First reading approved for Ordinance 2025-2318 putting speed cameras in school zones; council also backed Tampa Bay's regional resiliency plan and opened FY26 budget talks targeting an 8.2 millage.
17 items on the agenda · 10 decisions recorded
On the agenda
- 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
- 2
Pledge of Allegiance
Council recited the Pledge of Allegiance and observed a moment of silence.
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[00:00:26] We'll stand for the pledge in a moment of silence, please. [00:00:31] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America [00:00:35] and to the republic for which it stands, [00:00:38] one nation, under God, indivisible, [00:00:41] with liberty and justice for all.
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- 3
Moment of Silence
The council observed a moment of silence.
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[00:00:48] Thank you. [00:00:51] I hope your thoughts were positive. [00:00:55] Thank you.
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- 4.a
You arrived here from a search for “Muscovy Duck Colony ordinance” — transcript expanded below
Environmental Committee Annual Report
discussedThe Environmental Committee presented its annual report covering fall 2023 through fall 2024, outlining six proposals: improving Pithlachascotee River water quality, addressing the Muscovy duck colony, regulating small gas-powered vehicles without catalytic converters, encouraging Pasco County tree ordinance collaboration, establishing a wildflower/native planting ordinance, and requesting formal council responses to committee recommendations. Council members offered supportive feedback, with Councilwoman Bryant expressing willingness to advance the wildflower ordinance.
Little RoadAdopt-A-TreeFruit Tree PeninsulaNewport CornersAmanda ZaborikAmber BlazeBryantCatherine CappelloDel DeschampsDixieGeorge RussellMargaret Sophia CarswellMegan MoorePeteRobert AltmanRose MooreSasha BudaTom O'NeillGas-powered vehicles without catalytic convertersLibrary seed programMonarch FestivalMuscovy Duck Colony ordinanceOrdinance 1 meeting August 19thPasco County tree ordinance collaborationPinellas TrailPithlachascotee River water qualityTree City designationWildflower/native planting ordinance▶ Jump to 0:59 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:00:59] The Environmental Committee Annual Report, please. [00:01:02] We have Mr. Del Deschamps, [00:01:04] who serves as the Chairman of the Environmental Committee, present this evening, [00:01:08] who will present the report. [00:01:11] Mr. Deschamps. [00:01:26] Mr. Altman is here. [00:01:27] I'm coming up on your plank. [00:01:36] City Manager. [00:01:43] Denim that's in the package, it doesn't make any material difference in it [00:01:47] other than removing an item that was listed in there by mistake [00:01:51] and changing a couple of the numbers in it. [00:01:53] I sent to the clerk a copy of that modification to be included. [00:01:58] So I'm going to ask our technology expert to put the first slide up on the screen. [00:02:04] And we had originally intended for a somewhat longer presentation than we will be doing tonight. [00:02:10] But in the interest of time and in respect for your time [00:02:13] and the important work that you'll be doing on the budget and on other projects, [00:02:17] our report will be somewhat abbreviated. [00:02:20] So I do want to call attention, first of all, to the members of the committee, [00:02:23] some of whom are with us tonight and who will be doing the bulk of the presentation. [00:02:28] First of all, as some of you know me already, [00:02:31] Del Deschamps, I've been with you before, [00:02:34] encouraged me just if I could just a moment of note on this. [00:02:40] I believe, and I may be wrong about this, that this committee, as some of you know, [00:02:45] was established in 1989. [00:02:47] It was the first time we had an environmental committee. [00:02:50] And I was just thinking back on that. [00:02:52] And I think that Mr. Altman and I are probably the only ones that are here. [00:02:56] I may be wrong about that. [00:02:58] Robert, were you here in 89? [00:02:59] No, 90. [00:03:00] I think, Robert, you and I were the ones that were here and we're still here. [00:03:04] Why is that? [00:03:05] I don't know. [00:03:06] Anyway, so we're still here and we're still doing these kinds of jobs. [00:03:10] In any event, I do want to recognize the members of our committee who are with us. [00:03:13] And they're in the front row. [00:03:14] And I'm going to ask them to stand just so we can acknowledge them. [00:03:16] And they will be assisting in this presentation tonight. [00:03:19] First of all, the vice chair of the committee is Rose Moore. [00:03:21] There's Rose. [00:03:22] Thank you very much, Rose. [00:03:23] Wonderful. [00:03:24] Amber Blaze is not with us tonight. [00:03:26] She's a longtime member. [00:03:28] Tom O'Neill is with us, a member of the committee now, as you recall, [00:03:31] a former director of public works and city manager at one time. [00:03:36] And Tom wanted to be here tonight, but he has a physician's appointment. [00:03:41] Also a member of the committee is Margaret, who goes by Sophia Carswell. [00:03:45] And Margaret is not here. [00:03:47] George, Amanda Zaborik is also with us. [00:03:50] And she's a member of the committee and is supposed to be doing part of the presentation. [00:03:53] I'm sure she'll be here a bit later. [00:03:55] George Russell is with us, one of our newest members. [00:03:57] George, we appreciate your presence. [00:03:59] And our alternate is Catherine Cappellel. [00:04:03] And Catherine is our brand-new member. [00:04:05] I think she was acknowledged at your last council meeting. [00:04:09] So we have a lot of new folks on it, a lot of old-timers, too, like Rose and me. [00:04:13] I also want to acknowledge Sasha Buda. [00:04:16] Sasha is our outreach coordinator. [00:04:18] She's not an actual member of the committee, but she helps us in so many ways. [00:04:22] That being said, we'll take a look at our first slide. [00:04:24] It's somewhere up there. [00:04:25] It's coming up pretty soon in a moment. [00:04:26] We saw our names, the names of the committee members. [00:04:30] And the first sets of slides are the first part of the hard copy of the agenda that you have. [00:04:37] The agenda report covers from fall 23 through fall 24, essentially all of 2024. [00:04:45] We did a lot of things, a lot of events, a lot of proposals, a lot of recommendations that came forward. [00:04:49] They're in your packet. [00:04:50] And our technology specialists can scroll through those very briefly. [00:04:55] Ongoing projects, and that brings us proposals and various recommendations. [00:05:02] You've seen them all. [00:05:03] They've come over your desk several times. [00:05:04] You're familiar with the work that we're doing in the community in so many ways, both from the gardens, the special seasonal events, [00:05:11] the Monarch Festival, which was a big hit. [00:05:13] Some of you may remember that very well. [00:05:15] And then working with various other local groups to make this community more environmentally responsible and more ecologically secure. [00:05:23] And that's what sustainability is all about. [00:05:25] And that's one of our missions, one of our important missions. [00:05:28] You can review the various activities that we've done. [00:05:32] And, of course, I do hope that you've looked over the entire proposal. [00:05:36] I'm now going to bring forward members of the committee to offer short presentations on each of the topics. [00:05:42] We'll start with the very first one. [00:05:44] And I'm going to invite George to come forward and speak to that very first item. [00:05:48] So I'm going to put the first item up. [00:05:55] Thanks, Dale, and good evening to all. [00:05:57] The first proposal is to help improve the water quality and reduce pollution in the Pithlachess Cody River. [00:06:03] The issues include dumping or blowing of yard debris into the river, [00:06:06] leaving bait, dead fish, and other fishing-related debris in the public parks along the river. [00:06:11] The discharging of bilges from boats' inboard-outboard engine compartments, [00:06:16] as well as increased nitrates and various chemicals from stormwater discharge, [00:06:22] lawn fertilizers, pesticides, weed control, and other harmful pollutants. [00:06:27] Our proposed solutions include ordinances necessary to provide prohibitions on the discharging of bilges and holding tanks [00:06:35] absent the use of proper oil-absorbent pads and filtration devices, [00:06:41] and prohibitions on the dumping or blowing of yard debris and other harmful pollutants into the river. [00:06:50] And finally, we would like to increase public promotion and awareness through education programs [00:06:56] aimed at reducing the use of lawn chemicals, including fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides, [00:07:02] which affect our water table and runoff throughout the city of New Port Richey. [00:07:07] Thank you for your time and consideration on these proposals. [00:07:12] Thank you, George. [00:07:15] Also, at the end of the presentation, if you have any questions on the overall proposals or the work of the committee in general, [00:07:22] you certainly can ask them at that time. [00:07:24] But I am mindful of your time and how important it is for the work that you have to do. [00:07:29] Our second presenter will be Amanda Zaborik, one of our newest members of the committee, [00:07:33] and she's going to address the issue of the Muscovy duck colony here in our city. [00:07:39] Amanda? [00:07:44] Hello, good evening. [00:07:47] So this is in reference to our item Enhancing Current Efforts to Reduce or Eliminate City's Muscovy Duck Colony. [00:07:56] This will be short and sweet, unlike this issue. [00:08:00] First and foremost, this proposal advocates for an ordinance prohibiting and imposing fines for feeding [00:08:06] and breeding Muscovy ducks within the New Port Richey city limits. [00:08:13] Thank you. [00:08:19] There's more detail, of course, in your packets on these proposals as well as the addendum that's included. [00:08:25] Mr. O'Neill was going to do the presentation on item number three, which is up now. [00:08:29] The Environmental Committee is reviewing the environmental impact of small, [00:08:33] less-than-automobile-sized gasoline-powered vehicles that lack catalytic converters. [00:08:38] This might seem a little bit technical in character, [00:08:40] but if you read through the proposal and especially the addendum, you'll see the details behind what we're working on. [00:08:45] And this proposal invites participation from the council as well as the administration on this work. [00:08:52] So Tom O'Neill is not here and was going to do it, but George actually was the inspiration for this proposal. [00:09:00] So I'm going to ask George to say just a couple of words on this one. [00:09:02] George, if you'd come up again, please. [00:09:08] Yeah, I think Del covered the high-level concepts. [00:09:12] But, you know, when we originally got golf carts, I think the idea, at least according to Tom, was all battery, right? [00:09:21] And now there's some vehicles and not just golf carts running around with these gasoline engines without catalytic converters, [00:09:28] but there's these scooters running around with children on them at high speeds that is, you know, breaking the speed limit, [00:09:35] rather dangerous, and I'm hearing concerns about that around the neighborhood. [00:09:41] And just the noise of some of these gas-powered vehicles that are unlicensed is concerning, [00:09:49] as well as the pollution that it provides coming out of a small engine without any sort of a catalytic converter. [00:09:56] So we want to look into this issue further in terms of what other communities are doing to address similar issues in different cities [00:10:06] and municipalities and report back to the Council further on it. [00:10:12] But just looking for your support for the overall effort. [00:10:16] Thank you. [00:10:17] Thanks, George. [00:10:19] Thank you, George. [00:10:21] Yeah, thank you, George, and thanks for bringing this forward to the committee. [00:10:24] This was a topic of really lively discussion in the Environmental Committee. [00:10:27] Some of you probably would have liked to have been there just to enjoy the back and forth on what the issues were and how they came up. [00:10:33] Our newest member is Catherine Capello, and she's going to offer a narrative on our fourth topic, [00:10:38] and that fourth topic is to encourage involvement with Pasco County regarding a tree ordinance or improving the tree ordinance [00:10:46] or in some way reducing the degree to which the county is involved in the removal of trees [00:10:52] and just bring the county's attention and awareness of how that impacts the city. [00:10:56] We may think that what goes on outside the city doesn't have any real bearing on what's happening in the city, [00:11:02] but we believe that it does, and I'm going to ask Catherine to address this topic. [00:11:05] Catherine? [00:11:10] Hi, everybody. [00:11:11] I'm excited to speak on tree preservation today. [00:11:15] The Environmental Committee wants to encourage collaboration with Pasco County to protect native trees like live oaks and cabbage palms [00:11:27] by restricting removal of trees during construction and ensure protection of our wildlife. [00:11:34] As we all have noticed on Little Road, where Newport Corners will be a huge segment of the trees, [00:11:41] we're removed by a method called clear cutting, and when the trees are cut down in mass like that, [00:11:48] aside from what the issues are showing on the slide, the soil