Thank you for volunteering. [00:08:56] Pete? [00:08:57] Glad to have you. [00:08:58] On board. [00:08:59] Welcome aboard. [00:09:00] Even without voting, welcome aboard. [00:09:02] All those in favor, signify by aye. [00:09:04] Aye. [00:09:05] Five nothing. [00:09:06] Frances Park, Playground ADA Improvements.
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- 8.c
Frances Avenue Park Playground ADA Improvements
approvedCouncil approved a $49,913.42 proposal from Top Line Recreation, piggybacking on Volusia County School District Contract MTS906BC, to purchase an ADA wheelchair glider and related amenities for Frances Avenue Park playground. Funding includes a $20,000 Kiwanis Club donation and Penny for Pasco CIP funds. Council also discussed broader park improvements including basketball court renovations, possible pickleball court striping, skate park relocation, and master planning.
- motion:Move to approve the proposal from Top Line Recreation for $49,913.42 to purchase ADA wheelchair glider and related amenities for Frances Avenue Park playground. (passed)5–0
Frances Avenue ParkKiwanis ClubTop Line RecreationVolusia County School DistrictButlerKevinMr. RiveraMs. VanceSteveCIP programFrances Avenue Park ADA ImprovementsPenny for PascoVolusia County School District Contract MTS906BC▶ Jump to 9:09 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:09:11] The specific proposal in front of you this evening is to enter or to approve a proposal [00:09:19] from Top Line Recreation in the amount of $49,913.42, in which we are asking to piggyback [00:09:34] a price from Volusia County School District Contract number MTS906BC, the purpose of which [00:09:46] is to purchase an ADA wheelchair glider to be established in Frances Avenue Park, Playground, [00:09:59] Park Playground, and I'm going to let Mr. Rivera tell you about it and some other improvements [00:10:05] that we're going to be making at the park as well. [00:10:07] Thank you, Ms. Vance. [00:10:08] As you, as City Council is aware, there are several improvements like Ms. Vance just said [00:10:13] to the Frances Avenue Park scheduled for this year. [00:10:17] The improvements include the renovation of the existing basketball courts, landscaping, [00:10:22] the installation of trash receptacles, benches, and again, ADA improvements to the existing [00:10:29] playground. [00:10:30] Not only does the proposal include the purchase of the equipment, there are some amenities [00:10:35] that have to be accompanied with that apparatus to be ADA compliant, and that's all included [00:10:43] in that attached proposal. [00:10:45] In an effort to reduce some of the cost associated with the improvements, staff has elected to [00:10:50] direct purchase a lot of the items and install them, such as the landscaping, the trash receptacles, [00:10:57] benches, and the concrete pads. [00:10:59] The two elements that we are going to use, contractors, will be the basketball renovations [00:11:05] as well as this ADA element that we have. [00:11:11] You may recall that the playground included the $20,000 donation from the Kiwanis Club. [00:11:20] In addition to that, the cost of the project will also be funded by Penny for PASCO, which [00:11:26] is included in your CIP program, and so with that, we would recommend that you do approve [00:11:34] the purchase of this equipment. [00:11:36] Any public comment? [00:11:37] Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [00:11:41] Move to approve. [00:11:42] Second. [00:11:43] To Maker. [00:11:44] Yeah, thank you to the Kiwanis Foundation and to the City Manager for working with them [00:11:48] to get an increase from the initial donation amount, and just to add, I'm looking forward [00:11:55] to the basketball court renovations and getting that done, because I know that was a high [00:11:59] priority for some of the families and parents over there to see those improvements. [00:12:03] Second. [00:12:05] Yeah, I'm just happy to see some ADA functionality in that park. [00:12:10] I did have the pleasure of walking it with Kevin, and I did notice that we did get the [00:12:15] basketball court paved, and I'm just curious if we're going to be lining that and when [00:12:22] that might take place, and then also, are we replacing the basketball hoops as well [00:12:28] and maybe adding some benches in over there? [00:12:31] Yes, that's all part of it. [00:12:33] Awesome. [00:12:34] Steve? [00:12:35] Yeah, I think certainly glad to see those improvements made, and on that topic, I think [00:12:40] because Commissioner Butler was not here at the last