First readings on twin land use and rezoning changes (Ordinances 2025-2337 and 2025-2338) for 6130 Massachusetts Avenue, shifting the parcel to general commercial.
22 items on the agenda · 3 decisions recorded
On the agenda
- 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
- 2
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance.
▶ Jump to 0:35 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:00:38] Thank you.
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- 4
Swearing In of New Police Officer Jacob Wheeler
New Port Richey Police swore in new Officer Jacob Wheeler, who has over ten years of law enforcement experience from Rockford, Illinois and Pinellas Park, FL. The City Clerk administered the oath of office, and Wheeler is currently in the department's 14-week San Jose model-based FTO training program.
Northern Illinois UniversityPinellas Park Police DepartmentRockford Police DepartmentJacob WheelerMax WheelerOath of OfficeSan Jose model-based FTO program▶ Jump to 1:08 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:01:09] Thank you, Mayor, Councilmembers, City Attorney, City Manager, City Clerk. [00:01:12] So tonight, we swear in Officer Jacob Wheeler. [00:01:16] And he comes to us from up north with over ten years' experience. [00:01:20] And as I always say before you, hiring smart is the key to success. [00:01:24] So Jacob was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois. [00:01:27] He attended Northern Illinois University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in international politics. [00:01:32] You don't want to be CIA right there? [00:01:35] He began his law enforcement career with the Rockford Police Department, where he served from 2013 to 2022. [00:01:41] After that, Jacob continued his career with the Pinellas Park Police Department from 2022 to 2024, before joining us here in New Port Richey. [00:01:50] Outside work, Jacob enjoys spending time with his son, fishing, paddle boarding, and biking. [00:01:55] A lot to do here in New Port Richey. [00:01:57] We've got plenty of activity. [00:01:59] He's excited to be part of our community and is looking forward to serving the citizens of New Port Richey [00:02:03] and greater Pasco County area with professionalism and dedication. [00:02:07] So we're real happy to have him on board. [00:02:09] He's in the FTO program. [00:02:11] We have what's called a San Jose model-based FTO program. [00:02:14] It's 14 weeks of training with an orientation phase. [00:02:18] He may be able to be accelerated because of his experience, but this program all follows along with accreditation standards [00:02:24] to make sure that our officers are getting the best training. [00:02:27] With that, do you want to say anything? [00:02:31] I'm glad to be here. [00:02:33] I wasn't prepared to say anything to everybody. [00:02:35] But no, I'm really glad to be here. [00:02:37] I'm enjoying Pasco County and especially New Port Richey as I'm exploring and trying new things here, and I really appreciate it. [00:02:44] Is your son here? [00:02:45] Yes. [00:02:46] Get him up here. [00:02:53] This is him. [00:02:55] This is Max. [00:02:57] Nice to meet you. [00:02:59] He's been dealing with law enforcement his whole life. [00:03:01] He has, yes. [00:03:09] Stay there. [00:03:10] Oh, he can stay. [00:03:13] Okay, so just that's it? [00:03:15] That's it. [00:03:17] Yeah, the clerk is going to swear you in. [00:03:18] Perfect. [00:03:28] If you'll raise your right hand and repeat after me. [00:03:31] I, and state your name. [00:03:33] I, Jacob Wheeler. [00:03:34] A citizen of the state of Florida and of the United States of America. [00:03:39] A citizen of the state of Florida and the United States of America. [00:03:42] And being employed by or an officer of the city of New Port Richey. [00:03:47] And being employed by or an officer of the city of New Port Richey. [00:03:51] And a recipient of public funds as such employee or officer. [00:03:56] And a recipient of public funds as such employee or officer. [00:04:00] Do hereby solemnly swear or affirm. [00:04:02] Do hereby solemnly swear or affirm. [00:04:05] That I will support the constitution of the United States and of the state of Florida. [00:04:10] That I will support the constitution of the United States and of the state of Florida. [00:04:14] And that I will support, protect and defend. [00:04:17] And that I will support, protect and defend. [00:04:20] The constitution and government of the United States and of the state of Florida. [00:04:25] The constitution and government of the United States and the state of Florida. [00:04:29] Against all enemies domestic or foreign. [00:04:34] That I will bear true faith, loyalty and allegiance to the same. [00:04:42] That I will uphold the ordinances of the city of New Port Richey, Florida. [00:04:51] And that I will faithfully perform all the duties of police officer of said city. [00:05:01] So help me God. [00:05:04] Congratulations. [00:05:05] Thank you. [00:05:10] So Jacob's working tonight so we don't have the official badge. [00:05:13] Because you can see it's an embroidered badge. [00:05:16] But if your son wants to come up and give you a high five, that would be great. [00:05:19] Can you give your dad a high five? [00:05:20] Thank you. [00:05:21] All right. [00:05:22] All right. [00:05:27] What do you want to do? [00:05:28] Another high five picture. [00:05:29] High five. [00:05:30] She wants a high five photo. [00:05:47] Go hide in the back. [00:05:53] Oh, that's cute. [00:05:54] Perfect. [00:05:56] Awesome. [00:05:57] Thank you. [00:05:58] All right.
