On the agenda

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

   Pledge of Allegiance

   Pledge of Allegiance.

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   [00:00:42] Thank you.

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3. 4

   Library Special Recognition for 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program

   The library recognized three children—Brandon Crossland, Sarah Shoot, and Kurt Wagner—for completing the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Each received a trophy, a book of their choice, and a framed certificate.

   👤Andy Fygart👤Brandon Crossland👤Debbie👤Jessica Meredith👤Kurt Wagner👤Mayor Davis👤Sarah Shoot#1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program

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   [00:00:43] We were talking about library special recognition for 1,000 books for the Kindergarten program. [00:00:58] Sure. [00:00:59] I'd like to ask Jessica Meredith and Andy Fygart to come before the podium, and we have [00:01:06] three winners, as I understand it, from them, this year to be presented with the awards. [00:01:14] Good evening City Council. [00:01:16] It's our pleasure to introduce to you the families and the children who participated [00:01:33] in this year's 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten goal. [00:01:40] To turn the page and introduce the children and families, I'd like to introduce our very [00:01:47] own Community Engagement Librarian, Jessica Meredith. [00:01:51] I'm always short, every time. [00:02:00] Thank you all for having us here tonight. [00:02:01] We just wanted to do a quick recognition. [00:02:03] As you know, the library stands for Lifelong Literacy. [00:02:07] That starts at home. [00:02:08] I'm so excited, especially with this group of our three students that have completed, [00:02:13] to see the parents that have worked with them this whole time. [00:02:17] Some of these kids have been reaching these benchmarks over the last few years. [00:02:20] They are all, I believe, four years old and have already completed their 1,000 books before [00:02:24] they start Kindergarten, so we're very excited to have them here tonight. [00:02:28] I wanted to just introduce them one by one. [00:02:31] First up, we have Brandon Crossland. [00:02:44] Each student is getting a trophy and a book that they get to keep forever and ever, that [00:02:49] they selected, and a framed certificate. [00:02:52] Here you go, Brandon. [00:02:56] Let's stand right here for a minute. [00:03:04] Then, next up, we have Sarah Shoot. [00:03:08] Sarah chose a Barbie five-minute storybook. [00:03:17] Here you go. [00:03:27] Then, last up, we have Kurt Wagner. [00:03:38] Kurt, do you have a speech? [00:03:46] Mayor Davis and Debbie, would you like to come down for a photo? [00:03:50] A big group photo really quickly? [00:03:53] Thank you so much. [00:03:59] Then, just stand right here in front of the audience, and we'll try and get everybody in. [00:04:12] Can you get everybody in? [00:04:18] All right. [00:04:19] Thank you. [00:04:26] Some of you know me out there. [00:04:27] I don't think I read a thousand books through high school.

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

4. 5

   Swearing In of New Firefighter Vinny Maniscalco

   New Port Richey Fire Department swore in new firefighter Vinny Maniscalco. The fire chief introduced Vinny, noting his background and path to fire service, and the city clerk administered the oath of office. His fiancée Stacy pinned his badge.

   🏢Grace Christian School🏢Newport Richey Fire Department🏢St. Petersburg College👤Stacy👤Vinny Maniscalco#Oath of Office

   ▶ Jump to 4:51 in the video

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   [00:04:51] Now we have the swearing in of a new firefighter, Vinnie. [00:04:54] Help somebody out. [00:04:58] Maniscalco. [00:04:59] Okay. [00:05:00] Come on down. [00:05:09] Thank you, Mayor and Council. [00:05:11] It's always a proud moment to swear in a new firefighter. [00:05:15] It's my distinct privilege to introduce to you Vinnie Maniscalco. [00:05:21] Vinnie originally was from Colorado, moved here to the city when he was eight years old, [00:05:26] and he's been here ever since. [00:05:28] He graduated from Grace Christian School in Hudson and attended St. Pete College to pursue [00:05:35] a degree in physical therapy. [00:05:38] It wasn't until he witnessed firsthand our city firefighters treat some of his family [00:05:46] members numerous times, and it really left an impact on Vinnie, where he decided to change [00:05:53] his career path to pursue fire and EMT school. [00:05:59] He saw firsthand the impact that it had on his family. [00:06:03] He wanted to pay that back and have the ability to possibly impact other families in the future [00:06:11] the way that his family was impacted. [00:06:15] So he changed his career path and he graduated from St. Pete College with a fire and EMT certification [00:06:24] with a passion for public service and a desire to serve the city that he lives in. [00:06:30] So aside from public service, Vinnie is active in his church. [00:06:34] He enjoys playing pickleball and enjoys cleaning pools on his days off. [00:06:39] I don't really know how much he enjoys that, but I don't enjoy cleaning my pool. [00:06:44] Knowing that passion drives success, I have no doubt that Vinnie will serve the city well [00:06:49] for many years to come. [00:06:51] I would like to personally thank all of Vinnie's family members that are here in attendance, [00:06:56] friends, and firefighter paramedics that are here today from the beach to show their support [00:07:04] for his official start of his fire service career. [00:07:10] So, without further ado, I'd like to ask the city clerk to come down and administer the oath of office. [00:07:27] You'll raise your right hand and repeat after me. [00:07:30] I, and state your name. [00:07:31] I, Vinnie Maniscalco. [00:07:33] A citizen of the state of Florida and of the United States of America. [00:07:37] A citizen of the state of Florida and of the United States of America. [00:07:41] And being employed by or an officer of the city of New Port Richey. [00:07:46] And being employed by or an officer of the city of New Port Richey. [00:07:52] And a recipient of public funds as such employee or officer. [00:07:57] And a recipient of public funds as such employee or officer. [00:08:02] Do hereby solemnly swear or affirm. [00:08:05] Do hereby solemnly swear or affirm. [00:08:08] That I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the state of Florida. [00:08:13] That I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the state of Florida. [00:08:18] And that I will honestly, faithfully, and impartially discharge. [00:08:23] And that I will honestly, faithfully, and impartially discharge. [00:08:27] The duties of my trust as firefighter, New Port Richey Fire Department. [00:08:32] The duties of my trust as firefighter, New Port Richey Fire Department. [00:08:37] In and for said city of New Port Richey. [00:08:40] In and for said city of New Port Richey. [00:08:43] According to the law and to the best of my knowledge and ability. [00:08:48] According to the law and to the best of my knowledge and ability. [00:08:52] So help me God. [00:08:53] So help me God. [00:08:54] Congratulations. [00:08:55] Thank you. [00:08:56] Thank you. [00:09:02] And in true tradition I'd like to invite Vinny's fiancee Stacy up to pin his badge. [00:09:08] The rest of the firemen come down here please. Don't go away guys. [00:09:38] Congratulations. [00:09:45] Congrats Vinny. [00:09:57] Ready? [00:10:08] Mayor if you don't mind we'd like to just get one picture with his family real quick. [00:10:15] Yeah sure. [00:10:38] Ready? [00:10:43] 1, 2, 3. [00:10:47] Thank you.

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

5. 6.a

   Proclamation: 2009 Florida Boys Premier Team

   approved

   Mayor Chopper Davis presented a proclamation honoring the 2009 Florida Premier FC boys soccer team for winning the 2025 Under-16 ECNL national championship, the first ECNL national title in Florida history. Former councilmember Jeff Starkey spoke, recognizing Lt. Chris Melliker of the New Port Richey Police Department for developing the team in earlier years.

   🏢Elite Clubs National League (ECNL)🏢Florida Premier FC🏢New Port Richey Police Department🏢North Carolina FC🏢Patadoras🏢San Diego Surf🏢West Pasco Soccer Association👤Alton Maradi👤Andre Sarango👤Arturo Kronbald👤Billy Bennett👤Bobo Day👤Brian Cruz Hernandez👤Chopper Davis👤Chris Melliker👤Daniel Barrios👤Denise Stouffer👤Drew Delaney👤Dylan Starkey👤Eddie Ababio👤Enzo Martino👤Evan Serrano👤Fotodios Vasakasari👤Gabriel Gautier👤Ibrahim Abdul-Salam👤Jeff Starkey👤Joaquin Valcarcel👤Kahlil Simon👤Nathan Bender👤Novi Marie👤Peter Baugh👤Sebastian Aguilera👤Solomon Ketia👤Tanner Bennett👤Tomas Garcia👤William Scheip👤Zachary Singer👤Zayana Alvarado#2025 Under-16 ECNL National Championship#Proclamation honoring 2009 Florida Premier Boys Premier Team

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   [00:11:08] A couple of proclamations and the first one is the Florida Premier boys team who are the national champions by the way. [00:11:18] Come on down guys. [00:11:28] Is your coach here? [00:11:31] Just hang around here. [00:11:38] Look over here they're going to talk to you over this way. [00:11:48] This is a proclamation of the office of the mayor of the city of New Port Richey. [00:11:52] Whereas the West Pasco Soccer Association was formed in 1979 as a neighborhood soccer program [00:11:59] and since then has grown into Florida Premier, a national powerhouse recognized as one of the top youth clubs in the country. [00:12:08] And whereas in 2020 Florida Premier was accepted into the Elite Clubs National League, ECNL, [00:12:14] the top youth soccer league in the United States with over 165 clubs that compete throughout the season for one of 64 playoff spots. [00:12:23] And whereas after qualifying for playoffs held in Seattle, Washington, Florida Premier faced past national champion San Diego Surf, [00:12:30] eventually advancing to the Elite Eight. [00:12:33] The 2009 Florida Premier boys traveled to Richmond, Virginia to defeat North Carolina FC, [00:12:40] securing their spot in the first ever national championship game for the club. [00:12:45] And whereas in the final, the Florida Premier FC boys faced Patadoras from Southern California [00:12:52] and dominated the game with a 3-0 win, making them the 2009 under 16 ECNL national champions. [00:13:00] And whereas the 2009 Florida Premier boys roster is comprised of players [00:13:07] Ibrahim Abdul-Salam, Sebastian Aguilera, Peter Baugh, Daniel Barrios, Tanner Bennett, Arturo Kronbald, Bobo Day, [00:13:19] Drew Delaney, Tomas Garcia, Gabriel Gautier, Alton Maradi, William Scheip, Solomon Ketia, [00:13:27] Evan Serrano, Zachary Singer, Dylan Starkey, Fotodios Vasakasari, Kahlil Simon, Zayana Alvarado, [00:13:38] Joaquin Valcarcel, Brian Cruz Hernandez, and Enzo Martino. [00:13:44] And whereas the 2009 Florida Premier FC ECNL boys are staffed by Eddie Ababio as the head coach, [00:13:53] Andre Sarango as the assistant coach, Novi Marie as the CEO, Nathan Bender as the director of soccer, [00:14:01] Denise Stouffer as the director of operations, and Billy Bennett as the team admin. [00:14:07] And whereas this marks the first time in Florida history that any boys or girls team [00:14:12] has won the ECNL national championship as well as the first national championship in Florida Premier history, [00:14:20] now therefore, I, Chopper Davis, Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, [00:14:23] do hereby congratulate the 2009 Florida Premier FL boys team [00:14:29] on winning the 2009 Under-16 ECNL national championship. [00:14:35] We have a captain. [00:14:43] I'm going to give you the proclamation. [00:14:45] How many of you did I ever rep? [00:14:48] No, you repped with me. That's right. Stay here for a second. [00:14:52] So I want you guys to turn around for your parents. [00:14:56] Let me step up in here. [00:15:00] Let me in here. [00:15:09] But I also have a special pick for the coach. [00:15:12] The coach isn't here, so the captain gets it. [00:15:21] So also, I want all the parents to come down here and get the picture, too. [00:15:24] Can you get some? [00:15:26] Come on, parents. [00:15:28] Yeah, come on. [00:15:37] I think you guys need to get on a knee. [00:15:40] You guys need to get on a knee. [00:15:42] Get the parents behind you. [00:15:44] Yeah, come on. [00:15:45] I got you on a knee. [00:15:50] I love that. [00:15:51] You need the red card again. [00:15:59] Hey, guys in white shirts, on your knees. [00:16:02] On your knees. [00:16:05] Let me make a comment. [00:16:30] I want to introduce for a second here Jeff Starkey. [00:16:33] He used to be on council with me. [00:16:36] He's definitely been with you guys all your lives since you've grown up, [00:16:40] and so started playing soccer, so I'd like him to have a couple comments. [00:16:43] Thank you. [00:16:44] Thank you, guys. [00:16:45] What this team did was incredible, but there's something I'd like to point out. [00:16:48] At the back of the room is Lieutenant Chris Melliker, [00:16:50] who works here at the New Pershing Police Department. [00:16:53] He had these boys for years. [00:16:54] He developed these boys for, what, three years, four years, this team? [00:16:58] Three or four years. [00:17:00] He was an integral part of their success [00:17:02] and where they ended up with this national championship, [00:17:04] so I think it's cool that he showed up as well. [00:17:06] That's all. [00:17:07] Thank you, man. [00:17:08] Come on down here and get your picture taken with these guys. [00:17:10] Chris, come on. [00:17:11] Come on. [00:17:12] Come on. [00:17:13] Come on. [00:17:14] We all do it, but with a little bit of leadership. [00:17:21] Let the little guy up front. [00:17:24] Is that the little guy? [00:17:25] Yeah, you're the little guy. [00:17:27] It's all these boys, not me. [00:17:34] Ready, guys? [00:17:35] Yeah. [00:17:51] Thank you, guys. [00:17:52] I never did give any one of these kids a red card. [00:17:55] I might have done their parents or the coaches, but not them. [00:18:00] Thank you, guys. [00:18:02] Thank you.