meeting, there was some comment [00:12:48] when we were in our capital improvement plan, maybe you were here to hear it, but that potentially [00:12:54] we could look at whether the skateboard park to be deconstructed and reconstructed, whether [00:13:01] that might not be a possible good location for it between the high schools and the junior [00:13:06] highs where there's a lot of pedestrian traffic back and forth, versus at the rec center, [00:13:12] and it was suggested we were doing some master planning, and so I just wanted to share that [00:13:17] with you because I don't know that you had heard of it. [00:13:20] Also, with the basketball conversation, I think it'd be a worthy consideration to think [00:13:27] about, and I don't know if it's the Wissacoochee Park area across the, or Wissacoochee Electric [00:13:37] or something, but the idea that there could be a large coverage structure over an outdoor [00:13:44] basketball park, considering the heat issues and the potential for that big open space, [00:13:51] I think would be a good way for us to provide a healthy environment out of the sun, and [00:13:59] who knows, maybe there's some benefit there with solar roofing or whatever to help with [00:14:04] some lighting or whatever, but I'd like to see a good master plan for the park and let [00:14:09] us look at the options. [00:14:11] I know I've made some comments about the boardwalk and whether that was a priority, but I think [00:14:16] to have kids involved and active, as Chopra has said before, and seeing that used, it'd [00:14:23] be nice to include all of the options and let us kind of think about that. [00:14:27] After doing all that work for the dog park, I'd also like to get some sort of statistical, [00:14:34] sort of some after-the-fact reporting, or even if it doesn't have to be professional, [00:14:42] but just on how well that park is operating. [00:14:46] I haven't been out to it enough to know how well it's utilized, but the dog park off of [00:14:52] Cecilia was a big effort a few years back and really came out nice. [00:15:00] So it'll be interesting to see how well that goes. [00:15:05] That's a worthy addition to the park. [00:15:07] Yeah. [00:15:07] I just want to make sure that the asphalt that we put down, [00:15:11] that we can put two pickleball courts going [00:15:15] opposite of the tennis court. [00:15:17] So we don't have to go back and add a few feet [00:15:20] and just painting a different color, [00:15:22] and you can have two pickleball courts there. [00:15:25] So I'd like that to be along with the basketball. [00:15:28] And Francis? [00:15:29] Yes. [00:15:31] Is that possible? [00:15:35] You can look at it, certainly, and we'll come back to you. [00:15:38] Yeah, I mean, it's not to do it all at once. [00:15:42] Might be width-wise fine to put two courts in, [00:15:46] but if not, let's add a couple feet [00:15:48] to do it now while we're making this renovation. [00:15:51] And like I said, you can just paint a different color, [00:15:53] and it's fine. [00:15:55] I'm with you on the painting. [00:15:56] My curiosity is, would the net sit off to the side? [00:16:00] Yeah, they have portable nets. [00:16:02] Yeah, there's portable nets. [00:16:03] They have them at the rec center right now, outside. [00:16:07] All those in favor, signify by aye. [00:16:08] Aye. [00:16:09] Those opposed, five. [00:16:11] OK, five, nothing. [00:16:14] Resolution number 2025-22, FEMA grant authorization agent. [00:16:19] Authorized agent, rather. [00:16:20] This is resolution number 2025-22, [00:16:23] a resolution of the Board of City Council of New Port Richey, Florida, authorizing submittal of grant applications [00:16:29] to the State of Florida Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, [00:16:32] authorizing the city manager or her designee [00:16:35] to accept, award, and execute grant agreements, [00:16:38] and providing for an effective date. [00:16:42] This grant is related to the Town and Country Villas [00:16:48] subdivision. [00:16:49] It is specifically for flood risk reduction, [00:16:53] and it is being made available through the Florida
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- 8.d
Resolution No. 2025-22: FEMA Grant Authorized Agent
approvedCouncil approved Resolution No. 2025-22 authorizing the city as agent for a FEMA flood mitigation grant originally awarded to Pasco County for an area since annexed by the city. The grant is a 75-25 split on an estimated $1.25M project, with FEMA covering ~$940,000 and the city ~$313,000, to improve drainage in the Town and Country area.
