Council approved Morton Plant Hospital's Forest Avenue land use change and rezoning on second reading, okayed the fire pension amendment, and awarded a $154,000 wastewater gearbox contract to sole bidder Avivo USA.
26 items on the agenda · 11 decisions recorded
On the agenda
- 4
Swearing In of New Firefighter Cristo Giol
Fire Chief Chris Fitch introduced new firefighter Cristo Giol, who began orientation in January after earning his firefighter and EMT certifications from Saint Petersburg College. The City Clerk administered the oath of office, and Cristo's father pinned on his badge.
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Mister crystal jio, and I'd like to invite fire chief Chris Fitch up front to introduce him. Thank you. Mayor, council, city manager. It's always an exciting time and a privilege to welcome new firefighters onto the staff. And tonight we welcome and swear in to formally kick off christos fire service career. So we have crystal jio who started with us in orientation back in january. He was born and raised in dunedin, actually raised in holladay, born in dunedin, graduated from high school and he achieved his firefighter and emt certification from Saint Petersburg College. On his time off from working, he enjoys going to the beach, cooking and spending time with his family. I like to thank all his family for being here. His parents are here, his sisters here, his girlfriend's here, and as well as the b shift is here in support on on duty staff. So I thank thank them for that. I do want, want you to know that now that you've publicly acknowledged that you enjoy cooking, it would not surprise me if you're up on the rotation soon. Yeah. So in the short time I've gotten to know christo, his positive attitude is just infectious. He's he has a passion for public service, and he possesses the core values that fit the culture of our organization and the competencies to carry out the mission of the department with dedication, courage, integrity and professionalism. And at this time, I'd like to welcome the city clerk down to administer the oath of office, followed by christos father to pin on his badge. Excuse me. Get it to the microphone. There's your oath. Okay. If you'll raise your right hand and repeat after me, I and state your name. I, christo jewel, a citizen of the state of Florida and of the united states of america, a citizen of the state of Florida and the united states of america, and being employed by or an officer of the city of New Port Richey, and being employed by or an officer of the city of New Port Richey, and a recipient of public funds as such, employee or officer, and a recipient of public funds as such as as such employee or officer, do hereby solemnly swear or affirm, do hereby solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the constitution of the united states and of the state of Florida. That I will support the constitution of the united states and of the state of Florida. And that I will faithfully and impartially discharge, and that I will honestly, faithfully, and impartially discharge the duties of my trust as firefighter. Newport fire department. The duties of my trust as firefighter, newport fire department in and for said city of New Port Richey in and for said city of New Port Richey according to the law and to the best of my knowledge and ability, according to the law and to the best of my knowledge and ability. So help me god. So help me god. Congratulations. Thank you so much. Damn, mike. See? I'm the. You. You mike's pills. Okay, okay, okay, okay. You got it. You. There you go. Don't go. Go away. Get all the. [00:05:04] Get all the family. Don't go away yet. Get all. Don't go away yet. Get all the family and friends up here for a couple pictures. Come on. All. All of your family and friends. You got to be senator. I got to be senator. Might be shift. Come on down here to welcome. That's my shift. That is awesome. Well, look at all these people. Just for you, max. Just for you, buddy. And haley's not here because she couldn't be. She's sick anyway, running a fever. But if I'm awesome. Ready? Thank you, thank you. Congratulations. Thank you. Gave a proclamation here. What is it? Love your
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- 5.a
Love Your Library Month
approvedMayor Chopper Davis presented a proclamation declaring February as Love Your Library Month in the City of New Port Richey, recognizing the public library's role in literacy, lifelong learning, and community service. Library Director Andy Figard accepted the proclamation on behalf of the library staff.