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6. 6.b

   Proclamation: Library Sign Up Month

   approved

   Mayor Chopper Davis read a proclamation designating September as Library Card Sign-Up Month, recognizing the role of libraries and library cards in the community. A library representative accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council.

   👤Chopper Davis#Library Card Sign-Up Month

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   [00:18:24] I have another proclamation for the library card sign up month, please. [00:18:32] This is a proclamation of the office of the mayor of the city of New Port Richey, [00:18:35] whereas a library card is the most important card in everyone's wallet, [00:18:39] and whereas a library card provides free access to resources [00:18:42] that are as diverse as the population it serves, [00:18:45] and whereas a library card sparks creativity [00:18:48] and contributes to a person's quality of life [00:18:50] by encouraging discovery, learning, and personal growth [00:18:53] in the pursuit of lifelong learning, [00:18:55] and whereas libraries are welcoming spaces for people of all backgrounds [00:18:58] to learn, engage, and collaborate with one another [00:19:01] across cultural, generational, and economic lines, [00:19:05] and whereas libraries are cornerstones of democracy, [00:19:08] promoting the free exchange of information and ideas for all, [00:19:11] and whereas libraries empower all people to use their library card [00:19:15] to pursue their interests, navigate the complexities of life, [00:19:18] and achieve their highest potential. [00:19:21] And now, therefore, I, Chopper Davis, mayor of the city of New Port Richey, [00:19:25] do hereby proclaim the month of September as Library Card Sign-Up Month. [00:19:41] Thank you so much, City Council, for this incredible recognition, [00:19:46] and I wanted to thank you for highlighting the vital role that the library plays, [00:19:53] and that a library card is more than just a card, [00:19:56] but it's a key to unlocking unlimited resources and knowledge [00:20:01] for the residents of our community. Thank you.

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

7. 6.c

   Proclamation: Ivory Club of Tampa Bay Day (By Title Only)

   approved

   The Mayor presented, by title only, a proclamation recognizing Ivory Club of Tampa Bay Day. The Mayor noted the club's focus on providing scholarships to kids and indicated the proclamation would be delivered at the club's upcoming gala.

   • direction:Council issued a by-title-only proclamation declaring Ivory Club of Tampa Bay Day, to be delivered by the Mayor at the club's gala. (passed)

   🏢Ivory Club of Tampa Bay#Ivory Club of Tampa Bay Day Proclamation

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   [00:20:10] I have one other proclamation, by title only. [00:20:13] It's for the Ivory Club of Tampa Bay, and I'm familiar with this club. [00:20:17] They make a lot of donations to kids, [00:20:19] and that's their main objective, to get kids through school with scholarships, [00:20:24] so we'll get this to them. [00:20:26] I'm actually going to their conference gala next week, [00:20:30] and I'll be delivering that to them there. Thank you.

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8. 7.a

   August 19, 2025 Work Session and Regular Meeting Minutes

   approved

   Council approved the minutes from the August 19, 2025 work session and regular meeting, as well as the August 20, 2025 budget work session minutes, both by 5-0 votes.

   • motion:Approve the August 19, 2025 work session and regular meeting minutes. (passed)5–0
   • motion:Approve the August 20, 2025 budget work session minutes. (passed)5–0

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   [00:20:50] Next, we'll have the approval of the August 19th, 2025, [00:20:54] work session, regular meeting minutes. [00:20:56] Mr. Mayor, I'll move to approve. [00:20:58] I'll second. [00:21:00] All those in favor, signify by aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. [00:21:03] That's 5-0. The August 20th, 2025, budget work session minutes. [00:21:08] Move approval. [00:21:10] Second. [00:21:11] All those in favor, signify by aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. [00:21:14] That's 5-0 also. Vox Pop, please. [00:21:17] All those in attendance must be respectful of others' opinions [00:21:20] and refrain from making personal attacks. [00:21:22] Any person who becomes disorderly [00:21:24] or who fails to confine remarks to the identified subject or business at hand [00:21:28] shall be cautioned by the presiding officer [00:21:30] and given the opportunity to conclude remarks on the subject [00:21:33] in a decorous manner and within the designated time limit. [00:21:37] Any person failing to comply as cautioned [00:21:39] may be barred from making any additional comments [00:21:42] during the meeting by the presiding officer

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9. 7.b

   August 20, 2025 Budget Work Session Minutes

   Approval of the August 20, 2025 Budget Work Session minutes as part of the consent or minutes approval process. The transcript excerpt does not contain substantive discussion of this item.

   #August 20, 2025 Budget Work Session Minutes

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   [00:21:45] unless permission to continue or again address the Council or Board [00:21:48] is granted by the majority of the Council or Board members present. [00:21:53] Do we have any people signed up? [00:21:55] I did have four people signed up to speak.

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10. 8Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 21:57
11. 9.a

    Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval

    approvedon consent

    Council approved the consent agenda including purchases/payments for City Council approval by voice vote.

    • motion:Motion to approve the consent agenda and payments. (passed)

    ▶ Jump to 34:40 in the video

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    [00:34:40] we'll move on with the consent agenda. Move for approval on the consent agenda and payments. [00:34:46] Move for approval. I'll second. Any comments? No. [00:34:51] All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. [00:34:56] First reading of the ordinance number 2025-2331, increase council salaries.

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12. 10.a

    First Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2331: Increase in Council Salaries

    approved

    Council considered first reading of Ordinance 2025-2331, establishing a 3% annual COLA increase to council salaries effective after the April 14, 2026 election, raising the mayor's monthly salary to $824 and other councilmembers to $643.75. The ordinance passed first reading 4-1, with one councilmember opposing because the increase would recur annually without a separate public vote.

    Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2331

    • motion:Motion to approve Ordinance 2025-2331 on first reading, establishing a 3% annual COLA for council salaries effective after the April 14, 2026 election. (passed)4–1

    👤Baker👤Mayor👤Peter Altman#April 14, 2026 municipal election#COLA adjustment#Ordinance No. 2025-2331

    ▶ Jump to 35:02 in the video

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    [00:35:02] This is ordinance number 2025-2331, an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, providing [00:35:07] for an increase in the amount of 3% in the annual salary of city council members beginning [00:35:13] on the date of commencement of the terms of council members elected at the election to [00:35:17] be conducted on April 14, 2026, providing for a monthly salary for the male council [00:35:23] member of $824, providing for a monthly salary for all other council members of $643.75, [00:35:31] providing for complex severability and an effective date. [00:35:35] By the city attorney in the title, and as you'll recall, this item was brought up before [00:35:42] you at your July 29, 2025 meeting, at which time the proposal was to institute a COLA [00:35:51] adjustment for the mayor and council related to your salary, and this ordinance that is [00:35:59] being proposed to you tonight does just that, and it establishes a COLA at 3%, and if the [00:36:07] ordinance at its first reading goes on to a second reading and is ultimately approved, [00:36:14] the ordinance would take effect after the next municipal election, which is April 14, [00:36:21] 2026. [00:36:22] Do we have any public comment? [00:36:27] Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [00:36:30] Mr. Mayor, I'll make the motion to approve this on first reading. [00:36:34] I'll second. [00:36:35] Mr. Baker? [00:36:36] Yes, sir. [00:36:37] Just by way of reference, it was, as you all have heard me say many times, 1986 when I [00:36:46] first got and became a city councilman, and at that time the salary for a city councilman [00:36:51] was $300 a month. [00:36:54] A few years back, the city had done a change in order to bring that salary up according [00:37:03] to the inflation rate, so the consumer price index, and came up with a salary which is [00:37:07] currently a little over $600 a month. [00:37:12] At a 3% raise, that represents an $18 a month increase that would occur at that time. [00:37:22] It took many years. [00:37:24] It took some 35 to 36 years for that to change, because it's very difficult for anyone up [00:37:31] here to vote for their own increases. [00:37:34] And we probably couldn't come at a meeting that has had some discussion that's been less [00:37:43] unfavorable for us to do this, but I think it will help for future city councilmembers [00:37:51] who want to become a councilmember to be able to afford it. [00:37:57] Early on, you almost needed to be retired in order to be able to dedicate the time and [00:38:01] effort that's needed, and the city now has a city as well as a CRA under the state laws. [00:38:08] Our membership of that organization restricts us from making any money, so we still serve [00:38:15] without pay on that board, which is a board with an annual revenue of over $9 million. [00:38:23] So it's a very important position to be here. [00:38:26] It's important that we take our role seriously, and we need to have, I think, this modest [00:38:32] raise in place. [00:38:36] I'll concur with what Peter had to say. [00:38:41] Yes, a few things, Mr. Mayor. [00:38:43] While I appreciate the sentiment of making sure that those that want to become a council [00:38:52] can do so and receive some sort of level of compensation for the time they put into the job, [00:38:58] the reality is that if we give a raise that the public appreciates for employees, [00:39:06] if the economy is doing good, and there is a sentiment publicly to support raising salary, [00:39:16] then I'm all for it. [00:39:19] The problem I have, too, is that this is an adjustment to where, and correct me if I'm wrong, [00:39:28] now going forward, the 3% continues, or it's a one-time 3%? [00:39:33] It'll be an annual. [00:39:35] So that's my problem, is there's no sense of accountability where I don't mind if every year we voted on a raise, [00:39:44] but I want it to be a manual vote that we have to come before the public and say, [00:39:49] look, this is why we deserve an increase as well. [00:39:51] We did this for employees. [00:39:53] Look at what we're doing downtown. [00:39:55] Look at your property values, and we think that this raise is justified to support that. [00:40:00] Now 10 years can go by without even thinking about whether city council got a raise. [00:40:07] I think for those reasons I can't support this. [00:40:10] I think the city manager in this council has done a phenomenal job with downtown. [00:40:15] We've done a phenomenal job at keeping the course. [00:40:18] The finance director is working in very difficult times to make sure the budget's balanced. [00:40:24] And I think this year I would have voted for a raise. [00:40:26] I would have. [00:40:27] But I'm not going to vote for a continue where basically this just goes on without any accountability to the public. [00:40:36] I'm just going to have to say that based on how many hours I put in, I make in about $4 an hour for the time I put in. [00:40:44] So I think 3% isn't a big deal. [00:40:47] But I also think that we're voted in here by you people in the audience, the people that are at home. [00:40:54] The whole town picks us up here. [00:40:56] And so if down the road we don't think that it's appropriate that we get a raise, [00:41:03] they can come to council and they can approach us and say, hey, I think you should be back to 2%, 1% or nothing this year based on what the economy is. [00:41:13] And I think that's available to the public and I think that's available to us up here to make that decision. [00:41:19] So with the support of the public to put us here, I think the public would come up here and tell us, hey, that's enough. [00:41:26] So I'm in favor of that. [00:41:28] So all those in favor signify by aye. [00:41:31] Aye. [00:41:32] Those opposed? [00:41:33] Nay. [00:41:34] So that's 4 to 1. [00:41:36] All right, moving on to the first reading of Ordinance Number 2025-2332, Amendment to Chapter 10, Solid Waste.