is moved around and it releases carbon dioxide into the air, [00:11:56] makes the air hotter, and I feel like we're all experiencing that as we watch temperatures increase year after year. [00:12:04] While it's wonderful there are reforestation plans that are in place, [00:12:10] we would like opportunities to discuss keeping some of the healthy live oaks and some of the mature trees on the construction sites. [00:12:22] That's called selective cutting, and you could see wildlife continue to be able to live. [00:12:29] There's measures we can take in New Port Richey to keep it vital. [00:12:34] New Port Richey is a designated tree city with programs like Adopt-A-Tree and our Fruit Tree Peninsula. [00:12:40] Trees provide oxygen, very important, shade, they give homes to wildlife, [00:12:46] they're part of an ecosystem that connects forests and our waterways, and it helps with climate regulation. [00:12:54] They add value to our neighborhoods and attract new people to our area. [00:12:59] Another aspect to maintaining our tree population is discussing an increase in the tree maintenance budget. [00:13:05] As from what I understand, it's been the same budget for like 30 years. [00:13:09] Something else to think about. [00:13:11] And lastly, if you would like to join us at Ordinance 1 on Tuesday, August 19th, [00:13:17] Megan Moore will speak on the mangrove tree planning. [00:13:21] It's another native species. [00:13:23] Thank you everybody for being here and listening. [00:13:26] I appreciate it. [00:13:33] It's our newest member, Catherine. [00:13:35] We appreciate her work. [00:13:36] And, of course, this proposal that she was speaking to does recognize that the county has its own ordinance [00:13:43] and the county has its own projects that it works on, but this is to really encourage cooperation with the county [00:13:48] and perhaps really inviting the county to recognize some of the benefits of our much more progressive [00:13:54] and stronger tree ordinance than the one that they have in place. [00:13:58] From our most recent member to our longest serving member, Rose Moore, [00:14:03] Rose is going to present on our fifth proposal, which is a return of a proposal we'd offered before, [00:14:08] but we want to look at it again. [00:14:10] We want to encourage you to reconsider this proposal, the native planting of wildflowers. [00:14:15] Rose? [00:14:21] Good evening, everyone. [00:14:23] We are revisiting the proposal to establish. [00:14:25] Pull the mic down a little. [00:14:28] Okay. [00:14:29] Does that better? [00:14:32] Okay. [00:14:33] Okay. [00:14:34] We are revisiting the proposal to establish a wildflower ordinance encouraging the planting of native vegetation. [00:14:41] The ordinance would introduce to the community the benefits our local environment by adding these to their landscaping. [00:14:48] At the Fruit Tree Peninsula, a wildflower garden has been planted. [00:14:52] On any given day, the presence of bees and butterflies are enjoying the addition of this effort. [00:15:00] native to our state and with little effort will thrive while producing a colorful display [00:15:04] of flowers, ground cover, etc. Educating the community on the importance of native plants [00:15:10] and native pollinators to the ecosystem. A comprehensive list of suggested plants will [00:15:15] be available to facilitate the implementation of wildflower gardens. We will be harvest [00:15:21] setting the seeds and will be adding them to the library seed program. Thank you. [00:15:31] Thank you, Rose. Thank you, Rose, and thank you, members of the committee. Our sixth proposal [00:15:38] is not intended to be disrespectful of the council, but really offered in the spirit [00:15:44] of encouragement and cooperation in reminding our respected city leaders that our proposals [00:15:50] in the last annual report have not been acted on, and so we reaffirm them here with the [00:15:56] new inspiration to have the council formally commit to responding with a little nudge of [00:16:02] added language in the city's code calling for actual responses to the committee's recommendations. [00:16:09] Over the past year, I know many of you have met with individual members of the committee [00:16:13] to go over the previous proposal, and we're just kind of trying to remind you of the importance [00:16:19] of these proposals and really the importance of trying to act on behalf of the city in [00:16:23] and through the proposals that the environmental committee brings forward. And so we conclude [00:16:28] with abundant thanks to all of you, to the administration, to the residents for their [00:16:34] support, and for renewed commitment to our support of environmental awareness in the [00:16:39] city of New Port Richey. This is a rare and beautiful community. We don't always realize [00:16:46] that as we go about our busy lives and go about our important work, but when we pause [00:16:51] for a moment and think about the impact that this city is having on this region, the impact [00:16:57] is dramatic and often overlooked and often forgotten, but we don't forget it here. We're [00:17:02] lucky to be here together and to share in the adventure of making this city a shining [00:17:07] example, not just of ecological renewal, but a leading light for others to follow. Thank [00:17:14] you for being on this journey with us. [00:17:17] Do we have any input? Anybody like to say anything, Pete, Patel? [00:17:22] Yeah, I mean, with all the effort that you all have put forth to come before us today [00:17:28] and well-delivered, just a couple of quick comments I made some notes on. One, with respect [00:17:36] to the noisy gas-powered engines and that is, you know, sound pollution, air pollution, [00:17:44] all of it affects our environment that we live in, and I appreciate hearing from you [00:17:48] on that. The multimodal sort of opportunities that things like our bike trails and Pinellas [00:17:58] Trail has had this issue, the population growth and the density is an invitation, really, [00:18:06] for people to use less, you know, smaller, more compact means of getting around from [00:18:13] one place to the other. Walkability is the big issue that we push for in our downtown, [00:18:18] but connectivity through multimodal is something that is going to be an interest, I think, [00:18:26] that we all need to talk about. Some trails don't allow anything motorized. Other opportunities [00:18:35] I think our veterans, Rowan veterans, McMullen, that whole path there, which is so jammed [00:18:46] up with traffic for commuting, trying to get back and forth from Tampa or that area, the [00:18:51] DOT has discussed the use of these trails because they're out of space to put more roads [00:18:57] in. And so, ultimately, what will we do with the electric bikes, with the electric houses [00:19:05] and how can we bring that missing middle transportation element in? And I think that's [00:19:11] an important discussion I look forward to having with my colleagues. [00:19:17] With respect to the trees and all the comment you made, we could add my wife Dixie's most [00:19:23] favorite one, which is the gophers that lived on that site and the effect of the inhabited [00:19:29] wildlife that's there and the lack of respect that there is for that. At the same time, [00:19:38] in our own city, the density is a solution to our business and our economics and so every [00:19:46] rule has another alternate rule. And we've been told by the state many times over the [00:19:53] course of time that they will mandate what we can and can't do. Trees are another big [00:19:59] issue, right? We can, you know, someone can take a tree down when we used to be able to [00:20:04] stop them. So we have statutory limits on what we can do. Incentivizing seems to be [00:20:12] all we're left with sometimes and doing our best and maybe making it a strong effort to [00:20:19] make sure our tree city stands up to the test of time and really brings people here. [00:20:26] That being said, your comment about committee and the committee and responses from us, it [00:20:30] is difficult at the beginning of a meeting to take recommendations and find that time [00:20:34] when it comes back to talk to us. This board has talked a lot about trying to use our collegial [00:20:41] body to create some priorities and responses. And so you're asking, oh, I'm going to [00:20:49] ask to commit to replying to you with a yes or a no or whatever. And I think that the [00:20:59] environmental committee is not alone. Any committee, any request that comes, we need [00:21:04] to start capturing those to-dos or those requests and finding a way if we can get, you know, [00:21:11] recommended responses or individually can give our input. But ultimately it all does [00:21:18] come back to us. And so thank you for reminding us of that. I'm sure my colleagues will chime [00:21:24] in on that. That's all I have. Mr. Mayor. [00:21:27] Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just want to start with the wildflower ordinance to say [00:21:33] that I did have a chance to review that several times, had some conversations with the environmental [00:21:37] committee about it. And I'm right in the queue line with you. I know you guys have been in [00:21:42] that line for a very long time. I have an ordinance or two under review by the city [00:21:48] attorney and some of the departments. And what I do understand is I want to be respectful [00:21:52] to the staff's time to review that. However, in the case of the wildflower ordinance, that [00:21:58] is something that since 2023 and prior has been pushed and you continue to be adamant [00:22:04] about it and present it. I'm personally in favor of it for how it's currently written. [00:22:10] And if there's any adjustments or suggestions by staff, I'm willing to hear those and curious [00:22:15] what the rest of our council thinks up here. But to Councilman Altman's point and to the [00:22:20] point that Mr. Dell has raised time and time again, I do believe. Well, first, let me say [00:22:27] that the environmental committee has by far been pushing for the most partnership between [00:22:34] or communication and collaboration between the council and the committees. And I think [00:22:39] that goes a long way. And I would just be mindful of the others up here that some of [00:22:48] those conversations, I will say, have not been addressed. Some of the things you have [00:22:53] brought up and I'm willing to have those conversations if the city staff or if the mayor, since he [00:22:57] controls the agenda, if he wants to put it on the agenda, the wildflower ordinance for [00:23:00] discussion and up and down vote, I'm willing to do that. The Muscovy Duck issue, I know [00:23:06] I've been following that closely. I haven't, I will be honest, I have not, I did not catch [00:23:10] that in the packet. So I will have to review what you guys proposed. But I have been following [00:23:14] that closely with city staff. And I think I mentioned it during one of the environmental [00:23:18] committee meetings that my big thing is making sure it's being done humanely because they [00:23:23] are an invasive species to this area. But I don't want to necessarily see them put down [00:23:31] if there is a, we happen to have a Muscovy sanctuary in pretty close proximity, which [00:23:36] is rare. But whether they're at capacity or not, I don't know if city staff got back [00:23:40] on that. And I know we are in a current contract already. And so that's a logistical situation [00:23:44] that we have to work through. And then just finally to say that I'm committed to continue [00:23:48] to work with the environmental committee and to give a, to thank every member that's here [00:23:53] and member staff, I guess you could put it that way, for helping out and to give a specific [00:23:59] shout out to Rose Moore for her, her longevity on the committee, her contributions to our [00:24:05] community, not only on the committee, but in her service to our downtown and as a, as [00:24:10] a resident who is very, very active in, in both the committee and everything our community [00:24:15] has to offer. Thank you, Del. [00:24:17] I'm not going to go too crazy since Peter and Bertel have kind of spoken for everybody [00:24:27] up here. I'm just happy that Del's put this together with his staff. Appreciate all you [00:24:32] guys' work. I do like everything you guys have here. Definitely in favor of this, you [00:24:41] know, keeping our trees as many as we can, obviously. Unfortunately we lose some to storms [00:24:47] as we just lost one at Sims Park a few weeks ago. But I definitely like the wildflower [00:24:52] ordinance. I myself at my house have tons of butterflies, tons of birds. It's a little [00:24:59] bird sanctuary back there, so I love it. So anything that we can do to encourage that, [00:25:04] I appreciate that. But yeah, I'm looking forward to working with you guys and thank you for [00:25:08] all your work. Appreciate it. [00:25:10] Yeah, the, you know, just wanted to talk about water quality and reducing pollution. I think [00:25:17] we're, we're all on the same page there. We want to make sure that that, that is taken [00:25:20] care of and steps to make sure that happens in the future. And I, you know, I know we've [00:25:25] talked about it a lot up here on different projects and things. So I, you know, I think, [00:25:30] I think that is something that we can definitely say we're on the same page with the, the ducks. [00:25:38] I think that that situation is kind of taking care of itself now, working on that diligently. [00:25:43] And then you brought up about the tree removal, about the county ordinance versus the city [00:25:49] ordinance. Is there one that you like better than the other, or is it? [00:25:52] Ours is better. [00:25:53] Ours