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Library month. Yes. Thank you. Andy Figard, library director. And you and staff. Staff? That'll be it for now. Which way do you want? Well, these people want to see you. Come on around here. Come on behind her. Here. Nobody wants to be on my side. I understand I'm always on your side. Not in front of my face. In front of my face, maybe. This is a proclamation of the office of the mayor of the city of New Port Richey. Whereas libraries connect people, ideas and information to strengthen and informed and vibrant community. And whereas, the New Port Richey Public Library provides free access to literature, technology, digital resources, educational programing and community services for residents of all ages. And whereas the library supports literacy, lifelong learning, workforce development, civic engagement and serves as a welcoming and inclusive community space. Now, therefore, I. Chopper Davis, mayor of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, hereby proclaim the month of february. Love your library month in the city of New Port Richey, Florida and encourage residents to visit, support, and recognize the New Port Richey Public Library and its dedicated staff and supporters. Thank you, thank you. Can we turn around? If you want to give. Okay, okay, I'll let you on the inside. I thought you were putting us behind her on this outside. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and thank you. On behalf of the New Port Richey Public Library, we are truly honored to receive this proclamation. As much as we are to have the opportunity to serve our community with quality library resources and services. Thank you so much. Two positive things and everybody leaves. Thank you. Audit presentation by mauldin
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- 6
Audit Presentation by Mauldin & Jenkins
tabledThe audit presentation by Mauldin & Jenkins was deferred to the March 3rd meeting because the Finance Director was out ill and the auditor was finalizing report details.
- direction:Council agreed to defer the Mauldin & Jenkins audit presentation to the March 3rd meeting. (passed)
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And jenkins. Mr. Mayor, members of council, I'm asking this matter be deferred until your March 3rd meeting. Our finance director is out ill. And mauldin jenkins is just finishing up some last minute details on the report. All right. Thank you. We'll do that.
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- 7Approval of Minutes▶ 5:04
- 8Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda▶ 5:04
- 9Consent Agenda▶ 15:03
- 10.a
Second Reading, Ordinance 2026-2342: Future Land Use Map Amendment of 6606 & 6620 Forest Avenue
approvedSecond reading of Ordinance 2026-2342, a small-scale Future Land Use Map amendment for approximately 0.27 acres at 6606 & 6620 Forest Avenue, changing the designation from Residential Office to Public/Semi-Public. The applicant, Morton Plant Hospital Association, intends to incorporate the newly acquired property into an off-street parking lot. The motion to approve passed.
Ord. Ordinance 2026-2342
- motion:Motion to approve Ordinance 2026-2342 on second reading, amending the Future Land Use Map for 6606 & 6620 Forest Avenue from Residential Office to Public/Semi-Public. (passed)
6606 & 6620 Forest AvenueMorton Plant Hospital AssociationComprehensive PlanFuture Land Use Map AmendmentOrdinance 2026-2342▶ Jump to 15:03 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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Ordinance number 2026 2342. Future land use map amendment on 20 on 66, oh six and 6620 fourth avenue from residential office to public semi-private. This ordinance number 2026 2342. An ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, providing for a small scale amendment of the future land use map of the city's adopted comprehensive plan providing for a change in the future land use designation for approximately 0.27 acres of property, generally located on the east side of forest avenue, approximately 100ft north of indiana avenue, as shown on the map attached hereto as exhibit a and legally described herein, providing for the amendment of the future land use designation for said property from residential office to public semipublic. Providing for severability and effective date as indicated by the city attorney. This is a second reading. Morton Plant Hospital Association is the applicant for the change on the future land use map. It is to incorporate a newly acquired property with an existing parking area into a new off street parking lot that will be designed and constructed to be in conformance with our current standards for parking areas, and a companion application has been submitted for rezoning as well. If you would you like some further facts related to this? Happy. I was fine with the presentation the prior time [00:20:04] Unless there's any new information, any public opinion, seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. I'll move to approve. I'll second maker. No, I'm just happy to help out the hospitals as much as we can. A second. Yeah, it looks like it. The rest of the street is where this is going. So. Yeah. All those in favor signify by I.