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    First Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2332: Amendments to Chapter 10 - Solid Waste

    denied

    Councilman Bertel introduced Ordinance No. 2025-2332, which would amend Chapter 10 of the city code to keep solid waste collection charges on the water bill unless voters approve a special assessment via election. After extensive debate about delinquent accounts, renter billing, opt-out programs, and the upcoming Thursday tax bill assessment decision, the motion failed on first reading.

    Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2332

    • motion:Motion to approve Ordinance No. 2025-2332 on first reading for purpose of discussion. (failed)

    🏢WastePro👤Councilman Altman👤Councilman Bertel (Butler)👤Mayor👤Ms. Manns#$130,000 delinquent trash accounts#$800,000 delinquent utility accounts#Chapter 10 Solid Waste#Ordinance No. 2025-2332#Section 1024 Duties of Collector#Section 1026 Solid Waste Collection Charges#Senior opt-out program#Single waste hauler special assessment

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    [00:41:46] This is Ordinance Number 2025-2332, an ordinance of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, [00:41:51] providing for amendment of Chapter 10 of the New Port Richey Code of Ordinances, [00:41:55] providing for amendment to Article 1 thereof pertaining to Section 1024, Duties of Collector, [00:42:01] Property Owner Fees, and 1026, Solid Waste Collection Charges, [00:42:05] providing for enforcement, providing for conflict, severability, and effective date. [00:42:10] The ordinance before you this evening is on the agenda at the request of Councilman Butler. [00:42:17] And, Councilman Butler, would it be your preference to introduce the ordinance yourself or would you like me to do so? [00:42:22] I can do so. [00:42:23] Thank you, Ms. Manns. [00:42:24] Thank you for introing it. [00:42:25] The reason why I present this ordinance to you is I was listening to some of the conversations that we were having during our workshops [00:42:33] and some of the conversations that we're having among the public. [00:42:38] And what I'm getting at, first, let me back up here and say that I continue to believe that the job of the city manager is difficult [00:42:50] and that she has to have an incredible pulse on what the public wants, what's necessary for our city, [00:42:56] and ultimately she has a fiduciary responsibility to the budget, as do we. [00:43:02] And to characterize how the conversations we've had, without getting too detailed into it, [00:43:09] I do believe that this is a revenue source for the city, changing to a single waste hauler and doing a special assessment. [00:43:17] I do believe that. [00:43:19] But from speaking with the public, there's no interest in that. [00:43:22] And so if we're really genuinely interested in finding revenues, we've got to find another way, [00:43:29] or, and this is what this ordinance does, this is simple change, [00:43:34] the public gets to vote on it in an election if they want a special assessment on their trash. [00:43:42] That is the only change this ordinance makes in substance is that we stay on the water bill, [00:43:49] and if in an election they decide they want to be specially assessed, then so be it. [00:43:57] I think that is an incredible compromise from where I was before, which was, let's reverse the single waste hauler, [00:44:05] let's go back to everyone has the choice for their trash company. [00:44:08] I think by doing this, you're allowing yourself an out for what will be the meeting on Thursday, [00:44:13] where I think there's going to be a lot of people here and who are going to be speaking to the issue [00:44:17] and who are going to be talking about the impact that this is having for them. [00:44:21] The doors I've knocked of residents who literally broke down, took out their Social Security statements [00:44:27] and broke down that this will force them to have to ask other people for money, that they cannot afford this increase. [00:44:34] Comments were made that this is a minimal increase, it's not. [00:44:38] For some people who do not live here the full year, it's triple what they're paying. [00:44:44] And so if we're going to do this, then I think it's only right that since it affects the entire city, [00:44:52] that we let them vote for it, and that's all this ordinance asks, is put it to an election later next year. [00:45:00] Chair. Do you have any public comment? I see no one come forward, bring it back for [00:45:09] discussion and vote. I'm going to make a motion for approval of his [00:45:17] ordinance on first readings for purpose of discussion. I'll second. [00:45:21] Yes sir, I appreciate the idea but I do want to put it into the [00:45:28] context of what has been said, that on Thursday everyone in the city was, you [00:45:34] know, has been aware of, if they've looked at the backside of their tax bill, that [00:45:39] this will come up for assessment on the tax bill coming up in November. And so [00:45:49] it's kind of a precarious motion in that sense. It is only, if it was passed [00:45:55] tonight only on first reading, it wouldn't become effective and then we [00:45:59] would have this kind of crazy discussion on Thursday about what we're going to do [00:46:02] considering, you know, that tomorrow, Thursday will be the deadline to see if [00:46:09] it goes on now. So I appreciate your intent and I'm going to be prepared on [00:46:16] Thursday to speak to the issue of the advisability of whether it goes on the [00:46:21] tax bill. But I do want to share with you all, because that's the only time we [00:46:27] get to do this legally, that one of the comments that was made, and Mr. Mayor, I [00:46:36] wish you'd give me a little leeway, because in our discussion about this, we [00:46:42] had been briefed about the difficulties of collecting fees from renters and it [00:46:51] was described to us by our finance director that there was some $800,000 [00:46:57] worth of delinquent accounts on the records. It was clarified that those are [00:47:04] delinquent accounts on our water bills and sewer bills and the delinquencies [00:47:11] related to the garbage bills are a different thing. And just to make sure I [00:47:16] get this stated, I understand our contract with the hauler is that as we [00:47:22] collect money, we give it to the hauler. So if the intention is to put this on [00:47:28] the tax bill to make sure we collect money from every home in order to give [00:47:34] that money to the hauler, then the concept of revenue to the city, I think, [00:47:40] is minimal. But really, if our concern for the garbage collection, our real concern [00:47:48] ought to be on the $800,000 that we're not collecting. And so I have given to [00:47:54] the city manager a copy of an ordinance and I've spoken with some of the [00:47:58] auditors and consultants that I deal with who say that this is a growing [00:48:04] concern and that there are some cities that have had solutions on that [00:48:09] end. So once again, if 80% of $800,000 in renters are the ones not [00:48:19] paying and they're delinquent, first of all, we don't know if they're only [00:48:22] delinquent by 30 days or 15 days. So you really have to look at the schedule to [00:48:28] determine how late they are. But the reality is many of the renters in our [00:48:35] utilities are not city residents. We have a service area that expands [00:48:41] beyond the bounds of our city. And we charge an uptick on those rates to [00:48:48] those that are outside the city limits of 25%. So our utility customers are [00:48:53] critical to the support not only of our revenue streams but also of the bonds [00:49:00] that we take out through the utility division. So the state of Florida has [00:49:04] made a utility bill, a lienable bill, subject to foreclosure but it requires [00:49:14] action by the city to actually record those liens. So I have this ordinance [00:49:20] here and I'm only saying that if there have been really a couple of [00:49:26] arguments for putting this on the tax bill, one of them is to make sure we [00:49:31] collect the money. If you want to really collect the money, let's look at the [00:49:35] money the city's losing, not the money that the garbage hauler is losing. And if [00:49:40] we want to look at tightening up losing the money, and I've said this before, [00:49:44] let's look at our utilities and make sure that we make that a tighter [00:49:48] operation. There are provisions to turn off and this ordinance basically allows [00:49:56] for and calls for any rental to be able to have a bill sent to that rental [00:50:02] property and some owners are paying the utility bills themselves and so [00:50:08] they pass that along to the renter. But also the bill goes primarily to the [00:50:13] owner of the property. So it's good for the goose, it's good for the gander. If my [00:50:19] colleagues feel like we need to make sure we collect money and we don't let [00:50:23] rental properties go uncollected, then why aren't we looking at our utility [00:50:28] bills instead of using that as an excuse to throw this on the tax bill? And so [00:50:33] that'll be a preface of my comments then. In the meantime, I'm supporting this on [00:50:39] first reading, but certainly understanding that if this is a decision [00:50:42] made on Thursday to put it on the tax bill, I think it will make a very [00:50:47] complicated issue for your ordinance, sir. [00:50:49] Well, to break down some of the comments there, I'm going to start [00:50:54] with the last one. The point of this ordinance is, you know, you vote for this [00:50:58] now and then come Thursday, if from the hearing that we have, you hear the [00:51:03] arguments you need to to reconsider a special assessment, then this is an [00:51:11] option where the voters can come back and vote for it if they so choose. So [00:51:15] you're leaving the door open the special assessment for next year, since [00:51:19] as Councilman Altman rightfully pointed out, this year is done, the [00:51:23] deadline is approaching, and I don't think it's by any means, you know, the [00:51:28] deadline, you know, we're having to vote on essentially the deadline, which that's [00:51:31] very convenient, not a lot of time, you know, to consider. But by voting for [00:51:39] the ordinance, you're leaving that door open for next year and telling voters [00:51:43] that a decision that affects the whole city should be decided by the whole [00:51:48] city in essence of the vote. Getting to the issue of, let's say this does go [00:51:53] special assessment on Thursday, I don't think that solves the problem of [00:52:00] delinquent accounts. I think what it does is it forces people in their delinquencies [00:52:05] to solve the problem themselves, when it's reality is we put them in that [00:52:08] problem. So we created a problem for residents and now we're forcing them to [00:52:12] solve it, when if you just back up here and go back to free enterprise, everyone [00:52:17] chooses their own trash, and then code enforcement deals with illegal dumping, [00:52:21] there is no issue. If someone's not paying their trash bill, that's between [00:52:26] them and their landlord if they're a renter, or if they're a homeowner, [00:52:29] they'll have problems with code enforcement when their trash is [00:52:32] building up. So we've since developed this system where I want to have the [00:52:37] argument of special assessment versus water bill, but the reality is [00:52:45] that with a water bill, and you pointed this out in the past, it gives us more [00:52:48] flexibility to talk about some of the issues in terms of calculations, in terms [00:52:52] of relief for certain residents, in terms of snowbirds. Correct me if I'm wrong, but [00:52:56] a special assessment, there aren't those options. We can't do pauses, we can't do [00:53:00] opt-outs. We do. Excuse me? We do. So there was a conversation about