is better. Okay. [00:25:54] The city ordinance is better than the county ordinance, but as the, as Councilman Altman [00:25:58] noted that we are hamstrung in many ways by the state's effort to block home rule on [00:26:04] so many issues, especially environmental issues. We're just hammered by the state on it and [00:26:09] makes it tough to move forward. But our tree ordinance is superior to the county, without [00:26:13] a question. I know, I know both ordinances. [00:26:15] Okay. And then I'm definitely in favor of the, the wildflower ordinance. I know we talked [00:26:19] about that too. [00:26:20] Yeah. Last year, as a matter of fact, we were very worried last year. I said, well, I know [00:26:25] we got Matt Murphy and Art Conner on the wildflower ordinance, and yet the ordinance still, still [00:26:31] languishes just as a note. [00:26:32] I'm a wildflower myself, but you are, but you know, I want, I want to just make sure [00:26:38] that the wildflowers are local, not something that's brought in, you know, so just keep [00:26:42] that in mind as you put that together. I'm going to put an excuse for all of us that [00:26:47] we can't be there on the 19th because we have a city council meeting that night. I'm just [00:26:51] to let you know, like, welcome, nobody came. But I, the golf cart thing, I think that you [00:26:56] guys need to sit down with, and it's the scooters too, but I think you need to sit down with [00:27:00] the police chief because I think there's a problem with age and driving and that's where [00:27:05] it really goes to his, you know, his, his wheelhouse, not us up here. And I noticed [00:27:10] this summer is a lot worse because they're out in school. So there's a lot more out there, [00:27:14] a lot more being done illegally. So I think addressing it, start with them. And it's just [00:27:21] not the, the carts and the noise, but that, that pollution ends up in our, in our river [00:27:26] and without that river, we don't have a city anymore. So we're very conscious of that and [00:27:31] appreciate you guys input and keeping an eye out there for us. Thank you. [00:27:35] Thank you, Chopper. Thank you, City Council. And I will remind everyone that the Environmental [00:27:40] Committee made a really serious effort to get our job done in 10 minutes flat. And longer [00:27:47] than you guys all went a little bit longer, October, but that's okay. I'm glad that shows [00:27:51] the interest. I do, I will just very briefly, because I want to acknowledge our committee [00:27:55] again one more time, but I want to acknowledge everyone on the, on the dais for giving this, [00:28:03] set of suite of proposals, the respect of listening to us present and reading over it. [00:28:09] I appreciate what Peter Altman said about kind of recognizing the importance of the responsive [00:28:17] city council to the committee's reports. I mean, it's not like we're just killing time out here. [00:28:22] It's not a hobby. You know, this is taken very seriously by the, by the members and certainly [00:28:27] recognize and appreciate Councilman Bertel's comments and observation about the important [00:28:33] work that we've been doing all the way along throughout the, you know, the tenure of, of the, [00:28:39] of the committee. And really before, long before he was on council, we've been doing this as well. [00:28:44] So he's picked up, he's picked up some slack on that. Our newest member, Brian, welcome indeed, [00:28:50] your first report. And I appreciate your support and your encouragement along the way. And I know [00:28:55] your property and it's a beautiful property. Appreciate the wildflowers that are on that [00:28:58] property right now. And, and Mr. Matt Murphy, once again, thank you for celebrating the [00:29:03] wildflower ordinance. And now I just would encourage all of the members of this city council. [00:29:08] Now let's get on board and see if we can get it passed. And let's get it done. [00:29:12] Your input keeps an eye on our tree city too. [00:29:15] So absolutely. I mean, that's one of the, one of the main jobs, one of the primary tasks of [00:29:19] the environmental committee is to maintain the tree city USA. And, and we do that through the [00:29:25] Arbor Day. We do that through making sure you guys are putting money into a tree fund, making [00:29:29] sure that we have various programs like the mulch program, which is extremely important as well. [00:29:33] All of that works together. And it's part of why we are a tree city USA and also a monarch city USA [00:29:39] and also recognized as a member of the Milan urban food policy pact, the smallest city in the [00:29:47] entire world in the Milan pact. That's the city of New Port Richey and only one of two cities [00:29:53] in the state of Florida that's in that pact. And that's because of the work of the committee. [00:30:00] proposal for a Milan pack award this year for the work that we're doing with our urban agriculture ordinance, so [00:30:08] One other question for Andy [00:30:10] You still give you still give out seeds there? [00:30:14] Do that as wildflowers one of the parts one of the things you have there [00:30:17] Okay, so the public needs to go there you can make them aware the environmental [00:30:29] At the library every at every meeting of the environmental committee [00:30:33] One of the items on the agenda is the city seed library [00:30:37] And we are active in supporting that and also recruiting people to the library about a seed library [00:30:42] But I didn't know if those were wildflowers. We have we have a variety of seeds [00:30:46] We have food producing seeds as well as wildflower about absolutely matter of fact we made a [00:30:51] local not-for-profit environmental group made a donation of a collection of [00:30:56] Asclepias tuberosa, which is the local milkweed flower so you can get those seeds at the library actually we're doing an experiment right now [00:31:04] Starting those Asclepias tuberosa, which is the native wildflower not the tropical which is the invasive [00:31:10] You don't know plant the tropical which you get at the big-box stores [00:31:13] You want to plant the local which we have at the library [00:31:16] We also have a number of environmental groups that are making those seedlings available so to conclude [00:31:21] Thank you all very much. If there's any if there's no further questions. No. I'm just gonna said Debbie [00:31:26] We should get some more knowledge in the bridge [00:31:29] You know about the seeds we've invited [00:31:32] Mr.. Deshaun to write a guest article and the next issue of the bridge and we'll include that information as well [00:31:39] Thank you for encouraging that to chopper and the city manager has reached out and we're on task to create that article so to conclude [00:31:47] I do want to acknowledge our members that are here. I want to start and just go down the list [00:31:50] That would be Sasha Buddha who is our outreach director and coordinator? [00:31:54] She's also the chair of the local Sierra Club, and she works very very closely with the environmental committee [00:31:59] Thank you, Sasha Rose Moore of course everyone knows Rose, and we appreciate her work over many many years [00:32:05] Catherine we recognize Catherine and her new commitment to the city's environmental committee [00:32:10] She makes a world of difference Amanda's the board was not here at the very beginning, but she is here now. We appreciate her and [00:32:16] Margaret Sophia Carswell is here now [00:32:18] We appreciate her presence and certainly George one of our newest members as well, so we appreciate all these great members [00:32:24] We appreciate all the people that are here tonight [00:32:28] To hear our annual report and those of you that are home enjoying this presentation [00:32:32] Enjoy it save it, and we'll watch it again next year. Thank you all very much. It's great being here [00:32:37] Thanks for being part of this city with us [00:32:45] Did the crowd hold it down [00:32:48] And the one person I didn't acknowledge formally is Colin Ishimura Colin is in the back there [00:32:53] I didn't quite notice him [00:32:54] But he is our staff liaison and a tremendous assistance to us and assisted with our PowerPoint presentation tonight as well [00:33:02] So thank you to Colin as well
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.b
Introduction to the FY2025-2026 Budget and Overview of the Budget Process
discussedFinance staff presented the FY2025-2026 budget kickoff, outlining the budget calendar (work sessions July 16 and July 29, special meeting July 31, public hearings September 4 and September 18, new fiscal year October 1), historical millage rates (down from 9.5799 in 2013 to 8.3 in FY2025), assessed value growth (from $668M in 2020 to $1.1B), state revenue estimates, and budget growth by fund. The City Manager directed departments to cut budgets at least 3% and aims to lower the millage to 8.2. Council discussed sales tax declines, potential state elimination of property taxes, and a councilmember voiced opposition to placing garbage fees on the tax bill.
- direction:City Manager directed all department heads to submit departmental budgets at least 3% lower than previous years. (none)
- direction:City Manager stated the goal to bring the millage rate down to 8.2 for FY2025-2026. (none)
Florida League of CitiesPasco County Property AppraiserAltmanMs. DunnCRACommunication service taxFY2025-2026 BudgetGarbage fee on tax billHalf-cent sales taxLocal option gas taxNon-ad valorem assessmentsPenny for PascoState revenue sharingTRIM notice▶ Jump to 33:09 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:33:10] Of the [00:33:12] FY 25 26 budget and over overview of the budget process yes, and I've asked miss Dunn [00:33:21] To make the presentation this evening to you of our fiscal year 25 26 budget and our [00:33:28] Process and in that regard she's prepared a PowerPoint presentation [00:33:33] which [00:33:34] She'll present at this time [00:33:37] Good evening council [00:33:40] Finance and city staff are in full swing of budget season so tonight. We'll present the budget kickoff [00:33:47] Presentation and bring you up to speed to what's been presented so far and where we're at and what we have going forward [00:33:55] So on May 1st [00:33:57] 2025 the official was the official start of the budget season and [00:34:00] During May department directors compile the department budgets with the assistance of the finance team [00:34:05] And in June the property appraiser notifies the municipality of the preliminary taxable values for the year [00:34:12] Also in June the department budget meetings [00:34:15] Begin with presentations of the proposed budget drafts to the city manager [00:34:20] So the next step is where we're at in July of 25 City Council work sessions begin [00:34:27] introducing the department budget drafts [00:34:29] The first budget work session is tomorrow evening July 16th, and the next budget work session is on July 29th both beginning at 4 p.m. [00:34:38] Six budget presentations tomorrow evening and then the other seven on the 29th tomorrow night as public works and human resources [00:34:45] the economic development department [00:34:47] technology solutions the library and finance department [00:34:51] Then on July 31st. We have a special meeting to establish the tentative millage for trim and approve the certificate of taxable value [00:35:00] Which is due to the county so on August 4th city advises the property appraiser of the proposed millage rate [00:35:06] Of its rolled back rate and the date time place of which the public hearing will be held [00:35:11] And consider the proposed millage rate and the tentative budget [00:35:14] Property appraiser then will utilize this information in preparation for the notice to the proposed property taxes [00:35:22] On August 24th property appraiser prepares and mails the notice of the proposed property taxes [00:35:28] And then on September 4th [00:35:30] We have our first public hearing on the tentative budget and the proposed millage rate also the public hearing to approve the non-ad valorem assessments [00:35:38] On September 18th is our final public hearing to finalize the budget and adopt the millage rate and then on September 19th [00:35:46] Finance will provide all the data which includes the final millage rate to the property appraiser the tax collector Department of Revenue [00:35:53] Budget and approval of the department resolutions and the certificate of the trim [00:35:57] Compliance submitted is submitted to the property appraiser [00:36:01] And then on October 1st [00:36:03] This begins our new budget year the adopted budget will be posted on the website and distributed to the departments [00:36:11] So where we're at the millage rates over the years as you can see back in 2013 we're at [00:36:18] 9.5799 and we have brought that down over the years for the 2024 [00:36:23] Value properties for the 2025 fiscal year the last millage rate was 8.3 [00:36:30] the idea is to [00:36:32] Bring that millage rate down for you [00:36:35] And we will have that presentation next few weeks [00:36:41] Little assessed value the growth this is a little hard to see I apologize and [00:36:46] 2020 I didn't do it over 10 years because [00:36:50] Really we've seen the most growth over the last five years in [00:36:54] 2020 the value we were at [00:36:56] 668 million and now we're at 1.1 billion and [00:37:01] total assessed values within the city [00:37:06] And broken down by percentage rate you can see our growth over the last five years [00:37:10] The largest growth was from 21 to 22, which we're at 17.2 [00:37:15] We held steady for 23 and 24 and then moving into the 25 year we're at 6.8 [00:37:21] So we did drop down a little bit in growth rate [00:37:27] Which