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- 10.b
Second Reading, Ordinance 2026-2343: Rezoning of 6606 & 6620 Forest Avenue
approvedSecond reading of Ordinance 2026-2343, rezoning approximately 15.73 acres at 6606 & 6620 Forest Avenue (east of Madison Street, north of Indiana Avenue) from Planned Development District, Commercial Planned Development District, and Residential Office Zoning District to Planned Development District/Commercial Planned Development District. No public comment; the motion was made, seconded, and approved.
Ord. Ordinance 2026-2343
- motion:Motion to approve second reading of Ordinance 2026-2343 rezoning the Forest Avenue properties. (passed)
6602 and 6624East of Madison Street and north of Indiana AvenueCommercial Planned Development DistrictOrdinance 2026-2343Planned Development DistrictResidential Office Zoning District▶ Jump to 20:04 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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That's for nothing. Second reading of ordinance number 20, 26 2343. Rezoning of 6602 and 6624 from commercial residential office. This ordinance number 2026 2343. An ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, providing for amendment of the land development code zoning district map providing for rezoning of approximately 15.73 acres of property, generally located to the east of madison street and to the north of indiana avenue, and legally described herein, providing for amendment of the zoning district designation for said property from planned development district, commercial plan development district and residential office zoning district to plan development district. Commercial plan development district providing for severability and effective date. Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. I'll move to approve a second second maker. Thank you a second. No, sir. Pete. All those in favor signify by I. I that's for nothing. Second reading of ordinance number
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- 10.c
Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2026-2345: Amending Section 7.17.09 of the Land Development Code
approvedCouncil held second reading of Ordinance 2026-2345, amending Section 7.17.09 of the Land Development Code to allow single-family dwellings meeting R-4 Residential Coastal Cottage standards within the Mobile Home Park zoning district. The Land Development Review Board recommended approval, no public comment was received, and the ordinance passed on a voice vote.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2026-2345
- motion:Motion to approve Ordinance 2026-2345 amending Section 7.17.09 of the Land Development Code on second reading. (passed)
Land Development Review BoardMobile Home Park Zoning DistrictOrdinance No. 2026-2345R-4 Residential Coastal Cottage Zoning DistrictSection 7.17.09 Land Development Code▶ Jump to 20:04 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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2026 2345. Amending section 7.17 .09 of the land development code. This ordinance number 2026 2345, an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, providing for amendment of section 7.17.09 of chapter seven of the land development code pertaining to other uses in the mobile home park zoning district, providing for the allowance of single or one family dwelling units meeting the requirements of the r-4. Residential coastal cottage zoning district r-4 providing for severability. Providing for codification. Providing for an effective date. Do you want to add some? I sure can, Mr. Mayor. The purpose of this ordinance is to allow for r-4, which is our coastal cottages, that development in the mobile home park zoning district. And the reason that we're doing so is to allow for more sustainable development within the mobile home park zoning district. This is a second reading and it is being recommended to you by the land development review board, and we're hopeful that you will approve it at your second reading. Any public comment? Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. To approve. I'll second to the maker. Nothing further to the second. No, just happy to see some progress on the west side. Yes, sir. Yeah, going to be beautiful. I'm looking forward to it. All those in favor signify by I. I that's for nothing. Moving on to the second reading of
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- 10.d
Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2026-2346: Amendment to Fire Pension Ordinance
approvedCouncil held second reading of Ordinance 2026-2346, amending the Firefighters Retirement System to consolidate two pension calculations into one and amend the plan freeze definition. The amendment resulted from negotiations with the fire union, with firefighters accepting a 1% wage reduction to share the estimated $37,000 cost. The ordinance passed unanimously on voice vote.