this [00:53:07] whole senior discount offered by the tax collector, and it has been said by this [00:53:12] city before, and by this mayor, you know, we need to have an opt-out system or [00:53:17] some sort of relief. Well I called, I called the non-employee, I didn't say my [00:53:24] name, and they said no such thing exists. So do I have to know the city manager to [00:53:27] be able, or the mayor, to be able to get my opt-out? Because the utility department [00:53:31] doesn't know. I believe there's a form you filled out, isn't there? Okay, the utility department is not [00:53:35] trained on that, because when the residents are calling, when I call saying [00:53:38] I was a resident, I was told there's no such system. There's a, there's a paused [00:53:43] connected to the water bill, but if you present it as talking about the trash, [00:53:48] they say there's no such thing. That is a conversation I had with people in the [00:53:52] utility department over the phone. So if we're going to go down this route where [00:53:56] we say no, there are options, you can do, you can have flexibility with [00:54:01] special assessments, let's stay true to that, because we didn't make a resolution [00:54:05] or some sort of formal system. There's no formal system that suggests that. If we [00:54:11] wanted to cook up a formal system, I am all for that on the water bill, but [00:54:15] there's not. I've called. In response, if you'll allow me, Councilman Bertel said [00:54:25] two different things, a senior discount and an opt-out, and we do have an opt-out [00:54:30] program, not a senior program or a discount that we afford just to seniors, [00:54:35] but we may not have been as effective as we should have been in promoting the [00:54:40] program. But we did have it, we did have people take advantage of it, and we did [00:54:47] tell people about it, and I know that for sure, because I've even told people about [00:54:52] it. My comment I made was the senior discounts on the tax collectors end, and [00:54:57] that if, yeah, if you know the city manager, if you know the mayor, then you're [00:55:02] aware of the opt-out. But for my neighbor calling who does not know either of [00:55:06] those people, they just call the utility department and they're being told it [00:55:10] doesn't exist. And then we have a situation where, to Altman's point, we [00:55:14] have all these renters who have delinquencies. How many of them would [00:55:18] have been opt-outs? How many of them would have sought some sort of, you know, [00:55:22] the picture we've been given is a lot different than what is being suggested [00:55:26] out there. And can you clarify, is it $800,000? I'm sorry, can you clarify if [00:55:33] it's $800,000 and if, I don't want to put her on the spot, the $800,000 [00:55:39] for the renters, for the, excuse me, for the delinquencies? For trash? No. Renters [00:55:50] are not billed for trash, but for the utility accounts, the total for rental [00:55:55] accounts, it is broken up into four groupings, though. So if we're talking [00:55:58] just residential, it's $841,540. Is this not on? $841,540 [00:56:07] on closed accounts. With trash and water, or just trash? Just water, yeah. [00:56:14] Trash is billed independently. So what is the delinquencies on trash? [00:56:19] Currently $130,000. And then 80% of that is renters? Renters are not billed for [00:56:26] trash. Oh, excuse me. Okay, so $130,000 straight to property [00:56:31] owners for delinquencies. So if we are shifting, so this is another point, and [00:56:36] then I'll be done, Mr. Mayor. We were told that one of the pressing issues on this, [00:56:41] where we were presented data suggesting that 80% of renters were delinquent, and [00:56:46] so that even if you left it, water bill style, this was the impression I got, that [00:56:51] that wouldn't solve the problem. But if this is already non-renters, [00:56:56] then that $130,000 doesn't change. It just becomes liens on people's [00:57:00] properties with this last sentence, fine print, and I know this is just language [00:57:05] that the tax collector has to provide, but that says, could result in [00:57:09] loss of title on your house. I mean, that's gonna scare the crap out of [00:57:13] people, and we're trying to build trust here. You have your job, you have your job. [00:57:18] Our job is to build trust with the community, and you're making it very hard [00:57:22] for us to do that based on the, and I know it's our vote to make, but the data [00:57:26] you're presenting is putting this council in a position where we think [00:57:29] we're making a vote that we're not making. The arguments at the workshop [00:57:33] were that we have a renter problem, but now I'm being told that renters don't [00:57:36] even pay the trash bill. But the data I was presented was 80% of it were renters. [00:57:41] That is what the mayor said. You may have mentioned at one of the meetings [00:57:46] about 80%, an overwhelming amount of it was renters, and I kept thinking, where's [00:57:51] this number coming from? So all I ever said was there is 45% rentals in the [00:57:57] community. We don't have this system figured out. I'd love to give staff [00:58:01] another year to figure it out, tell WastePro with the contract that they [00:58:07] have that it'll be the water bill as it is. We'll figure out the system, and if [00:58:12] the voters ever decide they're sick of the water bill and they want to [00:58:15] swap to a special assessment, then they'll put a ballot, a measure, and [00:58:19] they'll vote for it, and then we'll have that direction. That's all I have to say, [00:58:22] and Thursday will be the substantive conversation, which I invite everyone out [00:58:28] to. Right. Well, you know, I'm the only one that didn't, wasn't involved in this [00:58:33] decision with the waste hauler, but obviously the council voted to do a one [00:58:40] waste hauler. So I wasn't here for that, but we voted for that. I think we should [00:58:47] have established the correct billing at that point. I think the fact that we've [00:58:52] drugged this out has made people in the community feel unsatisfied with our [00:58:57] decision because we didn't make a firm decision, and now, of course, it's a back [00:59:02] and forth of water bill, tax bill, and I just think we should have made this [00:59:07] decision from the get-go, and we wouldn't be arguing over it. You know, I can [00:59:13] relate to your information, Councilman Burtell, and, you know, it's a cost that [00:59:20] you have to have as a homeowner. You have trash, you got to get away, you know, you [00:59:26] got to get rid of it. You need water to live, you got to pay for it. You have [00:59:29] sewer, you got to pay for it. The biggest issue I see is our staff here in the [00:59:35] city for billing is not doing a good job, and I can speak personally to that [00:59:39] because I've had issues with my own bill. So I think adding more to their plate is [00:59:46] going to increase more cost to the city because we're going to need to change [00:59:49] our system, we're going to need to hire more people because I don't think we're [00:59:53] qualified to handle an extra bill. Now I could be wrong, I will talk to the city [01:00:00] that, but I just think it's a little bit much currently. [01:00:03] You know, and I kind of agree with some of your comments. [01:00:07] If there was a grant system that we could offer to seniors, [01:00:10] that would be great, but we need to put that together. [01:00:13] That's a whole other subject. [01:00:15] So, you know, I'm obviously going [01:00:17] to vote against this ordinance. [01:00:20] You know, I think we need to just streamline this, [01:00:22] and I think we need to just get it in our rearview mirror [01:00:25] and move on, and this should have been taken care [01:00:28] of right from the get-go. [01:00:30] Yeah. [01:00:32] And when we started this whole thing, you know, [01:00:36] the premise was we wanted to do a single hauler [01:00:39] for several reasons, for cheaper garbage for a residential, [01:00:42] less trucks on the road, so we're not needing to assess [01:00:45] people for new pavement and asphalt so much [01:00:48] because of all the wear and tear on the roads. [01:00:51] You know, having six different trucks going up and [01:00:53] down your road on garbage day can do that. [01:00:57] The point was made that there's a senior that if it was put [01:01:05] on his taxes, he wouldn't be able to afford his taxes [01:01:07] or be able to pay his bill for the garbage. [01:01:10] So, I mean, I guess my question would be to that is, well, [01:01:13] how is he paying for it now? [01:01:14] I mean, he needs trash service, [01:01:15] so he's obviously paying for it somewhere. [01:01:18] Quiet place. [01:01:20] So that's, that would be my question. [01:01:22] Everybody's got to pay for trash, so whether, [01:01:25] where it's at, I mean, it really shouldn't matter, [01:01:28] and I would think if it was cheaper, that's a benefit. [01:01:31] It's kind of got blown out of proportion [01:01:34] with all the other things. [01:01:36] I'm all for a change for, you know, [01:01:42] doing things a better way. [01:01:44] Unfortunately, I don't think putting on a city referendum [01:01:47] and a special vote for that is the way to do it. [01:01:51] We vote on things every day that affects everyone in the city. [01:01:55] That's why you elect us. [01:01:56] If we put it out to vote every time we had a city, [01:02:01] something that, you know, impacted the city, citywide, [01:02:06] I mean, nothing would ever get done. [01:02:07] We'd be having votes all the time, [01:02:09] supervised elections, and have a stroke about it. [01:02:11] But that's why you put us here. [01:02:14] So I don't necessarily think that's the solution. [01:02:17] I'm not saying we can't do things a better way. [01:02:20] I'm not saying that at all. [01:02:22] But I just don't agree with that. [01:02:24] There's no sense in having council if you're going [01:02:27] to have a vote for everything. [01:02:29] It just doesn't make sense. [01:02:31] That's why you were elected. [01:02:36] The moneymaker for the city, I don't think that's the case. [01:02:44] I could ask Ms. Manns if there's any kind of a benefit [01:02:50] or financial gain from this, and then I'll go back to, [01:02:57] you know, I don't really feel there should be. [01:02:59] It should be back to a better price for our citizens [01:03:02] for their trash, bottom line. [01:03:06] That's the way I feel about it. [01:03:14] The, one of the other things I want to talk about was, [01:03:18] you know, there's a lot of accusations that were put [01:03:20] on social media, you know, it's a source [01:03:23] to get things out, information. [01:03:25] There's some things that were said that I'm checking [01:03:28] and trying to verify on there. [01:03:31] I mean, I think as elected officials, if you're going [01:03:32] to make posts, they have to be 100% accurate. [01:03:37] You should never, by accident, on purpose, [01:03:42] mislead anybody in the public. [01:03:44] If it's your opinion, state your opinion. [01:03:48] But if it's, if you're stating this fact [01:03:50] and something's going on, then that's another thing. [01:03:52] We have to be very careful with that. [01:03:55] You know, as elected people, you know, when you say things, [01:03:59] people are going to listen, and they're going to expect [01:04:01] that what you're saying is the truth. [01:04:04] And they'll get fired up about it, you know. [01:04:07] And I just think it's a big responsibility to make sure [01:04:11] that what you're putting out there is accurate. [01:04:13] Like I said, I saw some things I didn't necessarily agree with [01:04:16] or think were true, so I'm verifying some things. [01:04:19] And I'll be the first one to tell you, if they are true [01:04:21] and I don't like them, I'll, I will admit to it and say, [01:04:24] you know, this, I don't like, and it's not going to happen. [01:04:29] But