also [00:37:29] as you can see our population estimate and 23 was seventeen thousand two hundred thirteen residents and [00:37:35] The 2024 number is seventeen thousand two hundred and seventy so it looks like our population growth was 57 [00:37:42] Which is a point three growth rate? [00:37:45] from [00:37:46] 2023 to 2024 and then the chart above the revenues that we've received [00:37:53] Estimates for that have been released to date. We have three so far the revenue sharing. We're looking at nine hundred and thirty nine thousand [00:38:00] Which is up fifteen thousand approximately from last year [00:38:03] We have the half-cent sales tax which is down about fifteen thousand from last year at one point [00:38:10] one million three hundred and fifty eight thousand and the [00:38:14] Penny for Pasco, which is the local discretionary sales tax. We're up [00:38:20] 257,000 almost 258,000 as an estimate up to so we're at four million eighty five thousand [00:38:27] And we're still waiting for the local option gas tax and communication service tax to be released [00:38:31] They're normally released any time between July and August [00:38:38] There's a lot of data up here and it's kind of hard to see so [00:38:42] What I presented was the [00:38:45] the citywide budget by fund over the years and [00:38:49] the growth for the overall budget expenditures [00:38:53] In the first column is our general fund and back in 2021 our total general fund expenditures were 24 million [00:39:00] Last year the total general fund is 30 almost 35 million [00:39:05] Another one of our larger funds would be our water and sewer funds and that's total of five funds [00:39:10] So back in 2021, we were looking at twenty three point seven million in 2025. We're at twenty nine point five million [00:39:18] The CRA again, these are based on expenditures. So the expenditures that we were looking at back in 2021 [00:39:26] It's twelve million six hundred thousand and last year we [00:39:32] Budgeted nineteen million five hundred thousand in the CRA [00:39:35] It's just growth over the years [00:39:38] The total budget back in 21 was seventy five million and last year was a hundred and five million [00:39:43] So you can see our growth over the last five years. It has increased [00:39:47] It's all there as the revenues have increased the property values have increased [00:39:51] but we expect it to [00:39:54] Hopefully hold steady with last year. We didn't see much growth in our numbers, but hopefully everything will remain at least the same [00:40:02] That's all I have for now [00:40:04] That's all I have for now tomorrow evening. Like I said, we have our work sessions beginning and [00:40:09] Those six departments will be presenting to you their drafts again. They're just the proposals [00:40:15] We haven't worked through all of the numbers just yet. But this what we would like to see in the coming year [00:40:21] In addition to what? [00:40:23] Miss Don has indicated to you the directive that I have issued to the department heads [00:40:29] Is that their departmental budget should be at least 3% lower than what? [00:40:35] Their budgets were in previous years [00:40:39] Due to the fact that many of our costs are higher than what they have been in previous years [00:40:45] And as you can see our revenues are lower [00:40:49] And we're expecting them to be then they have been in the previous year [00:40:54] And I know that your expectation of us is that we will bring down the millage rate [00:41:00] We didn't say but our our attempt is to bring the millage rate down to 8 to this year [00:41:12] You have any comments just just one when you look at the growth curve back there you don't need to bring it up necessarily but [00:41:20] We when you talk about percentages and saying that you know over that five-year six-year term, whatever it was [00:41:27] That we had a higher growth rate back in the early days [00:41:32] But in reality the amount of growth [00:41:35] Let this past year still exceeded the dollar value of the growth on that year back in those days [00:41:41] So percentages are always difficult a small city can be the fastest growing city in the country [00:41:48] But it can only be a thousand and have 200 people at it and have a 20% tax growth [00:41:53] But I think that the city continues to see a solid tax base increase [00:41:59] and again that tax base has been the focus of our [00:42:03] strategy discussions and [00:42:06] And it is the reason I really want to make sure that we have a strong fiscal plan for dealing with [00:42:12] How we can maintain the CRA? [00:42:14] Collection of our county taxes back and still keep the doors open and our police and fire departments [00:42:21] and in our other divisions [00:42:25] And I think we can and so I'm not saying we can't but to your point about holding the line [00:42:32] I think it's critical that we do [00:42:35] the half-cent sales tax on the projections of our [00:42:39] Sales tax going down was a bit of a surprise to me and it may be a result of some economic softness that we've had [00:42:47] or whatever or projections of more softness or projections of all the sales tax holidays that are being promoted where you've got [00:42:55] So many of the items that are not to be taxed anymore and particularly some of the high dollar items [00:43:01] I think have had some sales tax [00:43:04] Reductions based on what the state has done [00:43:07] That's on the one side of the mouth on the other side there's been discussion that we go to a [00:43:11] complete sort of sales tax economy [00:43:14] and [00:43:16] discussion about the elimination of property taxes, so I [00:43:20] Think we just have to enjoy the fruits of what we get when we get it with [00:43:24] Understanding that we got to keep an eye on those changes that are going to occur with to our track tax structure [00:43:31] I don't know how the state [00:43:33] can [00:43:35] Control [00:43:37] property taxes that are used for us to fund our business here and [00:43:41] Reduce it at our [00:43:43] to our just you know just comfort I think their feeling is that the [00:43:50] More regressive sales tax and the fact that we import so much through tourism that it's a it's a better source with less bite [00:43:58] to us [00:43:59] collectively in the state, but [00:44:02] Luckily we have a strong League of Cities a number of us are going to the conference some are going to other things [00:44:09] But I think it's it's important [00:44:11] And I'm happy to have learned that we'll start getting more financial information [00:44:15] And I think that needs to be a discussion by the board as we go on is [00:44:19] Making sure we can still afford to do the things everybody looks forward to [00:44:24] and still manage the you know manage the [00:44:28] You know the the core function of the city, which is to provide services and keep the people safe [00:44:35] But I look forward to the budget. Thank you for getting all this out on time [00:44:39] There's only one issue that I didn't see up there [00:44:42] Which was any kind of advanced notice? [00:44:44] Other than the letter that was received by the residents telling them that they can expect to pay their garbage on the tax bill [00:44:51] So I maintain that I'm opposed to that [00:44:53] I think there are much better ways to collect that and [00:45:00] If you have your first public hearing in September, the amount that the residents will pay for [00:45:07] garbage will be identified to them on their trim notice. [00:45:11] And so that means that you'll be preparing, if you haven't already, the assessment roll, [00:45:17] which we have not looked at, which you have to deliver to them by the end of the month. [00:45:23] So I'm understanding, I'm just speaking directly here to say, I don't want to see that go on [00:45:31] the tax roll. [00:45:33] I will not support it. [00:45:36] I haven't seen the evidence that it's the best way to do that. [00:45:39] I would even ask our own garbage hauler to tell us, you know, how they are collecting [00:45:44] their fees in Dunedin, in other places that are within their own workload. [00:45:52] I can only imagine the reactions that we're going to get from that, just like we used [00:45:58] to get when we had to have street assessments. [00:46:03] It's not nearly the $2,000 to $4,000 that fill the place up, but if we go back and look [00:46:11] at that ordinance, especially folks that weren't here when we did it, it included additional [00:46:16] costs for us to have the hauler pick up yard debris that would be wrapped up with twine [00:46:22] and set on the outside to be dumped into the trash and taken to the incinerator to be burned, [00:46:30] which I object to straight up anyway. [00:46:34] And I don't know how many people are doing that. [00:46:37] Can we stay on topic here? [00:46:39] We are on topic. [00:46:40] We're just getting an introduction to the budget, not jumping into each individual item. [00:46:46] Oh, okay. [00:46:47] Well, Mr. Mayor, that's all I have to say. [00:46:51] Well, Mr. Mayor, Councilman Altman and I found that last part very fruitful and I am going [00:46:58] to comment on that later tonight, but to the topic that Councilman Altman actually raised [00:47:05] about the sales tax, just out of curiosity, do we have any reason why we think the rate [00:47:11] went down for the half cent? [00:47:14] It's just the proposed rate from the state. [00:47:18] But the decrease that we're seeing, excuse me, not the rate. [00:47:21] It's just the proposed amount from the state. [00:47:23] They provide those numbers. [00:47:24] Right, but it is a decrease, so when people went and bought some stuff from the grocery [00:47:29] store and then we get from that, what do you think the justification is for it going down? [00:47:35] Do you have any idea? [00:47:36] I'm not sure. [00:47:38] Is there a way to delineate between downtown and the rest of the city for that half cent? [00:47:45] No. [00:47:46] I have an answer. [00:47:51] The answer is the state won't give you anything that will allow you to understand how a particular [00:47:56] business is doing. [00:47:58] You can ask for data based on zip codes, and we have three or four zip codes in town. [00:48:05] So the researchers back in the day did give us, when we were looking for data on tourism [00:48:11] tax collections, to see how much money was being collected in New Port Richey versus [00:48:16] the county when we were trying to get our share of that. [00:48:20] And I spoke to the state office back in the day, and I suspect it's still the same policy, [00:48:24] which is they won't give anything that will give you a hint on how well a business is [00:48:28] doing, but they will give you some regional breakdown by zip code, I think. [00:48:35] So you could always request for that. [00:48:38] It's not a substantial amount where I think the staff needs to do it. [00:48:41] That's something I could do on my own time. [00:48:43] The reason why I just bring it up is to the larger conversation of as we do look at some [00:48:48] of the state legislative decisions and that potential to move towards other revenue sources [00:48:54] other than property tax, that's the one that the sales tax was going down. [00:48:58] So not substantially, but just curious to see if there's reasons for that, or even speculative. [00:49:05] I'm not looking for a definitive answer, just what you guys think is happening. [00:49:09] But if I have to reach out to the, I just want to be mindful, and I'll be very brief, [00:49:15] the city staff here, they are the full-time employees, so when I have questions, [00:49:19] I don't mind doing the outreach to the Department of Revenue, but I like proposing the questions [00:49:25] to staff since they do have, maybe they've already looked into it. [00:49:29] And so clearly that's not a question that's come up in your research, and I get it. [00:49:34] It's budget season, so you're busy. [00:49:36] But I'm just curious why it's going down this year. [00:49:38] And I want to say it was slightly up, or maybe even down last year, too, [00:49:41] if my memory serves me correctly. [00:49:43] It was down last year, too. [00:49:45] So that's going down, and we might lose, the state wants, or certain people at the state level [00:49:50] want us to lose our property tax, so it's going to be an interesting few years if that were to happen. [00:49:55] But my other thing was the, oh, no, I'll save that. [00:50:00] We have a long budget meeting tomorrow, so I'll save all that for tomorrow. [00:50:06] I just want to thank the staff for putting that little bit of information together. [00:50:10] This is my first budget season, so to speak, so I'm learning. [00:50:16] But I appreciate you guys' effort, and I look forward to all your information tomorrow, [00:50:19] and I'm going to save my questions for that. [00:50:22] Save your questions for tomorrow. [00:50:25] I just want to ask that that date line that you had in the next couple [00:50:32] months through September, first of October, could you get that to Debbie [00:50:36] and get that into our Friday packet? [00:50:39] It is included in the timeline, the budget timeline. [00:50:43] That's just a summarized version of the original budget timeline that was presented. [00:50:48] I didn't, I wasn't, it was budget here, but I wasn't familiar with the stuff going on [00:50:53] with the state and the county's things. [00:50:57] Okay. [00:50:58] We have a report in the city manager's report as well. [00:51:01] Okay, thank you. [00:51:02] That's all. [00:51:03] Approval of the minutes for June 25th, July 1st, and July 9th?
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- 5.a
June 25, 2025 Work Session Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the June 25, 2025 Work Session Minutes by unanimous 5-0 vote.