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- 5
Presentation of Donation by New Port Richey Elks Lodge 2284
The New Port Richey Elks Lodge 2284 presented a donation to the City from proceeds of a June 21 charity concert featuring the Bearded Brothers Band (a Zach Brown tribute). Funds were donated to the New Port Richey Police and Fire Departments. The Lodge noted it has donated over $1 million to the community over its 50+ year history.
Bearded Brothers BandNew Port Richey Elks Lodge 2284New Port Richey Fire DepartmentNew Port Richey Police DepartmentBrian WebsterDebbieZach Brown tribute charity concert (June 21)▶ Jump to 6:10 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:06:10] Presentation of a donation by New Port Richey Elks 2284. [00:06:26] I'll introduce you. [00:06:27] OK. [00:06:29] Thank you, Mayor and Council. [00:06:31] It's my honor to introduce to you Mr. Brian Webster from the New Port Richey [00:06:37] Elks, who they recently had a fundraiser on June 21. [00:06:43] It was a Zach Brown tribute band. [00:06:45] Part of the proceeds from that event, the ticket sales, went to New Port Richey [00:06:50] Police Department and the New Port Richey Fire Department. [00:06:52] So we thought it would be appropriate to invite him this evening. [00:06:56] And he'd like to say a few words and present us with a large check. [00:07:02] Thank you very much. [00:07:03] It's a pleasure to be here. [00:07:05] I'm the chairman of the board of directors for our lodge. [00:07:09] And we also have our exalted ruler, who is like our president. [00:07:12] He's in the back here. [00:07:14] But each month, we try to do some type of community fundraiser. [00:07:19] And then we take part of those proceeds. [00:07:22] We will give them back to either community organizations, charitable [00:07:28] organizations, and things like that. [00:07:31] In June, as mentioned, we did a charity concert with the Zach Brown tribute [00:07:37] concert by the Bearded Brothers Band, which is a local band, and raised a [00:07:44] significant amount of money. [00:07:46] And part of that, we decided we would donate to the city of New Port Richey [00:07:51] Police and Fire Departments so they can use that to help the community out. [00:07:58] Over the more than 50 years the Elks Lodge has been in the town, we've [00:08:05] donated back over a million dollars to the community. [00:08:10] So Brian, thank you very much. [00:08:17] So the Elks Lodge was actually founded in New York City in 1868. [00:08:22] And this lodge was founded in New Port Richey in 1963. [00:08:25] And ever since then, they've been given back. [00:08:28] They've given to our lift team. [00:08:29] They've given to the fire department. [00:08:31] They've given to the police department. [00:08:32] So thank you very much for all that you do. [00:08:34] We appreciate it. [00:08:35] Thank you for all you do. [00:08:36] Thank you for all you do. [00:08:38] I think, Debbie, you should go down and get your picture taken with us. [00:08:41] I'd love to. [00:08:42] Okay, good. [00:08:43] Let Debbie in between you. [00:08:46] Debbie. [00:08:47] All right. [00:08:50] Yeah. [00:08:51] Here I am. [00:08:52] Okay, ready? [00:08:53] Thank you. [00:09:04] Thank you. [00:09:05] Thank you so much. [00:09:07] Thank you. [00:09:12] That's a text to crystal.
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.
- 6.a
Proclamation: National Friends of the Library Week
approvedMayor Chopper Davis read a proclamation declaring October 19-25, 2025 as Friends of the New Port Richey Public Library Week, recognizing the Friends group's volunteer service, fundraising, and support for initiatives like the Elroy mobile library, little free libraries, literacy kits, and the Riverside Concert Series. A library representative accepted and thanked the Council.