I think we just have to be careful with that. [01:04:32] If, I know Councilman Altman said he had a different, [01:04:36] different ordinance, I just don't agree with putting [01:04:39] up for a citywide vote for everything that affects the city. [01:04:42] And that's, that's a slippery slope that's being said here. [01:04:45] It just, it just doesn't make sense to me. [01:04:49] That's the whole point we're here. [01:04:53] I think, I think we can always do better. [01:05:01] We can change things. [01:05:03] We can, but I think really, really the goal was [01:05:07] to just make it better for the citizens. [01:05:08] Cheaper gas, cheaper garbage, less trucks on the road. [01:05:11] That was really the premise of the whole thing. [01:05:14] If that's not the case, then we can do better [01:05:17] and we'll have to do better. [01:05:18] But there was nothing ulterior motives, you know, money grabs, [01:05:23] you know, all these things that flying around, like we're trying [01:05:26] to make money off people, that's not, that's not the case. [01:05:29] It was truly just to give a better service, [01:05:32] cheaper price for our city, bottom line. [01:05:37] I just have a couple things to say. [01:05:39] Most of it's been said and it's all going to be addressed [01:05:42] to get out Thursday. [01:05:43] So I really don't want to go into it, [01:05:44] but when you say there's going to be a lien on your property [01:05:47] if you didn't pay it, if you don't pay for mosquito control, [01:05:50] there's going to be a lien on your property too. [01:05:53] So this is not a tax, it's an assessment [01:05:57] for services rendered. [01:05:59] So this, a lot of people have approached me [01:06:01] in the last week about it being this new tax, [01:06:04] this new tax, this new tax. [01:06:05] It's not a tax at all, it's assessment [01:06:07] for services rendered and that's where we're standing. [01:06:11] So you want to say something else, Pete? [01:06:13] Yeah, just quickly to say, you know, services rendered means [01:06:17] that you've rendered the service and then you pay. [01:06:19] So this is a payment up front. [01:06:22] It's not a payment for services rendered and I think that goes [01:06:25] to the heart of a lot of what I'm saying. [01:06:28] I did appreciate the, you know, call for logic and facts [01:06:34] and I will say that, you know, for both of my colleagues [01:06:37] on the other side, in both cases you've turned and said, [01:06:40] well I'm going to have to ask the city manager. [01:06:42] So not for nothing, but this is my business too and the ordinance [01:06:47] that I have for another city does incorporate, you know, [01:06:51] garbage services into the assessment on the tax bill. [01:06:55] And just to be clear, I tried [01:06:58] to stop what is a wasteful second letter confusing [01:07:03] to everybody, separately billed, I thought I paid my bill, [01:07:06] I get another bill, I tried to stop that. [01:07:09] And the answer I got from one [01:07:10] of my colleagues who's not here was, well then maybe [01:07:13] when that fails, then we can put it on the tax bill. [01:07:16] So I was completely shut out of any logical, [01:07:21] accurate enumeration of the cost of this. [01:07:24] So just so you know, the cost of putting it [01:07:27] on the water bill is de minimis. [01:07:30] There is no additional staff, the staff could turn around [01:07:34] and start becoming the staff to file liens [01:07:37] on unpaid water bills instead of chasing down garbage bills [01:07:41] so that we can pay a third party vendor [01:07:44] where we're already probably not making money, [01:07:46] we may well be losing money based on the amount of money we [01:07:50] spent for the accounts receivable package, [01:07:53] for the mail, for the stamps, for the extra employee we hired, [01:07:57] all for no good reason when all we have [01:08:00] to do is adjust our water bills and put it on there. [01:08:04] And if we put it on for owners, then we're going [01:08:08] to do a lot better about collecting our own money. [01:08:10] So that'll be my argument on Thursday. [01:08:12] I hope you all will listen to it. [01:08:14] It is calm. [01:08:15] I'm not going to get all crazy. [01:08:17] And in terms of the part of the putting this on out [01:08:24] for a referendum, I would only modify the letter to say [01:08:28] if the city intended to do it, [01:08:30] they would have a referendum to do it. [01:08:32] And that's why I voted for it. [01:08:34] I would not support on second reading, [01:08:38] if it was approved on first reading, [01:08:40] I would not support having it be an automatic referendum [01:08:43] because I don't think, I tend to agree with my colleagues, [01:08:46] I don't want to give up the authority because there's a lot [01:08:49] of people and they are the voters. [01:08:51] And whether it's our raise or whether it's our water bill [01:08:54] or our tax bill or whether it's the Shweppan Center [01:08:58] or whether it's what we do with our CRA, they're watching us [01:09:02] and if they get upset with us, they will replace us. [01:09:05] I must admit, if I may, Mayor, just a couple of things. [01:09:09] I must have made a misstatement here, but in your fact finding [01:09:14] on this side with the city attorney and the city manager, [01:09:18] the ordinance does not trigger an automatic referendum. [01:09:22] And I think I used the language here tonight. [01:09:24] The ordinance suggests if there is a reason to want [01:09:28] to do a special assessment on this issue only, [01:09:31] not special assessments in general, on this issue only, [01:09:36] then if a council 10 years from now decides they want [01:09:40] to do a special assessment, [01:09:41] they need to bring it before the voters [01:09:42] because this issue has been so contentious. [01:09:45] It is not an automatic trigger for next year. [01:09:47] I invite Mr. Murphy, he was very vague in his comment, [01:09:51] but I'm assuming he's referring to my social media posts, [01:09:54] and I invite him to highlight the specific content [01:09:57] that he feels was not factual, and I'll be happy [01:10:00] to correct the record if that's true, but I sourced [01:10:05] through the city manager, the city attorney, [01:10:06] the finance department, the tax collector's office [01:10:10] in the state of Florida. [01:10:11] And then finally, the question was raised [01:10:14] about financial gains to the city. [01:10:17] What is the current, at the end of the day, [01:10:20] it was like 1.6 million was the assessed amount for collection. [01:10:24] Obviously, WastePro gets their portion, [01:10:27] tax collector gets their portion, [01:10:29] the credit card companies get their portion. [01:10:31] What is the net revenue? [01:10:35] Is there a net benefit? [01:10:37] I don't want to use the word profit. [01:10:38] Is there like a cost recovery? [01:10:40] The city receives a 10% franchise fee. [01:10:46] They've always received a 10% franchise fee, [01:10:49] and they'll continue to receive the 10% franchise fee no matter [01:10:53] how this issue is resolved. [01:10:56] The city charges a 1.5% administrative fee related [01:11:02] to the administration of this program, [01:11:05] and that truly doesn't cover our costs. [01:11:08] Roughly like $200,000? [01:11:11] It's under $200,000, as I recall. [01:11:14] Crystal? [01:11:14] Calculate it. [01:11:16] Okay. 1.6 million times 11.5%, I'd say that's around 200. [01:11:22] Oh, no. The 10% has to come off the table. [01:11:24] That's already collected. [01:11:25] That was being collected before we started this. [01:11:29] So the only charge really is the 1.5% that I'm hearing from, [01:11:33] which is... [01:11:36] To be clear, before there was 30% of people without, [01:11:44] and now these people are having to pay. [01:11:45] So the 10%, in my opinion, is relevant considering [01:11:48] that now triggers for 30% of the city. [01:11:52] Point taken. [01:11:53] One and a half percent. [01:11:54] Okay, so 10% times... [01:11:56] You're talking about millions of dollars, hundreds of thousands, [01:11:58] but the individuals are paying $250,000 roughly. [01:12:02] The one and a half percent, you can't even buy a coffee [01:12:04] at Dunkin' Donuts for one and a half percent. [01:12:07] The broader point I am making is that the suggestion was made [01:12:10] that there is not a financial gain, [01:12:12] that we're taking a loss on this. [01:12:14] Excuse me, I don't want to put words in people's mouths, [01:12:17] that we could be potentially taking a loss on this, [01:12:20] and for the benefit of the wear and tear of our roads, [01:12:23] and for streamlined service. [01:12:25] And I just want to walk that back, [01:12:27] because we just talked about facts. [01:12:29] Like, that's a characterization. [01:12:30] That's not the truth. [01:12:32] I mean, the hard numbers might suggest that we do make money, [01:12:34] or if we didn't hire another employee, [01:12:36] we would have made money. [01:12:38] There's more to it than just assuming. [01:12:40] I was told, the words I was using was, [01:12:41] quote, this was a slam dunk. [01:12:44] That's what I was told. [01:12:45] Characterize that however you want, [01:12:46] but the people I'm talking to don't treat this [01:12:49] like a slam dunk. [01:12:51] Any other comments? [01:12:53] I could provide all of the revenue [01:12:56] in an email to you tomorrow. [01:12:59] Thank you. [01:13:01] Any other comments? [01:13:02] Yeah, I mean, I have one more, kind of on a positive note. [01:13:05] I just want to say, you know, [01:13:07] Councilman Butler, putting this together, you know, [01:13:10] there's a lot in here, you know. [01:13:12] I appreciate the work you put in it. [01:13:14] I appreciate, you know, you diving into it and wanting [01:13:17] to make, you know, things better. [01:13:20] You know, I do appreciate that, because obviously you put a lot [01:13:23] of hard work into it. [01:13:24] It's not that I don't appreciate that. [01:13:28] It's just, you know, I don't think it should be [01:13:31] on a special election, that's all. [01:13:33] Appreciate it. [01:13:34] All those in favor, signify by aye. [01:13:37] Aye. [01:13:38] Those opposed. [01:13:39] Nay. [01:13:39] Nay. [01:13:40] Three, two. [01:13:42] Did I hear a? [01:13:44] Yeah. [01:13:44] Did you vote nay? [01:13:46] Nay. [01:13:46] Yeah, I'm sorry. [01:13:47] Three, two. [01:13:47] Nay. [01:13:47] Oh, three, two. [01:13:49] Yeah, two, three. [01:13:51] All those in favor, signify by aye. [01:13:54] Aye. [01:13:55] Individually. [01:13:56] Aye. [01:13:57] Aye. [01:13:58] All those opposed. [01:14:00] Nay. [01:14:01] Nay. [01:14:01] Nay. [01:14:02] So it's three, two. [01:14:03] Thank you. [01:14:03] Nay. [01:14:04] Mr. Mayor, the charter requires action on it, [01:14:07] and since a motion that fails is no action, [01:14:11] I would recommend that you entertain another motion. [01:14:14] And the charter talks about either approving it as amended [01:14:18] or approving it as presented or rejecting it. [01:14:22] And I would suggest that you entertain a motion [01:14:24] for any of those. [01:14:25] So a motion to reject. [01:14:27] Are you doing that? [01:14:28] No, it's my ordinance. [01:14:29] Well, you're the one that brought it up. [01:14:32] We have a motion. [01:14:33] Any member can make the motion. [01:14:34] I'll motion to reject. [01:14:36] There's a second. [01:14:36] Second. [01:14:38] So now I have to vote nay now, right? [01:14:41] Correct. [01:14:41] Yeah. [01:14:42] Any comments? [01:14:44] No, we'll have to. [01:14:44] Yeah. [01:14:45] We'll vote. [01:14:46] Yeah. [01:14:47] All in favor of not going. [01:14:49] Okay, all those in favor, signify by aye. [01:14:51] Aye. [01:14:52] Aye. [01:14:52] Those opposed. [01:14:53] Nay. [01:14:54] Nay. [01:14:54] So that's three, two. [01:14:55] That's the end of the ordinance. [01:14:57] Okay. [01:15:00] Request extension of the Police Accreditation Management Services Independent Contractor.