- motion:Approve the June 25, 2025 Work Session Minutes. (passed)5–0
▶ Jump to 51:08 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:51:08] Move for approval. [00:51:09] I'll second. [00:51:10] Any comments? [00:51:11] All those in favor, signify by aye. [00:51:12] Aye. [00:51:13] Aye. [00:51:14] Aye. [00:51:15] That's a five-nothing. [00:51:16] All those in attendance must be respectful of others' opinions and refrain from making [00:51:17] personal attacks. [00:51:18] Any person who becomes disorderly or who fails to confine remarks to the identified subject [00:51:19] or business at hand shall be cautioned by the presiding officer and given the opportunity [00:51:20] to conclude remarks on the subject in a decorous manner and within the designated time. [00:51:21] Thank you. [00:51:22] Thank you. [00:51:23] Thank you. [00:51:24] Thank you. [00:51:25] Thank you. [00:51:26] Thank you. [00:51:27] Thank you.
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- 5.b
July 1, 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes
approvedApproval of the July 1, 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes as part of the consent agenda. No substantive discussion captured in the transcript.
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[00:51:28] Thank you. [00:51:29] Thank you. [00:51:30] Thank you. [00:51:31] Thank you. [00:51:32] Thank you. [00:51:33] Thank you. [00:51:34] Thank you. [00:51:35] Thank you. [00:51:36] Thank you.
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- 6Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 52:00
- 7.a
Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval
on consentProcedural item; transcript fragment shows tail end of a vote and transitions into the public reading of Ordinance 2025-2318 regarding speed detection systems in school zones.
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[00:52:20] Aye. [00:52:21] Aye. [00:52:22] Aye. [00:52:23] Public reading of Ordinance 2025-2318, authorizing the placement of a speed direction system [00:52:31] within a school's zones. [00:52:33] This is Ordinance number 2025-2318, an ordinance of the City of New Port Richey, [00:52:37] providing for amendment of Chapter 23 of the Code of Ordinances pertaining to traffic
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.a
First Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2318: Authorizing the Placement of Speed Detection Systems within School Zones
approvedCouncil held first reading of Ordinance 2025-2318, authorizing speed detection systems (cameras) in the city's three school zones pursuant to House Bill 657 / Chapter 316 Florida Statutes. Police Chief Cochin presented data showing drivers averaging 10+ mph over the 15 mph school zone limit; staff plans to combine this with the US-19 program in an RFP. Council approved the ordinance on first reading, with an updated fee structure ($100 fine, $50 cancellation fee, $250 magistrate hearing cost if violator loses).
Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2318
- motion:Move approval of Ordinance No. 2025-2318 on first reading. (passed)
US-19Red SpeedRichie ElementaryVieraCochinHazimiMannsMargaretFlorida Statutes Chapter 316House Bill 657March 2025 speed studyOrdinance No. 2025-2318Section 2382 (notice of violation)Section 2383 (affidavit)Section 316.1896▶ Jump to 52:40 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:52:41] and motor vehicles, providing for and creating Article 4 therein pertaining to speed detection [00:52:46] systems in school zones as authorized by state law, providing for definitions of terms, providing [00:52:53] for establishment of school zones to be enforced by speed detection systems, providing for [00:52:57] signs at designated school zones, providing for enforcement, providing for violations, [00:53:03] providing for hearings, providing for reports, providing for public notice, providing for [00:53:07] conflict severability, and an effective date. [00:53:09] And Mr. Mayor, if I could point out to you that there is an updated version of the ordinance [00:53:14] at your places, and the second to the last page of that shows in red line form what we're [00:53:22] recommending to be changed, and that has to do with the fees, and there is added to it [00:53:29] a $250 assessment if you go to a hearing, that's for the magistrate costs, and we've [00:53:36] reorganized to show that the $50 fee is for those that request a hearing but then cancel [00:53:43] the hearing or fail to attend, that fee will be added. [00:53:47] So other than that, the ordinance that you have in front of you is exactly as in the [00:53:50] packet, but we just corrected those fee issues in the version that you have in front of you. [00:53:57] Any other public comment? [00:53:59] Seeing no one come forward, we'll go back for discussion and vote. [00:54:05] Do you want a presentation on the item, Mr. Mayor? [00:54:08] Sure. [00:54:09] Okay. [00:54:10] I'm sorry. [00:54:11] The purpose of the agenda item is actually the result of House Bill 657, which was effectuated [00:54:17] in July of 23, and it provided an opportunity to enhance safety within school zones, and [00:54:28] we have three of them within the city's jurisdiction, and Chief Cochin has been working since that [00:54:34] time to establish a program, and we're going to allow him to fully present the agenda item. [00:54:44] Thank you, Ms. Manns. [00:54:45] Thank you, Council Members. [00:54:46] The request for the City Council is to conduct a first reading of Ordinance 2025-2318, which [00:54:52] authorizes the placement of speed detection systems in school zones within our city jurisdiction [00:54:58] as permitted by federal law. [00:55:00] The city's three schools, as outlined in Ordinance 2025-2318, have multiple school [00:55:06] zones that are staffed with school crossing guards. [00:55:09] These school zones are clearly identified by pavement markings, signage, and or flashing [00:55:13] yellow lights in accordance with state law requirements. [00:55:17] The Police Department conducts traffic enforcement and deploys additional traffic safety measures [00:55:22] to include the traffic mannequin being utilized in these school zones. [00:55:26] All of the above resources are in place in our school zones to promote traffic safety [00:55:29] – that's what this is all about here – for the hundreds of school children that [00:55:33] utilize these school zones daily. [00:55:36] Despite these measures, comprehensive speed studies conducted in March of 2025 across [00:55:41] the four school zones, as outlined in Corporal Hazimi's memorandum, indicate on average [00:55:49] drivers travel more than 10 miles per hour over the posted 15-mile-an-hour speed limit [00:55:54] in these active school zones. [00:55:57] This means that many vehicles traveling through the school zones identified in the attached [00:56:01] study exceed the speed limit by more than 10 miles an hour, which is unacceptable. [00:56:06] We have crossing guards in there. [00:56:08] We deploy the mannequin there. [00:56:09] There are flashing yellow lights. [00:56:11] There are above-grade street signs. [00:56:13] The crossing guards have big stop signs in their hands. [00:56:16] And we still have vehicles traveling at over 10 miles an hour over the posted speed limit. [00:56:22] And we literally have hundreds of school kids that cross in these zones. [00:56:26] We have tried to do everything to curtail this. [00:56:28] We have another speed study that we did back in 2023 that had very similar results to the [00:56:33] one that we just did. [00:56:36] So we're asking, of course, in this ordinance that you help us by enacting another layer [00:56:41] of deterrence. [00:56:42] So the State of Florida, as you know, has enacted laws in Chapter 316 that authorize [00:56:48] counties and municipalities to establish speed detection systems in school zones. [00:56:53] These laws are intended to enhance traffic safety within the school zones across the [00:56:56] State of Florida. [00:56:58] So to enhance traffic safety measures within our school zones, we are requesting the Council's [00:57:03] approval of Ordinance 2025-2318, and I have this in bold in my memo, and I'm very passionate [00:57:09] about this, being in law enforcement for 35 years. [00:57:12] This will enable us to establish an additional layer of traffic safety initiatives by installing [00:57:16] speed detection devices in our school zones where speed violations are occurring. [00:57:22] This added level of deterrence and enforcement will help ensure that we are doing everything [00:57:27] possible to promote traffic safety within our school zones to protect our children. [00:57:32] The City Attorney drafted this ordinance, he reviewed it, he approved it as the form. [00:57:37] The recommendation from staff is that the City Council approve Ordinance 2025-2318. [00:57:43] There is no budget impact at this time, and I'm here to answer any questions that you [00:57:46] may have. [00:57:47] So, again, I asked the public already, but do we have public, everybody, comment? [00:57:53] We'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [00:57:56] Does anybody have anything? [00:57:58] I've just got a couple questions. [00:58:01] The speed cameras and the tickets would be a violation, it would not accrue to the points [00:58:10] on a driver's license? [00:58:11] Would that be fine? [00:58:12] Well, no. [00:58:13] It's a $100 fine. [00:58:14] Right. [00:58:15] No points assessed. [00:58:16] Right. [00:58:17] So, in that regard, the individual's insurance won't go up, they'll just pay. [00:58:23] The payment says $100 comes to the City. [00:58:27] What would be the strategy for the purchase and acquisition of these? [00:58:31] I know with our red light cameras, we use the third-party facilitator, they're leased [00:58:36] or they're otherwise engaged. [00:58:40] So how would you pay for and install the lights? [00:58:44] So our goal is to go to RFP for both the US-19 and this program. [00:58:49] Kind of, if you will, combine them into one, go to RFP, and let's see what's out there. [00:58:54] Because there are companies right now like Viera, who's our current provider. [00:58:58] We have Red Speed. [00:59:00] So there are companies that are in this business now, in the school zone arena. [00:59:04] So we think it's in the best interest of the City to go out to RFP and find a good vendor [00:59:10] based on pricing to do all of our US-19 and school zones. [00:59:13] In other words, there'd be no out-of-pocket costs for the City? [00:59:18] Well, the goal would be almost like the US-19 program, where basically they would charge [00:59:23] you per camera, but all the fines would come to us. [00:59:26] And based on what we're seeing, there's a lot of vehicles speeding in these school zones. [00:59:31] So we believe that this will not cost the City money. [00:59:34] I understand that. [00:59:35] I think the problem with the red light camera had been that it was an out-of-state organization. [00:59:40] The amount of money that they were receiving was very substantial, and a percentage of [00:59:44] that went to the State Trooper's disability. [00:59:48] Is that different with respect to the school zones, or are they also throwing that money [00:59:52] up to the State? [00:59:53] Yeah, so to answer your question, we get $77, and the State gets the rest of the $100. [01:00:00] And that's divvied up between different state departments. [01:00:03] That's by state statute. [01:00:04] And then you pay out of your 77 the amount of money that's collected that goes to the [01:00:09] vendor or the RIT winner. [01:00:11] That's correct. [01:00:12] And then the remainder, as is outlined in the ordinance, the remainder of the funds [01:00:16] that the city