Ord. Resolution No. 2025-22
- motion:Move to approve Resolution No. 2025-22 authorizing the city as the FEMA grant authorized agent. (passed)5–0
Gulf DriveSeaforest apartment areaTown and Country area, north of Southgate, Leisure Lane, and Van DorenFEMAFlorida Division of Emergency ManagementPasco CountyRiveraFEMA flood mitigation grantResolution No. 2025-22Town and Country drainage project▶ Jump to 16:54 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:16:58] Division of Emergency Management. [00:17:01] And Mr. Rivera will present the agenda item more specifically. [00:17:04] Thank you, ma'am. [00:17:06] This was a grant that was awarded to Pasco County. [00:17:10] Once they were awarded it, they found out [00:17:13] that the city had annexed the area. [00:17:18] And so they ended up getting with FEMA, talking with them. [00:17:22] They said that they do allow transfer of those grants [00:17:26] if the other agency agrees to it and follows the same guidelines. [00:17:30] And so that's why we bring this to you. [00:17:32] The resolution is that first step that will authorize the city [00:17:36] to start the progress with the transfer of that grant [00:17:39] so that we can get things moving. [00:17:41] The grant is a 75-25 split. [00:17:45] The project cost estimate is approximately $1.25 million. [00:17:52] So the grant would be responsible for approximately [00:17:57] $940,000, and the city would be responsible for about $313,000. [00:18:03] And so with that, we would recommend [00:18:05] that you do approve the resolution before you. [00:18:08] Public comment? [00:18:10] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion. [00:18:12] Vote. [00:18:14] Move for approval. [00:18:16] I'll second. [00:18:18] I'm good. [00:18:19] I'll second. [00:18:20] I'm glad to see that we're using some grant money [00:18:22] that the county provided us. [00:18:24] And let's do some improvements. [00:18:30] Yeah, just a quick question. [00:18:32] I know you mentioned it was for flood mitigation, [00:18:36] specifically abatement. [00:18:39] For what is the scope of the work, [00:18:42] and how does it tie into some of the existing capital projects [00:18:45] we're planning to do in Townend? [00:18:47] I apologize for not explaining that. [00:18:50] But the area that we're talking about [00:18:52] is the Townend Country area. [00:18:53] It's just north of Southgate, Leisure Lane, and Van Doren. [00:18:57] There's going to be some elements that take that [00:18:59] existing storm system that's what I would [00:19:01] call is isolated right now, and is [00:19:04] going to create a positive outfall to where Van Doren [00:19:08] and Leisure Lane will have better drainage going south [00:19:12] to north. [00:19:13] There'll be the installation of some culverts under Gulf Drive [00:19:16] where there's an existing ditch line. [00:19:19] That ditch line will be improved and head out west [00:19:22] and go behind Seaforest apartment area out to the Gulf. [00:19:27] And so it should help. [00:19:30] It's what we would consider a betterment project. [00:19:32] It's not going to eliminate the flooding. [00:19:34] But once the event is over with, it [00:19:38] should get a lot of that flooding out of that area [00:19:42] at a rapid pace. [00:19:48] Hey, bring your tax money home to the county. [00:19:52] All those in favor, signify by aye. [00:19:54] Aye. [00:19:55] 5-0.
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- 8.e
Appointment of the 2025 Florida League of Cities Annual Business Meeting Voting Delegate
approvedCouncil appointed the Mayor as the City's official voting delegate for the 2025 Florida League of Cities Annual Business Meeting on August 16, authorizing him to vote on behalf of New Port Richey.
- motion:Motion to appoint the Mayor as the City's voting delegate for the 2025 Florida League of Cities Annual Business Meeting. (passed)5–0
Florida League of CitiesMayorPete2025 Florida League of Cities Annual Business MeetingFLC Annual Conference▶ Jump to 19:56 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:19:56] Appointment of the 2025 Florida League of Cities Annual Business [00:20:00] Meeting voting delegate. [00:20:02] The Florida League of City is hosting their annual conference [00:20:09] in August. [00:20:10] As part of the conference, they'll [00:20:12] conduct their annual business meeting on Saturday, August 16. [00:20:17] And each municipality has been asked [00:20:20] to designate a delegate that's able to vote on their behalf [00:20:24] during the annual business meeting. [00:20:26] And therefore, we are asking you [00:20:30] to appoint a member who will be in attendance at the business [00:20:36] meeting to represent you and vote on official business [00:20:43] matters brought before the Florida League of Cities [00:20:46] membership during the business meeting. [00:20:53] And so therefore, could you consider [00:21:02] appointing a member as the city's official voting delegate [00:21:07] and authorizing them to represent you [00:21:13] on matters affecting the FLC at the business meeting? [00:21:19] Any public comment? [00:21:21] Stay in your seat. [00:21:22] Move to appoint the mayor to be the business meeting voting [00:21:26] delegate, if he's acceptable to that. [00:21:29] Yeah, I'd be glad. [00:21:30] I'll second. [00:21:31] Senator Maker, anything else? [00:21:33] No, sir. [00:21:34] Just a second. [00:21:34] No, I think it's fitting that the mayor lead us [00:21:38] in that process. [00:21:41] I agree. [00:21:42] I guess. [00:21:44] I've been there before. [00:21:45] I know what's going on. [00:21:46] I concur. [00:21:48] Stay in your seat, I already said. [00:21:50] All those in favor, signify by aye. [00:21:51] Aye. [00:21:52] 5-0. [00:21:53] Communications, we'll start with you, Pete.
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- 9Communications▶ 21:57
- 10Adjournment▶ 55:11
- 6.b
Consideration of Amendments to the FY25 Adopted Budget
on consentConsideration of amendments to the FY25 Adopted Budget.