    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.

14. 11.a

    Request Extension for the Police Accreditation Managed Services/Independent Contractor Agreement

    approved

    Council approved an eight-month extension of the Managed Services Independent Contractor Agreement (MSICA) with consultant Frank Ruggiero for police accreditation services, running November 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, at $30,000 total ($3,750/month). Chief Cochin reported the department is on track to achieve CFA accreditation by December 1, 2025, with a final assessment in November.

    • motion:Approve the eight-month extension of the MSICA with consultant Frank Ruggiero for continued police accreditation services. (passed)5–0

    🏢Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA)👤Chief Cochin👤Councilman Butler👤Frank Ruggiero👤Mrs. Manns#CFA accreditation#Division No. 10061 professional service contracts#FY25-26 budget#MSICA (Managed Services Independent Contractor Agreement)

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    [01:15:06] The request before you, this is being advanced by Chief Cochin for an eight-month period of time. [01:15:14] Chief Cochin, can you introduce the item further? [01:15:16] Thank you, Mrs. Manns, Mayor, Council Members. [01:15:18] The request for City Council is to approve an eight-month extension of the Managed Services Independent Contractor Agreement, [01:15:26] otherwise known as the MSICA, originally effective November 1st, 2023. [01:15:31] The extension would span from November 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2026. [01:15:37] The amended terms of the extension are outlined in Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the attached addendum agreement. [01:15:44] Currently, as you know, the City has an agreement with the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement for Accreditation, [01:15:49] otherwise known as the CFA, aiming for our Police Department to meet requirements of CFA accreditation by December 1st, 2025. [01:15:58] And I can tell you, we are well on our way, and starting from the City Manager to this Council, to the Command Staff, [01:16:05] to the Sergeants, to the Corporals, to the Officers, we are building a machine. [01:16:10] We had a mock assessment on August 5th, 6th, and 7th. [01:16:14] These folks were specifically chosen by our Accreditation Manager because they're the best in the state. [01:16:19] They came to our agency, basically turned us upside down, and we are this close. [01:16:24] We have our final team coming in November, and that will be actually sent by the CFA, by the Commission, [01:16:32] to basically do another three-day full assessment to ensure that we are meeting all the 230 standards of state accreditation, [01:16:40] and I'm very confident we will meet that goal. [01:16:43] So a little background. [01:16:44] On October 17th, 2023, the Council approved the 12-month MSICA with consultant Frank Ruggiero, effective November 1st, 2023, [01:16:53] following a thorough RFP process. [01:16:56] On October 15th, 2024, the City Council approved the 12-month extension of the 2023 MSICA. [01:17:03] And again, this accreditation consultant is absolutely invaluable to us, [01:17:08] and he has been excellent in guiding us through this process and also training our current in-house Accreditation Manager. [01:17:16] To ensure that our agency obtains its initial accreditation status by December 1st, 2025, [01:17:21] and maintains its first three-year accreditation status through the CFA, [01:17:26] we're requesting a second extension of the MSICA dated November 1st, 2023, [01:17:31] with the following changes to the original 2023 agreement. [01:17:35] One, the compensation in Section 2 shall be $30,000, payable in monthly installments of $3,750. [01:17:42] That's half of what it is now. [01:17:44] The term of the agreement in Section 5 is from November 1st, 2025, through June 30th, 2026, [01:17:50] and may only be extended by further agreement of the parties. [01:17:53] And the reason for this is because the challenge, there's never a finish line to being better. [01:17:58] I've been through three re-accreditations with my other agency, and they are extremely difficult. [01:18:04] So the consultant's goal after we're accredited is to continue to train and build files with our in-house Accreditation Manager [01:18:11] and then drift off, and then our Accreditation Manager will be the point leading us through our first re-accreditation initiative. [01:18:19] Our city attorney has vetted the eighth month of contract extension before you and approved it as the form. [01:18:25] Staff recommendation is that the council approve the MSICA eight-month extension [01:18:30] with consultant Frank Ruggiero for continued police accreditation services. [01:18:35] The MSICA extension is fully funded through Division No. 10061, [01:18:40] professional service contracts of the police department's FY25-26 budget, [01:18:45] and I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have. [01:18:49] Do we have any public comment? [01:18:52] Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. [01:18:55] Move to approve. [01:18:56] I'll second. [01:18:57] Yeah, just to say that when the chief came here, he promised to do this, [01:19:01] and he's worked with the city manager to get it done, and it's going to get done, [01:19:05] and it puts our police department in a better position to, one, have the best practices and standards in the state of Florida [01:19:14] and arguably nationally, but also to hold them accountable, too. [01:19:18] It's an equal playing field. [01:19:20] Everyone knows what the police department is doing and how they're doing it [01:19:23] to make sure that it is fair and reasonable, as it has been underneath Chief Cochin. [01:19:29] And just to say that the need to extend this with a chief who's gone through this process as many times as he has [01:19:37] shows the level of work that is going into this, [01:19:40] shows the difficult task that it takes to get accreditation, as he already pointed out, [01:19:45] and I'm proud that our city has come a long way when it comes to our police department. [01:19:50] I'll second. [01:19:52] I can only agree with Councilman Butler's comments about chief. [01:19:58] When I was elected to this position, I did my due diligence, and I went to every department, [01:20:03] and I met with his department, and I saw what they have to do to do this accreditation, [01:20:09] and it is absolutely amazing the work that they do, and it is never done. [01:20:15] It is continuous. [01:20:17] All I can do is just support them in their actions, and I appreciate their hard work. [01:20:22] Thank you, Chief, for all the hard work in doing this, all the men and women in uniform. [01:20:28] It just puts us a step above, and we really do appreciate that. [01:20:36] Let's vote. [01:20:38] What are we waiting for? [01:20:40] All those in favor, signify by aye. [01:20:41] Aye. [01:20:42] That's 5-0. [01:20:44] Moving on to Resolution No. 2025-42, [01:20:48] appointing a new member and removing one current member of the Florida Small Cities CDBG Citizens Advisory Task Force. [01:20:59] This is Resolution No. 2025-42, a resolution of the City Council of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, [01:21:05] appointing one new member and removing one currently appointed member [01:21:08] of the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Program Citizens Advisory Task Force, [01:21:15] providing for terms and providing an effective date. [01:21:19] The Community Development Block Grant Program has an oversight committee, [01:21:28] which is called the Citizens Advisory Task Force, [01:21:32] and it is comprised largely of income-restricted members, [01:21:39] and that means they have to earn 80% of the median income for the Tampa Bay area, [01:21:47] and there are two non-income-restricted members. [01:21:51] It is actually a seven-member board. [01:21:55] We have one vacancy on the board. [01:21:57] We are looking for one additional income-restricted member, [01:22:01] but the purpose of this agenda item is to remove one member of the board, [01:22:06] and we are removing Jeff Olds. [01:22:09] Jeff Olds was a current city employee up until recently. [01:22:13] He retired from the city, and so he is no longer eligible to serve, [01:22:21] and in his place, we are recommending Officer Ahmed Fagusi to replace him. [01:22:31] Jeff Olds served the city well, both in his capacity in the finance department

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15. 11.b

    Resolution No. 2025-42: Appointing One New Member and Removing One Currently Appointed Member to Florida Small Cities CDBG Citizen's Advisory Task Force

    approved

    Council adopted Resolution No. 2025-42 appointing Ahmed Fagusi to the Florida Small Cities CDBG Citizen's Advisory Task Force and removing Jeff Olds. A question was raised about a city employee serving on a citizens task force; staff explained HUD guidelines allow one city employee on the board.

    Ord. Resolution No. 2025-42

    • motion:Motion to accept the change on the board (appoint Ahmed Fagusi, remove Jeff Olds) and thank Mr. Olds for his service. (passed)5–0

    👤Ahmed Fagusi👤Jeff Olds👤Ms. Mann#Community Development Block Grant Program#Florida Small Cities CDBG Citizen's Advisory Task Force#Housing Rehabilitation Program#Resolution No. 2025-42

    ▶ Jump to 1:22:34 in the video

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    [01:22:39] and additionally on the Citizens Advisory Task Force, [01:22:47] whose role is to serve in an oversight capacity related to the administration [01:22:54] of our Community Development Block Grant Program, [01:22:57] which is responsible for the Housing Rehabilitation Program, [01:23:02] and Ahmed Fagusi is very well qualified to serve in his absence, [01:23:11] so we are asking that you appoint Ahmed to serve in that role in Jeff's absence, [01:23:21] and we'll thank Jeff for his years of service, [01:23:24] if you approve the appointment of the new member [01:23:29] and the removal of Jeff Olds as an appointed member. [01:23:34] Do we have any public comment? [01:23:39] Just so I understand, how is it a Citizens Advisory Task Force, [01:23:44] if it's an officer of the city holding the position, [01:23:47] wouldn't it be one of the citizens that's not employed by the city? [01:23:52] I'm sorry, I didn't hear the question. [01:23:56] If the officer that's being recommended for the position is employed by the city, [01:24:01] but it's a Citizens Advisory Task Force, he's an officer of the city, [01:24:06] it seems like a conflict of interest that he would sit on the board. [01:24:10] Also a resident of the city. [01:24:12] But he's an officer of the city, he works for the city, [01:24:15] so I guess he's not necessarily... [01:24:18] So did Mr. Olds work for the city? [01:24:20] No, I understand that. [01:24:21] So it just seems like both are a conflict, [01:24:23] it seems like you might want to seek somebody that doesn't have employment with the city. [01:24:26] In accordance with the HUD guidelines, [01:24:28] you're allowed to have one employee of the city on the board. [01:24:31] Okay. [01:24:32] All right. [01:24:33] Thank you. [01:24:34] That answered my question. [01:24:39] I'll make a motion to accept the change on the board [01:24:43] and to thank Mr. Olds for his service to the city. [01:24:47] Second. [01:24:52] I'm good. [01:24:54] Was that your comment? [01:24:57] You're good? [01:24:58] Okay. [01:24:59] Did you have any comments? [01:25:00] I'm holding for later in the meeting under communication. [01:25:03] I know you all look forward to that. [01:25:09] Just a question to the city manager. [01:25:12] So this task force did the home grants that we just did, [01:25:20] but it's also going to do the next one too? [01:25:22] They will. [01:25:23] Okay. [01:25:24] They'll be meeting later this week. [01:25:26] For the next set? [01:25:27] Yes. [01:25:28] To start the application process and everything? [01:25:30] To approve the recommended ranking order? [01:25:34] Yes. [01:25:35] That was for the last one. [01:25:37] When I say the new one, [01:25:39] I'm talking about the one where he came and we did the hearing for CBDG use [01:25:43] and we decided to use it for housing. [01:25:45] That's how far into the future. [01:25:49] When you say how far into the future, [01:25:51] you mean how soon before we'll implement a project? [01:25:53] Yeah, because we've had three. [01:25:55] We've had the one that got kicked back from the state. [01:25:58] Then this is the second one that was successful. [01:26:01] Correct me if I'm wrong. [01:26:02] And then we just approved to use CBDG for housing again at a hearing. [01:26:07] So I'm curious, [01:26:08] will this task force serve for all of the future approvals for funding? [01:26:13] Yes, they will. [01:26:14] Okay. [01:26:15] Neil? [01:26:16] No. [01:26:17] Okay. [01:26:19] All those in favor signify by aye. [01:26:21] Aye. [01:26:23] You in? [01:26:24] Aye. [01:26:25] Okay. [01:26:26] I didn't hear you. [01:26:27] Sorry. [01:26:28] Five, nothing. [01:26:29] Okay. [01:26:30] Moving on to ITB25-019, [01:26:33] CBDG Sidewalk Improvement Project Bid Award. [01:26:38] As indicated, [01:26:40] this is another community development block grant project, [01:26:43] and it relates to a sidewalk improvement, [01:26:47] and it is a bid award, [01:26:50] and we are recommending the bid award to the lowest bidder, [01:26:54] and Mr. Rivera is prepared to present the bid award. [01:26:59] Thank you, Ms. Vance. [01:27:00] The low bid is in the amount not to exceed $898,000. [01:27:06] We would also request that you award the project to Formax Construction, LLC. [01:27:12] On July 30th, 2025, [01:27:15] we had 11 competitive sealed bids opened up by the city. [01:27:19] The bids ranged from the $898,000 that we talked about [01:27:22] to a high of $1,719,500. [01:27:28] The engineer of record as well as public works staff [01:27:32] reviewed the bid documents and the references [01:27:35] and feel confident that this company can fulfill the contract documents [01:27:39] as well as the city standards. [01:27:41] I think the one project that stood out in the reference for us [01:27:44] was the city of Bradenton. [01:27:47] They had a $3.5 million sidewalk and road milling [01:27:52] and resurfacing project that was performed by the company, [01:27:56] and included in that was also improvements to the Tamiami Trail, [01:28:01] so they come with experience. [01:28:04] We do understand that there were variations of those bids. [01:28:08] We believe that a lot of those high bids were directly a result [01:28:11] of some of the larger utility companies that come in, [01:28:15] and so when we took a look at the applications [01:28:20] and the elements of this project, [01:28:22] we feel very confident that this company can fulfill that. [01:28:25] As Ms. Mann said, this is a CDBG grant-funded program. [01:28:31] The funding rate for this is 100% of the construction costs, [01:28:35] so while the city may pay that money out in the beginning, [01:28:40] it will be refunded by CDBG and be fully funded. [01:28:45] The project does include approximately 10,602 linear feet [01:28:50] of 6-foot-wide sidewalk, [01:28:53] and it spreads over a portion of the east and the west grand neighborhoods, [01:28:59] so basically your limits are from Main Street south to Louisiana [01:29:04] Avenue and then the river east to Madison Street. [01:29:10] So with that, we would recommend that you do approve this. [01:29:14] And just one last thing, it is included in your capital improvement program. [01:29:21] Any public comment? [01:29:24] Seeing no one come forward, we'll bring it back for discussion and vote. [01:29:27] I do have a question before motion, if you would so will, Mr. Mayor. [01:29:31] Is this the one with Rio Drive? [01:29:34] It is in response to your question, [01:29:37] and as I indicated in the city manager's report last week, [01:29:41] my plan is to recommend to you at your October, I believe it's 7th, [01:29:49] your first meeting in October, [01:29:51] that we do a negative change order and remove Rio Drive from the project [01:29:57] and the rest of the city. [01:30:00] residents of Rio Drive have been invited to attend that meeting and it'll be your [01:30:05] decision as to whether or not you remove their street from the project. [01:30:12] So in this one here, and this might be a city attorney question, we don't have to [01:30:17] motion for removal of Rio and approving it? We shouldn't because there are public [01:30:23] notice requirements related to the administration of the project which [01:30:28] don't allow us to remove it until it's been publicly noticed and we have our [01:30:35] advertisement running currently so we can't take action on the removal of it [01:30:40] from the project until we've complied with the HUD requirements related to it. [01:30:47] With that said, I'll move to approve. Second. I'll second. To the maker. Just [01:30:58] highlighting the comments the city manager made that in the spirit of [01:31:01] removing Rio Drive, oh first off, out of a positive note, 100% paid for, that's [01:31:07] amazing and the fact that this is separate from the assessment we already [01:31:11] do for paving, like this is, it's great that we're finally getting [01:31:17] to this and looking forward to it. And then just to say that looking forward [01:31:21] to getting a chance to decide on Rio Drive. I'm just excited to get this [01:31:27] project going as well and I appreciate City Manager Mann's getting this grant [01:31:33] for us because I know she worked really hard on it and I want to just put on [01:31:36] record we definitely need to take care of the Rio Drive drainage issues first [01:31:42] and then we can address the sidewalk issues over there so I just want to get [01:31:46] that on the record. Matt? I'm good. Pete? Thank you. All those in favor signify aye. [01:31:54] Aye. Opposed, five nothing. Moving on to 2023-2024, street improvement project [01:32:02] order, change order number one. Thank you Ms. Mann. So this item is for you to [01:32:12] review and consider for approval the change order number one. This is [01:32:16] submitted by EZ Contracting LLC in an amount not to exceed $225,000. [01:32:22] Currently EZ Contracting is in completion of your 2023-2024 street [01:32:29] improvement project that which includes the milling and installation of asphalt, [01:32:33] the removal and replacement of the existing damaged sidewalk in those areas. [01:32:38] So in an effort to reduce project time, to eliminate bidding time, to take [01:32:45] and get the project to where it can continue on and we estimate that we [01:32:49] would save about $15,000 not having to perform the bidding services, we have [01:32:55] submitted the attached change order. The pricing is in accordance with the line [01:33:00] items of the existing street project that they are performing. The project [01:33:06] includes the construction of approximately 3,025 linear feet of [01:33:12] foot wide sidewalk. This is in the North River, Sims Grant and Tanglewood Terrace [01:33:18] neighborhoods. The change order is listed in your CIP as a neighborhood sidewalk [01:33:23] improvement project. So it is identified and called out and the funding is [01:33:28] approved and so we would recommend that you do approve this. Public comment? I see [01:33:35] no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. I'll move to approve. [01:33:40] Do I have a second? Sure, I'll second the motion. We just want to keep our city [01:33:48] walkable so let's finish up our sidewalks. Do I have a second? I'm ready to go. I mean [01:33:57] ready for this motion. Yeah, I'll follow up on that. All those in favor signify by