collects has to be used for school zones and or other law enforcement [01:00:20] purposes. [01:00:21] Right. [01:00:22] And that's all dictated by state statute. [01:00:23] Yeah, that's all fine. [01:00:25] How about the bus cameras that are out there when folks are passing a bus with the red [01:00:31] lights out? [01:00:32] I know, I think our school board may be putting them in. [01:00:35] Who gets the, you know, who gets the benefit if there is one of the revenue generated by [01:00:41] those tickets? [01:00:42] We're not a part of that program. [01:00:43] That's solely based on the school board. [01:00:45] That's their buses. [01:00:46] Now, if one of our officers sees that violation, we can write a citation under state law, under [01:00:51] Chapter 316, and then certainly those revenues by state law come back to the city. [01:00:55] But if it's just a school bus camera, that's the county's program, not ours. [01:00:59] You say county. [01:01:00] Is it school board or county? [01:01:01] School board, yes, sir. [01:01:02] So the school board is allowed to create fines? [01:01:07] Huh, interesting. [01:01:09] Thank you for your help. [01:01:12] Yeah, Mr. Mayor. [01:01:15] The Section 2383, the second one where it talks about an affidavit, is that, what is [01:01:22] that referring to? [01:01:26] Provide an affidavit that complies with Section 316.18.96 Florida statutes. [01:01:33] So there's provisions in the statute, just like in the red light camera statute, that [01:01:37] gives you the opportunity, if you weren't operating the vehicle at the time and you're [01:01:40] the owner, you can file an affidavit, present that to the city, and if it's an appropriate [01:01:47] affidavit, then the city can issue a citation to the person that was actually operating [01:01:50] it and dismiss your citation. [01:01:52] So there's a whole protocol you have to go through. [01:01:54] That 30-day period would reset, and that new person with the affidavit, it would be cited [01:01:58] to them, and that would start the process? [01:01:59] Correct. [01:02:00] It would start a ticketing process against the person that was operating it. [01:02:02] And we collect that here in-house, the affidavit, or do they have to go down to the courthouse? [01:02:06] No, we do that all in-house. [01:02:08] It comes to all of that, just like on our red light cameras, it comes to us, and then [01:02:11] it's dealt with. [01:02:12] It's called assignment of liability, so we handle all that in-house. [01:02:15] Based on the, thank you, based on your experience with the Section 2382 notice of violation, [01:02:24] that whole section entirely, I'm assuming the notice of violation is not different from [01:02:29] the red light. [01:02:30] It's the same thing. [01:02:31] It gets sent out. [01:02:32] The information gets sent out to the person. [01:02:34] Do you happen to know the cost of that? [01:02:36] And the reason why I ask is because since we're rolling out a new program, I think it [01:02:45] was the mayor who had said previously, once you get one of these violations in the mail, [01:02:51] you're less likely to do it again, and I totally agree with that. [01:02:55] Is there a way to issue a violation of sorts where the first one is a warning, but obviously [01:03:01] we're taking on a fee to put out the notice, so they just have to pay the cost of the notice [01:03:05] the first time, and it is red line understood that if they do it again, there would be an [01:03:09] actual fee. [01:03:10] Is there a way to work that in? [01:03:12] Because my fear is, based on the data you've presented, I mean, it's not quantified because [01:03:17] it just says countless speed, countless traffic stops. [01:03:21] There's no quantity there, but assuming there's a substantial amount, since the averages are [01:03:26] pretty high, are we ready to be taking in that amount of, are we ready to be administering [01:03:32] that and charging all of these people and being told that we weren't given a period [01:03:38] to give out an information campaign? [01:03:40] Well, the traffic studies that was done is hundreds of pages long, and that's available [01:03:46] upon your request. [01:03:47] Well, I just, the word countless is used, so I mean, just adding those up and giving [01:03:51] us an idea of, because I haven't seen, I know I have seen pullovers outside of golf [01:03:58] middle school, but nothing like the, what would you call it, the seatbelt campaigns [01:04:03] we do. [01:04:04] There's no, that's been publicized. [01:04:07] I haven't seen a comprehensive, I know they do a lot of them, a lot of pullovers, but [01:04:12] I haven't seen a comprehensive information, or yeah, an information public campaign around [01:04:19] in school zones to where the argument could be made when we have an increase, when we [01:04:24] issue all these citations, where was the warning, where was the heads up before slapping a $100 [01:04:31] fine on? [01:04:32] So the first 30... [01:04:33] I think that safety first, I don't think warnings come in my purse, Penny. [01:04:38] Well, if you look at section two of the ordinance, it's on page eight, there's a whole section [01:04:42] on public awareness, and that's required by the statute, so that's built into the ordinance, [01:04:48] and that requires a notice and a warning period. [01:04:52] As for the first 30 days, too. [01:04:53] Correct. [01:04:54] Right, it's 30 days for them to pay, and to... [01:04:57] No, only a warning period before they issue actual citations to people that violate the [01:05:01] law. [01:05:02] So that's what the 30 days is referring to, so when someone goes, for 30 days of the program's [01:05:07] existence, someone goes through the camera, they will get a notice in the mail with a [01:05:12] warning only. [01:05:13] Correct. [01:05:14] That's correct. [01:05:15] Okay, I did not realize that's what the 30 days was referring to. [01:05:16] That's state law. [01:05:17] We have to do that. [01:05:18] And you won't use the bridge, you won't use other means of, you know, making the citizens [01:05:22] aware. [01:05:23] No, I'm not questioning the ability of staff to do that, I'm just making sure there's not [01:05:27] a lot of people here wondering if we've been educating them on this new program, because [01:05:32] there's nobody here. [01:05:33] I mean, I know they don't speed in the back, and Margaret doesn't speed, so the speeders [01:05:38] are not in the room with us, so they probably don't know this is happening. [01:05:41] The other thing was, just a quick one if you would, Mr. Mayor, the change from $50 to $100 [01:05:47] to $250, obviously that's probably allowed under state statutes since it's there, if [01:05:52] the placement of that comma there for section E of page 8, if they, they're paying $250 [01:06:00] no matter what, or only if they lose their hearing? [01:06:04] That's what that comma, because that comma suggests to me that they're paying the $250, [01:06:08] but they don't have to pay the $100, is that written properly? [01:06:11] No, they pay the cost of $250 plus the $100. [01:06:15] If they lose the hearing, if they win, they don't pay nothing. [01:06:20] They pay nothing. [01:06:21] Okay. [01:06:22] Kind of like a challenge in the first basement being out in baseball. [01:06:29] And just lastly, I work in the schools, so I see it every day, the speeding is definitely [01:06:35] a problem, and I thank Corporal Al-Hazim and our chief and everyone working to make sure [01:06:40] that we're putting safety first and making sure that this is about safety and not collecting [01:06:47] money, which it is, clearly. [01:06:49] Thank you, Chief, for putting this together. [01:06:54] I see it daily, I drive around the city a lot, I see a lot of speeding. [01:07:00] We definitely need to get this implemented, because to me, a child's life is worth way [01:07:06] more than any amount of money. [01:07:08] And to me, we're being nice by giving them a warning, because to me, you drive a car, [01:07:13] there's a speed limit, you should follow it. [01:07:14] And if you can't do that, you shouldn't drive. [01:07:15] That's pretty simple. [01:07:16] But with that being said, I'm 100% all in favor of it, and can't wait to see it go down. [01:07:26] Thank you. [01:07:27] Thanks for your work. [01:07:28] On this, Chief, it's definitely needed, and I'll definitely do my part to spread the word [01:07:32] and let people know. [01:07:34] Don't do it. [01:07:35] I just have one question. [01:07:36] I've seen My Drive a Lot by Ritchie Elementary, and those lights are blinking on a Saturday [01:07:43] or Sunday, or they're blinking a week after school's out. [01:07:47] And so I'm curious on the aggressiveness of this company that's going to be going along [01:07:52] with when there is actually school in process. [01:07:56] So is the question, like, would we be issuing citations outside of when we can? [01:08:01] Is that the question? [01:08:03] But, I mean, if the light's blinking yellow right now on a Saturday, you know, where there's [01:08:08] no school. [01:08:09] It has to be in active schools on time. [01:08:10] Okay. [01:08:11] Well, I'm just saying right now that it's telling me a lie, because it's not an active [01:08:13] school and the lights blinking. [01:08:14] We could check them. [01:08:15] We could check them. [01:08:16] Yeah. [01:08:17] Yeah. [01:08:18] I mean, I'm just saying sometimes it's a holiday, a couple of holidays, you know, a week off. [01:08:20] A holiday is a big one. [01:08:21] Yeah. [01:08:22] Yeah. [01:08:23] And it's, you know, 9 o'clock on a Tuesday morning, and the lights are going on, but it's [01:08:26] no school. [01:08:27] So I'm just saying those lights aren't, you know, up to date sometimes, some would say [01:08:31] all the time. [01:08:32] But, you know, I'm just curious, you know, that this company is going to be on top of [01:08:36] being the right dates. [01:08:39] Right. [01:08:40] And there are layers of protection. [01:08:42] So let's just say for some reason they are running on a Saturday, and we get video of [01:08:46] a car that is speeding through that zone on a Saturday, we're not going to issue a citation [01:08:51] because a traffic infraction officer has to review everything and make sure that it's [01:08:55] within the parameters that we're allowed to issue citations for. [01:08:58] I knew that about on 19, but I just wanted this reflected the same. [01:09:02] Mr. Mayor, I move approval of ordinance number 2020-15-23-18 on first reading. [01:09:08] I'll second. [01:09:09] Okay. [01:09:10] All those in favor? [01:09:11] Yes. [01:09:12] Mr. Mayor, if I could just jump in real quick. [01:09:13] I just want to make sure there's one other thing that's clear under this ordinance. [01:09:17] This statute and this ordinance also allows for the issuance of a citation in a school [01:09:22] zone outside of school hours if you exceed the speed limit that applies during that period [01:09:27] of time by 10 miles per hour. [01:09:29] So there's also an ability to issue a citation any time in a school zone.
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- 9.a
Resolution No. 2025-21: Supporting the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council's Regional Resiliency Action Plan
approvedCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-21 supporting the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council's Regional Resiliency Action Plan. The Environmental Committee and staff recommended approval, noting the plan is aspirational and non-binding. A public commenter urged adding back two items (8.13 regional agricultural land trust and a food system staff position) that were removed from an earlier draft, but the motion passed as presented without those additions.