- direction:Mayor proclaimed October 19-25, 2025 as Friends of the New Port Richey Public Library Week. (passed)
Friends of the New Port Richey Public LibraryNew Port Richey Public LibraryChopper DavisElroy Mobile LibraryElroy Mobile Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (November 21, 2025)Little Free LibrariesMilestone ProjectNational Friends of the Library WeekRiverside Concert SeriesSummer Library Challenge▶ Jump to 9:15 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:09:21] Friends of the Library, National Friends of the Library Week, [00:09:25] we have a library group down here. [00:09:28] Thank you. [00:09:49] Good guys are friends. Move in closer. [00:09:54] Friends of the library. [00:09:58] This is a proclamation of the office of the mayor of the city of New Port Richey. [00:10:02] Whereas the Friends of the New Port Richey Public Library play a vital role in supporting and enhancing [00:10:07] the services, programs, and resources offered by the library, [00:10:11] and whereas the Friends of the Library advocate tirelessly on behalf of the library, [00:10:16] raising community awareness of its importance as a cornerstone of lifelong learning, literacy, and civic engagement, [00:10:23] and whereas through their volunteer service and fundraising efforts, [00:10:27] the Friends of the Library have provided significant financial support for key initiatives [00:10:32] such as the development of Elroy, the library's mobile library branch, [00:10:37] the construction, installation, and maintenance of little free libraries throughout the community, [00:10:42] early literacy storytelling kits for educators, training opportunities for library staff, [00:10:48] and special programming such as the Summer Library Challenge and the Riverside Concert Series, [00:10:54] and whereas the generosity and dedication of the Friends of the Library strengthen the library's mission [00:11:00] to inspire discovery, connect the community, and promote lifelong learning for residents of all ages, [00:11:06] and whereas National Friends of the Library Week, observed annually in October, [00:11:11] provides an opportunity to recognize the contributions of Friends groups across the nation [00:11:16] and to thank them for their unwavering commitment to literacy, education, and public libraries, [00:11:22] and whereas the City of New Port Richey invites all residents to join in celebrating the Friends of the Library [00:11:28] and their many contributions by attending the Elroy Mobile Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony [00:11:33] on November 21, 2025, at Milestone Project, made possible in part through the Friends' generous support. [00:11:42] Now therefore, I, Chopper Davis, Mayor of the City of New Port Richey, do hereby proclaim October 19-25, 2025 [00:11:49] as Friends of the New Port Richey Public Library Week in the City of New Port Richey [00:11:54] and encourage all residents to express appreciation to the Friends of the Library [00:11:58] for their steadfast support, advocacy, and dedication to fostering a love of learning [00:12:03] and community enrichment throughout the New Port Richey Public Library. [00:12:08] Applause [00:12:24] Thank you City Council for this meaningful proclamation recognizing our Friends of the Library group. [00:12:31] Their steadfast support and service greatly enhanced the Library's offerings [00:12:37] and your recognition affirms the impact they make and the value of community partnerships. [00:12:44] On behalf of the Library, we are very grateful for their commitment and for your recognition of their contributions. [00:12:53] Thank you. [00:12:55] Applause
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- 7.a
Approval of October 7, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes
approvedCouncil approved the minutes from the October 7, 2025 regular meeting by a unanimous 5-0 vote.
- motion:Motion to approve the minutes of the October 7, 2025 regular meeting. (passed)5–0
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[00:13:07] Move the minutes for October 7th regular minute meeting. [00:13:15] Move for approval. [00:13:16] I'll second. [00:13:18] All those in favor, signify by saying aye. [00:13:20] Aye. [00:13:21] That's 5-0.
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- 8Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 13:23
- 9.a
Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval
approvedon consentThe consent agenda item for Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval was approved unanimously following an opportunity for public comment with no speakers.
- vote:Approve the consent agenda item for Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval. (passed)5–0
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[00:23:18] Seeing no one come forward, we'll move on to the consent agenda. [00:23:27] Aye. [00:23:28] That's 5-0.
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- 10.a
First Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2337: Land Use Amendment from Residential/Office (R/O) to General Commercial (CG) for 6130 Massachusetts Avenue
First reading of Ordinance No. 2025-2337, a land use amendment changing the designation of 6130 Massachusetts Avenue from Residential/Office (R/O) to General Commercial (CG).
Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2337
▶ Jump to 23:30 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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[00:23:30] Public reading of first reading of Ordinance Number 2025-2337, Land Use Amendment from Residential to Office to General Commercial at 6130 Massachusetts Avenue.
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- 3
Moment of Silence
Moment of silence.
- 10.b
First Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2338: Rezoning from Multi-Family High Density Residential (MF-30) to General Commercial (C-2) for 6130 Massachusetts Avenue
First reading of ordinance rezoning the property at 6130 Massachusetts Avenue from MF-30 to C-2.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2338
- 10.c
Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2333: Property Lease Agreement w/Ottaway's Parkside Ice Cream and Melt'd LLC
Second reading of an ordinance approving a property lease agreement with Ottaway's Parkside Ice Cream and Melt'd LLC.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2025-2333
- 11.a
Board Re-Appointment: Ashley Tharp, Flood Risk and Preparedness Public Information Committee
Re-appointment of Ashley Tharp to the Flood Risk and Preparedness Public Information Committee.
- 11.b
Board Appointment: Jeanne "Kat" Jones, Flood Risk and Preparedness Public Information Committee
Appointment of Jeanne "Kat" Jones to the Flood Risk and Preparedness Public Information Committee.
- 11.c
You arrived here from a search for “Grant Award”
Acceptance of Grant Award from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation
Acceptance of a grant award from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
- 11.d
Acceptance of Decontamination Equipment Grant Award from the State Fire Marshal's Office
Acceptance of a decontamination equipment grant award from the State Fire Marshal's Office.
- 11.e
Request to Purchase 2026 Asphalt Hotbox for the Streets and Right of Ways Division
Request to purchase a 2026 Asphalt Hotbox for the Streets and Right of Ways Division.
- 11.f
Request to Purchase 6" Portable Sewage Pump
Request to purchase a 6" portable sewage pump.
- 11.g
Beach Street Drainage Improvements Project Close-Out
Project close-out for the Beach Street Drainage Improvements Project.
- 11.h
Approval of Officer Safety One Solution Plan Contract w/Axon Enterprises, Inc.
Approval of the Officer Safety One Solution Plan contract with Axon Enterprises, Inc.
- 12Communications
- 13Adjournment