    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.

16. 11.c

    ITB25-019 CDBG Sidewalk Improvements Project Bid Award

    discussed

    This transcript segment does not actually cover ITB25-019 CDBG Sidewalk Improvements Project Bid Award; instead it captures discussion of Resolution 2025-28, the annual comprehensive fee schedule for FY 2025-2026. Staff presented numerous proposed fee adjustments across special events, recreation rentals, building permits, and fire department services.

    • vote:Prior item vote concluded 5-0 in favor before this agenda item began. (passed)5–0

    📍Cavalier Square📍Oak Room📍Railroad Square👤Ms. Dunn👤Ms. Vance#Comprehensive Fee Schedule FY 2025-2026#ITB25-019 CDBG Sidewalk Improvements Project#Resolution 2025-24#Resolution 2025-28

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    [01:34:07] saying aye. Those opposed, 5-0. Resolution 2025-24, annual approval of the [01:34:15] comprehensive fee schedule. This is resolution number 2025-28, a resolution [01:34:20] of the City Council of the City of New Port Richey, Florida, providing a [01:34:24] comprehensive table of fees for fiscal year 2025-2026, modifying certain fees, [01:34:30] providing an effective date. Mr. Mayor, members of Council, as you know, every [01:34:36] year the city staff brings forward the fee schedule for your consideration for [01:34:47] any changes in the municipal services fees that we want to institute in [01:34:54] conjunction with the adoption of the fiscal year budget, and this year we have [01:35:02] some changes that are increases in fees, others are reductions in fees, and Ms. [01:35:11] Dunn is prepared to present the agenda item to you with all of the specifics. [01:35:17] Thank you, Ms. Vance. As the city manager stated, city staff did complete its [01:35:23] annual review of the comprehensive fee schedule, and these fees established the [01:35:27] charges for municipal services, which include those administrative costs, [01:35:31] library and recreation program costs, permitting, inspections, development [01:35:36] service fees, fees related to special events within the city, and other fees [01:35:40] related to the police and fire departments. Updates are being proposed [01:35:44] to ensure that these fees reflect the actual cost of service delivery, and they [01:35:48] maintain the fairness among the users, and also comply with any applicable [01:35:51] regulations. I'll walk you through the fees that are being proposed with [01:35:56] proposed changes. Well, if you're following along, we'll start with the [01:36:01] first page of, it's actually page three of the comprehensive fee schedule, [01:36:06] special events. We did add language to the final sentence that indicates that [01:36:12] if the event occurs on a federal or city-recognized holiday. In this case, we [01:36:20] did increase the small event fees from $150 to $250. Railroad Square fees would [01:36:28] be decreased from $200 to $150, and we'll substantiate that in just a [01:36:33] moment when we talk about the other special event fees under recreation. On [01:36:39] the following page, we did make a few changes to the activity and meeting room [01:36:43] rentals at Oak Room. The resident per day was increased from $200 to $225, and the [01:36:49] non-resident per day from $270 to $300. The special event permit fees for the [01:36:55] parade with a road closure was increased from $238 to $250, and with a road [01:37:02] closure with no parade in the area, is increased from $138 to $150. [01:37:10] Railroad Square rentals, city business and residents, the fee will increase from [01:37:17] $500 to $1,000, and for non-city business or non-resident from $750 to $1,500. [01:37:25] And also for Cavalier Square, the fee would be instituted for $250 for city [01:37:32] business, and for non-city business, a fee would be charged for $400. And these [01:37:38] are adjustments, and they are related to the Railroad Square [01:37:46] and Cavalier Square redevelopment infrastructure improvements. [01:37:56] There's more. Under building permits, we did remove the fees for tents and [01:38:09] canopies processing fees. Under administrative costs for the building [01:38:14] permits, we did remove a line referring to the buildings removed by [01:38:20] the city. Fees were adjusted for residential permit revisions, commercial [01:38:26] permit revisions, and subcontractor permit revisions, and a change of [01:38:32] contractor to an issued permit. Those are all being charged. We had initial fees of [01:38:37] $200, $220, and $75. We've now adjusted that language to 50% of the [01:38:42] original fee. Expired permit registration, I'm sorry, expired permit [01:38:47] reinstatement fee is $100 minimum or 50% of the original fee, [01:38:52] whichever is greater. And then the expired permit reinstatement fee for [01:38:56] permits lacking multiple inspections, a $200 minimum or 50% original fee. Under [01:39:05] the Fire Department, we adjusted the plan review fees for three or more per review. [01:39:10] So for fire sprinkler system, an increase from $75 to $100. For fire [01:39:16] alarm and detection system monitoring, from $75 also to $100. And also for [01:39:22] flammable, combustible, and compressed liquid gas and storage systems, from $75 [01:39:26] to $100. Special event permits for tents larger than a 10 by 10 is increased from [01:39:34] $40 to $50. And cooking or using combustible or flammable cooking fuels [01:39:40] is increased from $50 to $60. A few other fees were proposed under the Fire [01:39:46] Department, proposed changes. The underground fire main lane, fire main and [01:39:53] lines from $75 to $100. And also construction inspection fees, certificate [01:39:59] of occupancy, certificate of completion, and change of occupancy and red tags.

    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.

17. 11.d

    2023/2024 Street Improvements Project Change Order No. 1

    discussed

    Despite the agenda title referencing the 2023/2024 Street Improvements Project Change Order No. 1, the transcript covers a fee schedule update including Fire Department inspection fees, FEMA rate adjustments, magistrate/court costs, off-duty service fees, and residential rental permits. Councilmember suggested a friendly amendment for a 50% discount on Cavalier Square rentals for local nonprofits.

    • motion:Motion to approve the fee schedule changes. (none)

    📍Cavalier Square👤Crystal#2025 FEMA rates#Cavalier Square rental fees#Fire Department inspection fees#Off-duty services administrative fee#Residential rental permits

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    [01:40:04] Those were all also increased $25 from their original fee. We have additional [01:40:12] changes to construction within the Fire Department. We've increased temporary [01:40:18] construction or for field inspections from $25 to $50. And also additional $25 [01:40:24] charge to the construction miscellaneous for completion of certificate of [01:40:28] completion. A small increase for performance acceptance test increased [01:40:33] $15. And also $25 increases to licensed facilities. So those would [01:40:42] include the nursing homes, hospitals, group homes, foster care, daycare, and [01:40:45] private schools. We have an increase to reinspection fees of $75. And we removed [01:40:52] language referencing occupational licenses and residential rentals under [01:40:56] the reinspection fees. Adjustments were made to the 2025 FEMA rates just to be [01:41:05] consistent with their rates. So those adjustments have been laid out in [01:41:09] accordance with what FEMA has regulated. And then the additional changes are [01:41:14] magistrate fees increased from $200 to $125, court costs from $100 to $125, and [01:41:20] fingerprinting from $10 to $20. We had small increases from off-duty services, [01:41:26] the administrative fee currently charged is $5 per hour, that's being [01:41:30] increased to $8 per hour. And then the service itself is $45 an hour for an [01:41:35] off-duty service, is being increased to $49 per hour. And the final change is an [01:41:40] increase for residential rental permits from $70 to $85. [01:41:46] That's all we have. Any public comment? Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for [01:41:51] discussion and vote. For approval? Move and second? I'll second. To the maker? I'm good. [01:42:00] To the second? I'm good as well. Thank you for putting this together, Crystal. [01:42:07] I do wish sometimes that some of what we discussed in our work sessions could [01:42:13] translate through to the ultimate product, but when we talked about some of [01:42:18] the charges for a rental of Cavalier Square, I think it's rental, or maybe it's [01:42:23] just inspections, I'm not clear, but if someone's going to hold an event in [01:42:27] Cavalier Square and it's $200 or $400 for in-resident or non-resident, I believe [01:42:35] if, you know, we have so many nonprofits of which I'm looking at a bunch of green [01:42:40] shirts out there that are one example, for whom I think, and for the museum [01:42:50] group that's trying to do the children's thing, where they came before us to get [01:42:55] an exception. And so at the time we talked about trying to do something, so [01:43:01] if there is any kind of friendly amendment, rather than giving it for [01:43:06] nothing in the spirit of what we did recently with a permit, I would ask that [01:43:10] maybe we could add a line in there that say for local nonprofits that [01:43:16] are supporting the New Port Richey population should get a 50% off of the [01:43:24] resident rate on rentals. It makes it difficult, maybe it's too hard to say, so [01:43:31] I'm just suggesting that we have only resident and non-resident or, you know,

    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.

18. 11.e

    Resolution 2025-28: Annual Approval of the Comprehensive Fee Schedule

    approved

    Council approved Resolution 2025-28, the annual comprehensive fee schedule, on a 5-0 vote. Discussion focused on adding a future provision for not-for-profits linked to city projects to use public facilities at no charge; the City Manager noted a policy is being drafted. A councilmember requested data on the budget impact of such a policy.