Ord. Resolution No. 2025-21
- vote:Approve Resolution 2025-21 supporting the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council's Regional Resiliency Action Plan as presented, without adding back the two omitted items. (passed)
Tampa Bay Regional Planning CouncilKara Woods-SaraSierra PetersEnvironmental CommitteeGoal 8 (agriculture)Item 8.13 regional agricultural land trustRegional Resiliency Action PlanResolution 2025-21▶ Jump to 1:09:30 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:09:34] They built that into this, so I just want to make sure you're aware of that. [01:09:39] All those in favor signify by aye. [01:09:41] Aye. [01:09:42] Aye. [01:09:43] Aye. [01:09:44] Those opposed? [01:09:45] Five nothing. [01:09:46] Moving on to resolution number 25-21, supporting the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council's [01:09:53] Regional Resilience Action Plan. [01:09:57] This is resolution number 20-25-21, a resolution of the City Council of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, supporting the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council's Regional Resiliency [01:10:05] Action Plan. [01:10:06] Mr. Mayor, members of the Council, this agenda item is the result of a presentation that [01:10:12] was made to you at your regular meeting on March 4th, 2025 by Kara Woods-Sara from the [01:10:19] Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, and her presentation was on the Regional Resiliency [01:10:27] Action Plan. [01:10:28] At that time, she was asking you to support the action plan, which relates in large part [01:10:35] to the sustainability of the region, specifically about climate change risks and mitigating [01:10:43] their impacts. [01:10:46] Since that time, and based on direction from you, the Environmental Committee has reviewed [01:10:53] the plan as well as the city staff, and we've honed in specifically on ten goals that were [01:11:02] established in the plan, found that they were largely aspirational in nature, and all beneficial [01:11:10] to the city, and they document a good number of options which are available, which when [01:11:21] exercised would capitalize on available resources to the city, and that's only going to help [01:11:33] us in terms of the goals that are set forth in the plan, and it'll depend in large part [01:11:43] on the amount of local support that there is for those things, and no funding is really [01:11:50] required for anything attached to any of the goals that are advanced in the report. [01:11:56] The recommendation from the Environmental Committee was to support the resolution as [01:12:04] is from the staff, and so our recommendation to you this evening is to support Resolution [01:12:11] 25-21 and jump in with the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council in developing and supporting [01:12:23] their Regional Resiliency Action Plan. [01:12:27] Do we have any public comment? [01:12:31] Yeah. [01:12:32] Hello again, everyone. [01:12:35] I've got the clock on now. [01:12:44] Now you turn the clock on me. [01:12:48] Thanks. [01:12:50] The Environmental Committee was directed by the Council to put together a recommendation [01:12:54] for this. [01:12:55] I trust you guys had a chance to look at it and you saw, and City Manager did a good job [01:13:00] of kind of summarizing the findings of the Environmental Committee. [01:13:05] The one item that I wanted to note was, and you know, the quality of a report is not based [01:13:11] on the amount of time that you put into it, and I think we all know that, but the Environmental [01:13:16] Committee did spend a lot of time on this with both a special meeting as well as a considerable [01:13:21] amount of time at a regular meeting as well discussing these items and then going over [01:13:26] what our report was actually going to contain. [01:13:29] And we do agree that the proposal itself is aspirational in character, that there's nothing [01:13:35] binding in this, so it doesn't tie the City into having to do anything at all, but it [01:13:41] does recommend a number of topics that, quite a number of topics if you actually looked [01:13:46] at the darn report. [01:13:47] I know Mr. Altman didn't for sure, there's just, you know, dozens and dozens and dozens [01:13:52] of recommendations in it, you get tired looking at it. [01:13:54] And quite frankly, from a professional standpoint, having looked at reports like this for many [01:13:59] years both in terms of work with environmental issues but also my academic career, you sometimes [01:14:06] reach a point where there's so much data in it that it just becomes weary. [01:14:11] It tires you out just trying to get through it and digesting all parts of it. [01:14:15] So all that being said, it is kind of a, it is aspirational and not to use this term with [01:14:23] disrespect but just observational. [01:14:26] It's essentially innocuous, it's there, there's great ideas in there, but, you know, we could [01:14:32] sit around and come up with great ideas ourselves, it's just a matter of whether the Council [01:14:37] wants to take action on any of these and there's many good ideas in here too for sure. [01:14:43] The one note that I wanted to make, and this was in our original assessment and recommendation, [01:14:48] was there were two documents of the Stanford Bay Regional Planning RAP Plan, Resiliency [01:14:54] Plan. [01:14:55] There were two documents that came out. [01:14:57] One came out in... [01:15:00] November 2022 and one came out in July 2022. [01:15:06] And the earlier draft had in it material that did not show up in the final draft. [01:15:10] I don't know if you guys looked at the draft, I don't know if staff looked at the two drafts [01:15:14] or not. [01:15:15] But there, to our mind, there were good items in the earlier draft that for one reason or [01:15:22] another did not get into the final draft. [01:15:26] And I talked to director, city manager, sir, named Sierra Peters, what, yeah, so I asked [01:15:33] her about that. [01:15:34] And, and again, respectfully, I must know that she was not entirely forthcoming about [01:15:38] how the changes were made. [01:15:40] And I said, it would, may I continue? [01:15:45] Thank you. [01:15:46] Yeah, you kind of like get to that point, you know, and we've all been there, I guess. [01:15:54] I've started up again. [01:15:55] Yeah, you're wanting to talk. [01:15:58] No. [01:15:59] Okay. [01:16:00] Sorry. [01:16:01] No. [01:16:02] Okay. [01:16:03] Yeah, I'm on topic. [01:16:04] I'm on topic. [01:16:05] The top and the topic is this. [01:16:06] I spoke to Sierra about this, and she was not entirely forthcoming and really, I think [01:16:10] she just wasn't informed about how the process was resolved to reach the final draft. [01:16:17] That being said, our recommendation from the committee, and it's worth your consideration, [01:16:21] I would hope, would be that there's a couple of items that were specifically left out that [01:16:26] would have added substantially to goal number eight in the resiliency plan. [01:16:31] And they're included, I don't know if you have our, city manager, is our report in there [01:16:34] with it? [01:16:35] Or should I just narrate it? [01:16:39] City manager and put it in, so we'll have time to read it and go over it and try to [01:16:43] put two and two together. [01:16:46] I think you got to, you're going to approve this tonight. [01:16:48] You don't want to, you don't want to go back and do this again. [01:16:51] Okay, yeah, the two items, they're in goal number eight, which deals with agriculture. [01:16:57] And I'll just be very, very briefly. [01:17:00] One item that was removed was item in the original draft with 8.13, exploration, explore [01:17:07] regional agricultural land trust, allowing small farms and community gardens, which would [01:17:13] then be a regional plan, which this council would endorse if it's going to endorse the [01:17:17] plan for individual municipalities then to create land trust within their jurisdiction, [01:17:24] both in the municipalities as well as counties if they wanted to do it, to create land trust [01:17:28] to preserve agricultural lands. [01:17:31] That has a huge, we tend to think of agricultural lands in terms of rural areas. [01:17:35] But there's significant amount of urban agriculture beginning, not just in our little town, but [01:17:39] all over the region. [01:17:40] So support of this would make an enormous difference regionally, but it certainly would [01:17:43] make a difference here. [01:17:45] The other item was to consider the addition of a food system staff position within the [01:17:49] local government. [01:17:50] Now, I do know, not bringing this up here, you know, out of nowhere, this was in the [01:17:55] original draft, which I reviewed and commented on at that time and said, this is great, looks [01:18:02] good, everything's in good order. [01:18:03] And then when the final draft came through, I was shocked because it wasn't in there. [01:18:07] So my recommendation to the council, if you're going to approve that, that's great, it's [01:18:10] not a bad document, it's kind of innocuous. [01:18:13] But if you want to add something helpful to it, just say, add back in those two items [01:18:17] that are missing. [01:18:18] That would be probably the most substantial part of the recommendation from the Environmental [01:18:22] Committee. [01:18:23] Thank you. [01:18:24] Thank you very much. [01:18:25] Seeing no one else come forward, we'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [01:18:40] Let me make the motion to approve it. [01:18:42] And as to the request to add things back in, I'm going to explore why they took them out. [01:18:48] But again, because it's innocuous, it's not definitive, we don't have to follow it. [01:18:52] Nothing would stop us from bringing those ideas up. [01:18:55] So I would be happy to continue to have that discussion. [01:18:59] But as presented, this motion is to approve that resolution. [01:19:03] Second, but with a clarification question, with you're saying the motion as is to approve, [01:19:10] without adding anything? [01:19:11] Okay, I'm seconding. [01:19:12] Any other comments? [01:19:13] All those in favor, signify by aye. [01:19:14] Aye. [01:19:15] Aye. [01:19:16] Aye. [01:19:17] Aye. [01:19:18] Aye. [01:19:19] Aye.
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- 9.b
2025 Grand Blvd. Multi-Use Path (MUP) South Project Phase 2 and 3 Project Task Order - Pre-Engineering Services
approvedCouncil approved a task order with Kimley-Horn (transcribed as 'Kimmich Smith') for pre-engineering services on Phase 2 and 3 of the 2025 Grand Blvd. Multi-Use Path South Project, in a do-not-exceed amount of $109,391.50. The work includes surveys, conceptual plans, and community workshops for approximately 4,900 feet of 10-foot-wide multi-use path from Daly Lane north to Delaware Avenue and east to Madison Street, funded by Penny for Pasco and potential grant funds.
- motion:Approve the task order with Kimley-Horn for pre-engineering services on the 2025 Grand Blvd. MUP South Project Phase 2 and 3 in a do-not-exceed amount of $109,391.50. (passed)5–0
Delaware AvenueGrand Boulevard at Daly LaneMadison StreetMain Street and MadisonKimley-HornMr. RiveraMs. Mann2025 Grand Blvd. Multi-Use Path South Project Phase 2 and 3MPO coast-to-coast bike trail spurMassachusetts Avenue connectionPenny for Pasco funding▶ Jump to 1:19:20 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:19:20] Aye. [01:19:21] Aye. [01:19:22] Aye. [01:19:23] Aye. [01:19:24] Aye. [01:19:25] Aye. [01:19:26] Aye. [01:19:27] Aye. [01:19:28] Aye. [01:19:29] Aye. [01:19:30] Aye. [01:19:31] Aye. [01:19:32] Aye. [01:19:33] Aye. [01:19:34] Aye. [01:19:35] Aye. [01:19:36] Aye. [01:19:37] Aye. [01:19:38] Aye. [01:19:39] Second. [01:19:40] Any other comments? [01:19:41] Okay. [01:19:42] I'll now take a staff order and the recommendation from staff is to enter into an agreement with [01:19:45] Kimmich Smith Architecture for the engineering services for the proposed 2025 Grand Boulevard [01:19:57] Multi-Use Path South Project Phase 2 in 3, and Mr. Rivera will present the agenda items. [01:20:05] Thank you, Ms. Mann. [01:20:06] The amount of the task order is a do-not-exceed amount of $109,391.50. [01:20:14] The task order includes engineering services for project management, survey work for the [01:20:20] whole area, which includes the right-of-way limits, underground utilities, elevations [01:20:26] of the project terrain, a tree survey for trees that are larger than 4 inches in diameter, [01:20:33] and three conceptual plan developments, as well as community workshops and data collection [01:20:38] of the project. [01:20:40] The project includes the installation of approximately 4,900 feet of multi-use path, which is 10 [01:20:48] feet wide, at the beginning of Grand Boulevard at Daly Lane, proceeding north to Delaware [01:20:54] Avenue, where it proceeds east to Madison Street, turning north and connecting to the [01:21:00] existing multi-use path at Main Street and Madison. [01:21:05] In addition to the multi-use path, we'll also be looking at some traffic calming elements [01:21:12] that will be included, as well as giving some type of streetscape features that would include [01:21:18] Grand Boulevard as another main entrance into the downtown area. [01:21:23] The funding is identified as penny-for-Pasco dollars and possible grant funding from the [01:21:29] feds or the state, and we would recommend that you do approve the task order. [01:21:40] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. [01:21:43] I'll make a motion to approve the task order. [01:21:47] Second. [01:21:48] Yeah, I think it's part of a strategic plan we've had for many years, and we've just got [01:21:54] to continue to move it forward, and the connection to Massachusetts Avenue is interesting, and [01:22:01] I would ask, as this process progresses, that we would make every effort to find ourselves [01:22:08] on the county's list of bypass, because we still aren't, and also pursue, through the [01:22:15] MPO, Councilman, if you can, the encouragement of us getting a spur from that coast-to-coast [01:22:25] bike trail that would bring some of those tourists from Titusville and across the state [01:22:31] through our city, and I think that's, you know, part of the, you know, strategy if we're [01:22:37] going to actually encourage bicycles and recreational use. [01:22:42] I think once we have the project, then we'll be able to sell it, too. [01:22:46] Anybody else? [01:22:49] All those in favor, signify by aye. [01:22:51] Aye. [01:22:52] That's five-nothing. [01:22:53] On to resolution... [01:22:54] Go ahead. [01:22:55] Did you open up for public discussion? [01:22:57] I don't remember. [01:22:58] I don't remember. [01:22:59] You did? [01:23:00] Okay. [01:23:01] Yeah. [01:23:02] I'm sorry.
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- 9.c
Resolution No. 2025-23: FEMA Grant Authorized Agent
approvedCouncil adopted Resolution 2025-23 authorizing submittal of applications to the Florida Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (FEMA) for emergency standby generators at three city lift stations, and designating Public Works Director Robert Rivera as the authorized signature agent. Total project cost is $246,000 ($82,000 per location) with a 75/25 grant/city split.
Ord. Resolution No. 2025-23
- vote:Adopt Resolution 2025-23 authorizing FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant applications and designating Robert Rivera as authorized signature agent. (passed)5–0
Bank Street and Nebraska AvenueMagnolia Way and Essex Waycity's boat rampRobert RiveraVanceFEMA grantFlorida Hazard Mitigation Grant ProgramResolution No. 2025-23▶ Jump to 1:23:03 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:23:03] Resolution number 2025-23, FEMA grant authorization agent. [01:23:09] This is resolution number 2025-23, a resolution of the Board of City Council of New Port Richey, [01:23:15] Florida, authorizing submittal of grant applications to the State of Florida Hazard Mitigation [01:23:18] Grant Program, authorizing the city manager or her designee to accept award and execute [01:23:24] grant agreement, and providing for an effective date. [01:23:27] As indicated by the city attorney, the purpose of the agenda item is to authorize a signature [01:23:32] agent. [01:23:34] In this case, I am requesting that we designate Robert Rivera as the public works director [01:23:41] to serve as the authorized signature agent on the grant, and Mr. Rivera will introduce [01:23:47] the grant opportunity to you more fully. [01:23:50] Thank you, Ms. Vance. [01:23:51] The projects include emergency standby power generators for three city lift stations. [01:23:56] The first one is located at Bank Street and Nebraska Avenue. [01:23:59] That's our master lift station. [01:24:02] Magnolia Way and Essex Way, as well as the existing lift station at the city's boat [01:24:07] ramp. [01:24:08] The total cost of all of the projects put together is $246,000, that's $82,000 per [01:24:17] location. [01:24:18] The grant funding is a 75%-25% split, so in this case, the grant people would be responsible [01:24:26] for $184,500 of that $246,000, and the city's share would be $61,500. [01:24:37] Now they are three separate grants that we've applied for, so if we turn out to really hit [01:24:45] a home run, then we're going to get all of them. [01:24:47] If not, we may get one, or there's a chance we couldn't, but it does look pretty good, [01:24:52] so we would recommend that you do approve. [01:24:57] Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [01:25:11] All those in favor, signify by saying aye. [01:25:14] Aye. [01:25:15] Aye. [01:25:16] Aye. [01:25:17] 5-0.