    Ord. Resolution 2025-28

    • vote:Approve Resolution 2025-28, Annual Approval of the Comprehensive Fee Schedule. (passed)5–0
    • direction:Staff to finalize draft policy waiving public facility rental fees for not-for-profits linked to city projects, and include data on current budget impact when presented. (none)

    📍Green Key Beach📍Peace Hall📍School Road🏢3M🏢AARP🏢Gulf High School🏢Pasco Pride🏢Shadow Facts👤Brian👤Councilman Altman👤Judy👤Kevin Trapp👤Pete#Comprehensive Fee Schedule#First Annual Music Fest and Jam#PFAS / 3M settlement#Resolution 2025-28#Single waste hauler policy#Sunshine Law

    ▶ Jump to 1:43:35 in the video

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    [01:43:41] private versus commercial. The types of activities can change a lot. That's [01:43:50] something we can talk about again in the future, but I would like to have seen [01:43:54] this have some additional, you know, slot for that kind of activity. [01:44:01] Excuse me, based on the direction that was provided at the council meeting, we do [01:44:08] have a policy being drafted for not-for-profits, and if they are linked [01:44:13] to a project in the city, our plan is to not charge them for rental of public [01:44:21] facilities, and that's in the draft stage, so we should have something in [01:44:25] coming weeks that we'll be able to put into place to support those that are [01:44:31] supporting us. And make it more active space, too. Right. Thank you. [01:44:36] So do we have a vote here going on yet? You have a motion. Who had the motion? [01:44:46] You all made the motion. Excuse me, I'll run the show. Pete, go ahead. Are you finished? Yeah. Okay. [01:44:53] To the second. I agree with with what Peter had to say. [01:45:00] I kind of agree that we should have a little line item [01:45:02] for some not-for-profits and I [01:45:04] like what the city manager has said as well. [01:45:08] And I'm in agreement. [01:45:10] Glad we're doing that. [01:45:11] We're supportive of the town and supportive of the community. [01:45:15] It brings people down. [01:45:16] All the businesses would love it. [01:45:18] Go ahead. [01:45:19] I do agree with the policy and then getting the option in here. [01:45:25] The only other thing I would ask for and I'm all for it. [01:45:28] I mentioned it during the workshop. [01:45:29] It's just to understand the numbers, like how many, [01:45:34] when the policy is drafted, the impact currently, [01:45:36] like if there's two existing non-profits that are connected [01:45:40] to projects, what the budget change would be for that. [01:45:44] Obviously, when more people come next year and propose, [01:45:48] that will change, but just an idea of what we are changing [01:45:50] as it is right now, if that could be attached [01:45:53] to the policy so we know the actual impact [01:45:55] of what we're doing. [01:45:55] If you need me to clarify that, let me know. [01:46:00] All those in favor, signify by aye. [01:46:02] Aye. Aye. [01:46:03] That's 5-0. [01:46:04] Communications, you said Pete, you want to talk, go for it. [01:46:07] Well, I'll try to be positive on the start and see [01:46:10] if I can hold that through. [01:46:12] And say that October 3rd, this 50th class reunion of my class [01:46:19] of 1975 has been, has rented, yeah. [01:46:25] Rats will be too late for these policies, I thought. [01:46:28] Maybe she's already, I don't know, I better not ask. [01:46:31] They're going to be in Peace Hall that day, but Shadow Facts, [01:46:38] which is really a great all-Gulf High band [01:46:41] who really brought a big crowd out when the old, [01:46:44] when the Gulf High number 3 got remodeled, [01:46:49] on School Road, they played at that event. [01:46:53] There were thousands of alumni there. [01:46:54] So there is a real strong bond, I think, for folks who went [01:46:59] to Gulf High School going way back. [01:47:01] And even the younger folks, I saw somebody at Green Key Beach [01:47:05] and they were having their graduation and that's like, [01:47:11] I spoke to them, it's like, that was 50 years ago. [01:47:13] So it's kind of cool to have that happening. [01:47:17] And took the liberty of trying to call it the First Annual [01:47:20] Music Fest and Jam. [01:47:21] And of course, I'm thankful for the board here to suggest [01:47:27] that they like the idea and Kevin Trapp has told me [01:47:30] that they will be providing, as you do [01:47:33] with your regular events, the sound and the lights. [01:47:37] And we are providing the music, correct? [01:47:42] Yeah, that's what I'm hearing. [01:47:44] It's going to be like an event of the city. [01:47:46] And we'll have to decide how to handle that. [01:47:50] And so now is probably a good time to discuss that. [01:47:53] Is that something that the city should provide [01:47:56] or is that something that would be handled another way? [01:48:00] Well, the way I promoted it was it would be a great annual event [01:48:04] for the city. [01:48:06] You all have summer concert series, you have a budget, [01:48:09] we just are increasing it a little bit. [01:48:11] I think it's a really bonding event and I got a lot [01:48:14] of support from my colleagues. [01:48:16] So, this is a sort of repetitive process that I go through. [01:48:21] In fact, I went through this for almost a year [01:48:25] with the senior center for the AARP and we sat here and talked [01:48:31] but we don't come to a conclusion [01:48:33] and I think the word came out today that they have decided [01:48:37] that they're going to walk that project away. [01:48:39] So we're going to lose that $30 million project [01:48:41] because they did not feel that we had our act together [01:48:45] or whatever it was that caused them to want to walk away. [01:48:48] So, here I am saying, I'm putting this together, [01:48:54] it had been suggested that it was a good idea. [01:48:57] I had said, I think publicly [01:49:00] that if the city could put the stage together, [01:49:04] I would get our alumni group [01:49:07] and hopefully have an annual thing [01:49:09] that would put the performance together. [01:49:11] So, I have arranged for all of the entertainment [01:49:14] to be provided including the back, you know, the back band. [01:49:22] Where are you going to do this again? [01:49:24] In the band show. [01:49:26] Oh, okay. [01:49:26] And we've already got. [01:49:27] We are saying that's on stage. [01:49:29] Yeah, on the stage in the band show and it's highly promoted. [01:49:34] If I've got to raise money, let me know for more [01:49:37] than what I'm thinking but I would like to suggest [01:49:40] that this become one of our city's bond to education [01:49:44] and to our school system and have it as a weekend. [01:49:47] I agree 100 percent and not just for the graduates back [01:49:51] when you were all young but even Bertell. [01:49:53] Yeah. [01:49:55] Yeah, everybody. [01:49:56] I second that. [01:49:57] Yeah. [01:49:57] So, we'll look into that, yeah. [01:49:59] It's not a motion but I think the deal that we were trying [01:50:01] to make was that it would be a city sponsored annual thing [01:50:06] and it's only as annual as our raises are. [01:50:09] Because someone can always say we didn't like it [01:50:15] and we're not doing it again. [01:50:17] Do you have anything else? [01:50:19] I mean, that was item one, knowing him. [01:50:21] Do you have anything else? [01:50:22] Yeah, I think I'll save whatever else I have. [01:50:25] I think that the PFAS money, I'm curious to get a report on that. [01:50:31] I know that another city just received over half a million [01:50:34] dollars in the 3M settlement or something. [01:50:36] So, we heard all of this about what we might get. [01:50:39] I'm seeing other cities collecting it. [01:50:41] So, I'm guessing it's due for an update or that we have a good. [01:50:46] We've inquired but we don't have an update to pass along yet. [01:50:49] Okay. So, I saw an actual check come in. [01:50:52] So, I'm not sure how somebody else has got a different lawyer [01:50:55] but let our lawyer know he's got somebody else ahead [01:50:58] of him already collecting money. [01:51:00] From me, by the way, we have outside counsel. [01:51:02] It's over half a million that came [01:51:04] into a smaller city than ours. [01:51:06] So, that's good money for the plastics, the forever plastics. [01:51:12] And so, I will save everything else. [01:51:16] Thank you. [01:51:17] Just one thing though, sunshine line comment, the Facebook. [01:51:24] When I see something on Facebook like we all have, I'm proud [01:51:30] that none of the others of us jumped in because according [01:51:33] to the ethics people, if we entertain in a conversation [01:51:36] on Facebook, we violate the sunshine law. [01:51:39] So, when somebody starts something, it's all yours [01:51:43] because we can't jump in. [01:51:44] And so, I think all of us stayed back out of it and it doesn't mean [01:51:50] that we don't get to express ourselves [01:51:52] but we can't communicate with ourselves. [01:51:53] Outside of here, even on Facebook, [01:51:56] just so everybody knows why there were crickets. [01:52:01] That's it. [01:52:02] No. Other than you can post your own thing completely unrelated [01:52:06] to your constituents who are the same that I serve. [01:52:08] Thank you, Councilman Altman. [01:52:13] On the Vox Pop comments, I'll start there. [01:52:16] I think Pasco Pride has every right as any other event to be here. [01:52:24] And it is my understanding that the city does not even have, [01:52:28] maybe we do now, but originally we did not have a role to play this year [01:52:31] because, well, I'm not going to speak for them, but they've decided to partner [01:52:37] with local businesses and more the merrier that they're partnering with local businesses. [01:52:41] And so, the job of local government, I shouldn't have to say this, [01:52:44] but the job of local government is not to impose any religion on any group of people, [01:52:48] including the Christian faith, my personal opinions on that side. [01:52:54] The second one was on the idea of appeal. [01:53:00] I think it's generally against the advice of council, [01:53:04] but the city attorney could correct me on that. [01:53:06] There is a, in the conversations I've had, I don't know if it's not allowed [01:53:12] or legally not permissible, but it is just recommended that we don't reopen that. [01:53:19] However, against that advice, I would vote for a reappeal. [01:53:23] I wasn't here when you guys made that decision. [01:53:25] And I won't try to characterize a prior hearing. [01:53:28] That's not my call to make. [01:53:29] That would be unfair to the people that were up here. [01:53:31] But I will say that I'm open to hearing the case and hearing the city side, [01:53:37] hearing whoever participates on the other side and deciding the facts [01:53:42] in a quasi-judicial manner, just to put that on the record. [01:53:46] The comments about the situation that's going on with the lift station during the hurricane, [01:53:55] I don't know the, I can't substantiate the numbers that she gave, and I won't try to. [01:54:01] But I will say, one, I apologize for not getting you back that packet. [01:54:04] I just realized I didn't get that back to you. [01:54:06] However, whatever you submit to the city, to Judy, to the city clerk, is public record. [01:54:12] So that is accessible, and I hope you're able to get a copy. [01:54:15] I do have photos, too, that I can send over. [01:54:17] And that, two, I think the last update I had from that, after speaking with you [01:54:23] and talking over there, was the hearing back from the, about potential options [01:54:30] and whether that included the idea that you presented. [01:54:33] I don't, I'm pretty sure I'm caught up on city manager memos, but I will double check. [01:54:38] I don't want to say that it wasn't brought up, but let me go back and check. [01:54:42] I don't remember reading anything about a solution yet, but I'm going to ask the question, [01:54:46] and I'll go back and read our city manager reports and see if there was any conversation on that. [01:54:53] Other than those things, I just want to reiterate the topic of social media use to say that what I put [01:55:04] out there and what anyone else puts out there is their business. [01:55:08] It's to the same constituents that are serving. [01:55:11] And I have to, and I think this comment's going to come up on Thursday night, too. [01:55:17] There's this issue when I got up here, and I'm speaking a little bit to Brian here [01:55:22] because we're both the newbies on the block, that we're having the balance [01:55:25] between what is best for the whole community and what a small slice of the pie says is best [01:55:33] or is feeling as they've been harmed. [01:55:36] And our city management does an incredibly good job, they have the diplomas, [01:55:40] they have the degrees of saying they know what's best for the community. [01:55:45] And I think a lot of the time when you look at our downtown and some of the protests that came [01:55:49] from that, the protesters were wrong and the city manager was right. [01:55:53] I mean, our downtown is booming, it has been transformed, it is on the up and up. [01:55:59] The same cannot be said about some of our neighborhoods. [01:56:02] The same cannot be said about this issue on the trash stacks. [01:56:05] And so while you're going to hear a lot, and you probably already heard it already, [01:56:10] about this room could be full but it's only 150 seats and that's only 0.005% of the population. [01:56:18] Sure, but those are all humans and they represent someone else who can't be here. [01:56:25] And so at the end of the day, you have to decide based on your conscience, [01:56:27] they'll figure it out, they have the degrees. [01:56:30] If we decide as a policy to change course on the single waste hauler, [01:56:34] because it's this council that makes that decision now, not whoever was elected three years ago, [01:56:38] which by the way, Brian, I wasn't up here during that vote either.

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

19. 12Communications▶ 1:56:40
20. 13Adjournment▶ 2:11:12
21. 3

    Moment of Silence

    Moment of silence.