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- 9.d
Approval of Client Service Agreement with McGriff, a Marsh & McLennan Agency RE: RFQ25-014 Employee Benefits Broker and Consulting Services
discussedCouncil considered approving a Client Service Agreement with McGriff, a Marsh & McLennan Agency, as the city's new employee benefits broker following RFQ25-014. McGriff was the top-rated firm of three finalists; staff negotiated a flat fee of $82,500/year plus $17,500/year for a benefit administrative platform, on a three-year contract with two optional one-year renewals capped at 3% increases. The city is moving from a long-standing commission-based broker arrangement to a flat-fee structure for cost savings and improved service.
McGriff, a Marsh & McLennan AgencyArnie WetzelCommissioner ButlerCouncilman AltmanMs. MannsTerry KearnsEmployee Benefits Broker and Consulting ServicesRFQ 25-004 (as spoken)RFQ25-014▶ Jump to 1:25:19 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[01:25:19] McGrath, Mosh, and McLennan Agency. [01:25:23] It's for RFQ 25-004, Employee Benefits Broker and Consulting Services. [01:25:30] Thank you, Mr. Mayor. [01:25:32] We have Arnie Wetzel, actually, Mr. Wetzel is due to be on video with us this evening [01:25:44] to help me represent this agenda item. [01:25:46] He served as the lead on this project, and we launched a request for proposal for a benefits [01:26:03] broker earlier this year, and that's something that we did that we have not actually done [01:26:13] in a number of years, but based on the fact that it is a very competitive market, and [01:26:20] the numbers are very important to us, we thought that it was an appropriate time to do so. [01:26:28] And in that regard, you know that we brought to you a ranking, and I'm sorry, I don't recall [01:26:38] the date that we brought the ranking to you of three firms that we wanted an opportunity [01:26:44] to discuss fees with after we had determined who was qualified to serve the city's needs [01:26:58] for employee benefits, and the committee that had evaluated and determined the ranking for [01:27:07] those firms, I served on the committee, as well as the Human Resources Director, and [01:27:14] then Terry Kearns, who also serves in the Human Resources Department, and is here this [01:27:21] evening, served as a third member of that board. [01:27:26] We represented the firms to you, and as it turned out, McGriff, who's a Marsh-McLennan [01:27:37] agency, was the number one top-rated firm, and our task then was to negotiate a fee for [01:27:50] their services. [01:27:52] And McGriff offered to work for the city for $82,500 a year, with a $17,500 per year [01:28:06] first for a benefit administrative platform, and we negotiated a three-year contract with [01:28:15] them for that flat fee, with two optional one-year renewals following the original agreement, [01:28:25] which would be limited to a 3% increase in fee. [01:28:29] There are two different ways that you can actually structure these fees with professional [01:28:35] brokers. [01:28:36] The other way that you can do it, and the way that the city had been paying in previous [01:28:43] years, is as a percentage of benefits, and the city didn't pay the benefits. [01:28:49] The actual payment was made by the insurance companies that we ultimately contracted with [01:28:58] for employee benefits, and they received a percentage of the amount of premium costs. [01:29:08] So this is a little bit different, and it can be advantageous. [01:29:15] And in our case, in this particular case, we think this structure is more beneficial [01:29:23] to us, and therefore, we're recommending that we enter into this agreement with McGriff, [01:29:35] and we're hopeful that you will authorize us to enter into the agreement, and I'm prepared [01:29:42] to respond to any questions that you might have related to the process, or to McGriff, [01:29:49] or to the benefits and their services that they will be providing. [01:29:55] And if Arnie's online, he can help. [01:30:00] I have Terry as my backup. Thank you, Ms. Manns. Yes, I am. I'm from afar here. Thank [01:30:05] you. I'm glad. I didn't know because I was expecting to see you. Are there any questions [01:30:13] that we can respond to? Do we have any public comment? Seeing no one come forward, we'll [01:30:20] bring it back for discussion and vote. You're good, Omid? Yeah, Mr. Mayor, if I may. I do [01:30:29] have a few questions. The first one is, first off, thank you, Ms. Manns, and to Ms. Wenzel [01:30:35] for being present here tonight. Thank you for breaking down the change in the actual [01:30:42] how we're going to be paying the broker consultant. The part I still have a question on is we [01:30:49] are moving away from a current broker consultant, correct? We are, yes. Okay. What is the rationale [01:30:56] for that? What are we hoping? What is the thought process there? Cost savings and service [01:31:05] improvements are the basis. Can you elaborate on that? Are they going to be shopping around [01:31:11] differently? Can you break down that process? What they're going to be doing different? [01:31:15] In the process, and they were rated as the number two firm. What was the basis of the [01:31:25] ratings? What was your guys' rationale for choosing McGriff? You said cost savings, but [01:31:34] can you expand on that? I'm sorry. You said cost savings, but can you expand on that? [01:31:38] Ms. Manns, I think I can. I think in the original RFQ that we did, we had basically five criteria [01:31:46] that we evaluate the companies on. Again, was the standpoint of their experience with [01:31:54] our type of organization, their methodology, their scope of work that they were going to provide, [01:31:59] the references that came from other providers, as well as I think the fifth item was, again, [01:32:08] some of the... I'm trying to think real quick here on the five that were in the original RFQ. [01:32:16] And those five criteria were used to evaluate, as I said, when we originally did this, [01:32:21] there was seven companies that put forward. We narrowed it to three. And of those three, [01:32:27] we interviewed the top three, and we used that criteria, number one, to pick those three, [01:32:32] but we actually used the interview as well. And we had set questions that we asked of the three [01:32:37] firms. And after those three firms were interviewed, again, the committee basically [01:32:43] talked about each presentation from that standpoint. So, again, and also I know what [01:32:50] the fifth one was. Again, was their involvement in the state of Florida and their impact in the [01:32:55] state of Florida was the fifth criteria that we used from that standpoint. So, based on that, [01:33:01] again, why we went to Mark, and I think that's the key element here, is again, you as a city, [01:33:05] and I'm going to talk sort of as a transparent here, you as a city have not taken this out for [01:33:10] probably over two decades. You've had the same broker from that standpoint. And again, I think [01:33:16] it was time for us to look at that and evaluate that. And I'm going to be very honest with you. [01:33:20] This is a strength area for me, was to look at this, and again, because this is an area [01:33:27] where many cities, organizations, and again, you folks all know I came from a county environment. [01:33:33] There, again, it's not always well understood what goes on behind, you know, these broker [01:33:40] arrangements or these arrangements with insurance companies. And again, I will tell you, as Ms. [01:33:46] has kind of, you know, provided here this evening, you were on a fee, excuse me, not a fee, you were [01:33:52] on a commission-based, a retail commission-based process. So, for Councilman Altman down there, [01:33:59] again, I will help you from the standpoint of just our health benefits alone is about $2.2 million, [01:34:05] okay? So, as the broker, if they're on a commission-based, they get a commission based [01:34:11] on that $2.2 million, or it comes from the insurance company. Now, what you have to understand [01:34:16] is that insurance company is not just giving that money away to the broker. What they, in turn, [01:34:22] will do, which they have done, and again, it's kind of unbeknownst to a lot of organizations, [01:34:27] what happens to that is built into the, you know, the fees that we have to pay, [01:34:31] or our employees have to pay. So, you know, the insurance companies are raising the rates [01:34:36] in order to help pay some of that commission as well. So, from that standpoint, as Ms. Mann said, [01:34:42] some of this was to look at cost savings. It also was to look at better services, and I really don't [01:34:47] this evening want to disparage the former broker. But, as I think, as you gentlemen all know as [01:34:53] well, after a lengthy period of time, there comes a, I will say, somewhat of a lax in some of the [01:35:00] service and attention. I don't know if it's so much attention, but some of the, you know, [01:35:05] the expectations that we had, and there were repeated requests for certain things to change [01:35:10] or to improve, and we, in the HR department, did not feel that that had occurred, and that's some [01:35:16] of the reasons, Commissioner Butler, why we went out and looked at some other firms to see if it [01:35:21] was feasible. And again, we think we identified three companies, of which one was the current [01:35:27] broker, but they did not rate as high as the other company. And I will tell you that I know [01:35:34] there's, I know why you're probably asking this question a little bit. The city manager and the [01:35:39] assistant director voted before I did. And Mr. Wenzel, if I may, I have full faith in the city [01:35:47] manager and the HR director, yourself, in being able to be on the, I have full faith in the [01:35:54] committee that decided this. I just think in the past, maybe not with RFQs, but with RFPs, [01:36:00] we were given those score sheets, and I'm not seeing them. So I don't know if they were, [01:36:05] typically I can just look at the score sheets and understand the rationale, and I don't have those [01:36:08] tonight. So I just need clarification. I know there were some other concerns raised through [01:36:14] some communication we received from the public, but I'm not concerned in that avenue. I just wanted [01:36:19] to know why we decided on this specific firm, unrelated to the firm we're leaving. I just have [01:36:25] two requests, then, if we can get those sheets. We'll be glad to provide those evaluation sheets. [01:36:34] I think they were with the original packet or with the original RFQ when we did it, [01:36:39] presented with the firms. But if not, that's very easy to provide to you, Commissioner. [01:36:45] They originally submitted to you the request for qualifications. We did give you the rating sheets, [01:36:53] but we can send them to you again. Okay, that might be an oversight on my part, but we didn't, [01:37:00] you would have rated it after the RFQ, right? You had a chance to interview them and everything? [01:37:04] When we submit the RFQ, we rate the candidates, and that's when we determined that McGriff was [01:37:14] rated number one. And we have that? You do. With the experience, methodology, scope, reference, [01:37:20] and involvement in the state of Florida? You had that, and we voted for McGriff, [01:37:26] and then you told us go forward and negotiate a fee, and we did, and that's why they're in [01:37:32] front of you today. Okay, then my only other thing was, if I can get the communications on [01:37:36] some of the requests that were made to the prior consultant broker that we're currently with, [01:37:42] it was mentioned that we had made multiple requests for changes that weren't [01:37:46] responded to. If I can, I can get with you on that. It's not something that the Council as a [01:37:51] whole needs. But other than that, just to reiterate my comments on, I trust the committee in making [01:37:57] that decision. I must have missed the actual ratings, because they're not here, but maybe [01:38:02] you're saying they're on a prior agenda. So I'll find them. I'll get with you on that. [01:38:05] Councilman, just for your issue on your second thing you're asking for, those were actually [01:38:11] interactions we've had with this firm. I've been with you for a year and a half, and I can tell [01:38:16] you day one, one of the vendors that were involved here, they were asked to remove. [01:38:22] It did not occur. So a lot of those correspondences or interactions were with them during our [01:38:27] meetings with them, with either our open enrollment meetings, or in terms of our follow-up on how we
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- 10Communications▶ 1:38:31
- 11Adjournment▶ 1:52:10
- 5.c
July 9, 2025 Work Session Minutes
Approval of minutes from the July 9, 2025 work session.