Ord. Ordinance No. 2026-2346
- motion:Motion to approve second reading of Ordinance 2026-2346 amending the Fire Pension Ordinance. (passed)
New Port Richey Firefighters UnionJoeMr. BarnesMr. WetzelMs. MannArticle III Firefighters Retirement SystemAverage Final CompensationChapter 17 Pensions and RetirementOrdinance No. 2026-2346Plan Freeze (effective Sept 30, 2013)Section 17-30 6.1 Plan FreezeSection 17-36 DefinitionsWage reopener negotiations▶ Jump to 20:04 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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Ordinance number 2026 2346. Amendment to the fire pension ordinance. This is ordinance number 2026 2346, an ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, Florida, amending chapter 17 pensions and retirement. Article three firefighters retirement system of the code of ordinance of the city of New Port Richey, amending section 1736. Definitions. Amending section 1730 6.1 plan freeze new benefit structure. Providing for severability of provisions. Providing for codification, repealing all ordinances and conflict herewith and providing for an effective date. The purpose of this ordinance is to amend specifically the definition of average final compensation and plan freeze benefits, and Mr. Wetzel can provide some further definition as it relates to this agenda item. Thank you, Mr. Wetzel. Thank you, Mr. Barnes. Good evening, mayor. Good evening, city council again, as this item was on the first reading. Again, this is to amend, as miss mann said, to amend the definition of the average final compensation. And with regard to that, as we had discussed in the past, the plan, as it's written, basically created two calculations for for pensions. So this here will amend the pension plan to create one calculation for the members of the firefighters union that are in this pension from that standpoint. And it also again, part of that amending that definition, I have to amend the plan freeze that went into effect back in September 30th of 2013. So again, this is all kind of a [00:25:07] Cleanup. And again, kind of an issue from that standpoint that we had as part of negotiations with the fire union. In this last contract for the wage reopener was to kind of correct this. It's kind of been discussed for for many years. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, it really kind of never came to fruition and kind of got the past over. Or would he ever again kind of who was going to handle what. So this is an opportunity now to make that correct and move forward from that standpoint. And as we said, as part of negotiations, this was kind of a share between the union and the city. The firefighters agreed to take a 1% wage reduction as part of what the offer was for their their increase as part of the wage to offset their share of this and as well as the city was again, we also again as to share in this whole process and from the standpoint of the impact, the financial impact of those lines, the actuaries and the consultants from that standpoint estimate, it's about $37,000, as I said, kind of a shared between the union and the city on this this fee. From that standpoint. So from from that end, again, we we feel again are asking to approve this second reading and to make this amendment to the fire pension, firefighters pension at this time, public input, seeing a bunch of them don't want to come down and talk. All right. Bring it back for discussion about I'll move to approve the second second to maker, not just after we can finally just wrapped up second. Yeah I agree joe. Yeah, my comments before during the first reading, I said that, you know, this is fair. It's an example of how our union and the city can work together to reach an agreement as opposed to our city making demands that the employees fix this or our employees, you know, preventing the functionality of a certain part of our city by demanding the city fix it. So both sides came to the table. They negotiated in good faith. The director pointed out. And our city manager has mentioned before that this is a long time coming. So in my mind, this is a major accomplishment. It's a major fix, and it's going to make things smooth going forward. And it's going to continue to pursue a fair labor when it comes to our fire department. And I just want I noticed that several fire employees walked back in when this item came up. I hope that's in in support. But they're here and they're watching. So it sounds like to me a little bit of a cleanup. Also, all those in favor signify by I, I that's for nothing. Okay. 2026 fitzgerald saint patty's day celebration [11.a) 2026 Fitzgerald's St. Patrick's Day Celebration - Alcoholic Beverage Special Event Application, Road Closure and Wet-Zone Request ] Alcoholic beverage special event application and road closure. Agenda item is twofold. First, it is in establishing the event for Sunday, March 15th, 16th and 17th is to. Establish a wet zone on adams avenue on adams street. Excuse me. Between nebraska avenue and missouri avenue. And additionally, it is to amend the hours of operation on Sunday. It is a deviation from what is allowed in our city ordinance, and they would like to sell alcohol three hours earlier and three hours later than what is permitted. By ordinance, and one hour later than what is permitted on Monday and Tuesday, the 16th and the 17th. And we would need you to take action on both of those items if you determine it's appropriate to do so. And the reason that we are suggesting that they conduct the event on adams street is based on the fact that nebraska square Railroad Square on nebraska avenue will still be under construction. You just said missouri. So is it going to go from main street to missouri? It is okay because you said yes. You said adams. Yes I did, yeah, to missouri. But I just want to correct. Mr. No, I just wanted to add that to it. And you're right. Okay. So there we have two blocks. Then they are. Okay. So there was no room to turn around. That's right. Do you have any public comment? Thank you. Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion, a vote I'll move to approve. I'll second the motion maker. No. I'm just I'm happy for the event. It's great for the city. [00:30:04] And I'm happy that we can make the adjustments due to the Railroad Square construction. So the second. Yeah, just with the construction that's occurring, it has had an effect on all those businesses on the street. So this is a little give back of time and let them put a few more dollars back into their so they can pay their occupational licenses. They've been doing it for 20 years. Fire inspections. They've been doing at least 20 years. Patel. Yeah. It looks it looks like a safe spot for it. It's a budding main street, so that's always good. There's the parking lot access right there. I would just say the looks like they might be doing some sort of live music next to what looks like a residential building and putting. I don't know if this is just graphical or if it's it's meant to be that way, but porta potties in front of that, it's labeled as our apartment. So I'm assuming and I could be wrong, they have some sort of ownership there. So just keeping that in mind and making sure the the tenants, whoever lives there is okay with it, but I'm assuming that I'm getting head nods, so I'm assuming they are. So other than that, everything looks good, it looks safe. It looks well organized. Yeah, the owners own the building. All those in favor signify by I. I that's for nothing. 2026 chasco fiesta alcoholic beverage [11.b) 2026 Chasco Fiesta Alcohol Beverage Special Event Application ] Special permit application. And Mrs. Figard has worked very hard on this event. And I'd like her to present the agenda item. Okay. Thank you, city manager manns. Good evening, honorable mayor and esteemed city council. This item requests approval of the special event application and alcoholic beverage special event permit for the 2026 chasco fiesta. Fiesta. The special event team reviewed this application at its January 22nd meeting, and the team reviewed and approved the site plan and locations of beer and wine vendors. As noted in the attachment, chasco fiesta is proposing beer and wine sales within sims park on the aforementioned dates and times. Friday, March 20th from 12 to 11. Saturday, March 21st from 12 to 11. Sunday, March 22nd through Thursday, March 26th from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 27th from 5 to 11 and Saturday, March 28th from 12 to 11. The special event team reviewed the site plan and event logistics and had no objections to the application as submitted. Chasco fiesta, as you know, remains one of the city's signature and annual events, drawing residents and visitors to our downtown and our historic waterfront staff respectfully presents this item for your consideration and approval, and members of the chasco fiesta team event team are present and in attendance this evening. Should council have some more specific questions? I think they left. Okay, I was thinking. Public opinion. Seeing no one come forward. Bring it back for discussion and vote. Is he allowed to do vox pop and can you do both or. I move to approve? I'll make second maker. I think anything I could say would take away from the great presentation by a library director. So thank you. The second. Now I'm good, I'm good, thank you. All those in favor say aye. Aye, that's for nothing. Eitb 26, 005, wwt.
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- 11.c
ITB26-005 WWTP Clarifier No. 3 Gearbox Replacement Project Bid Award
approvedCouncil awarded ITB26-005 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Clarifier No. 3 gearbox replacement to Avivo USA, LLC, the sole bidder and original equipment manufacturer, for an amount not to exceed $154,000. The existing gearbox has been in continuous service for about 30 years and has exceeded its useful life.
- motion:Motion to approve the bid award for ITB26-005 to Avivo USA, LLC for the WWTP Clarifier No. 3 gearbox replacement, not to exceed $154,000. (passed)
Avivo USA, LLCMansMuellerITB26-005WWTP Clarifier No. 3 Gearbox Replacement ProjectWater Pollution Control Operations and Maintenance Budget▶ Jump to 30:04 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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Clarifier number number three, gearbox replacement project, bid award, whatever all that means, mister mayor, that we would like to purchase a clarifier gearbox replacement unit for our wastewater treatment facility for an amount not to exceed $154,000 from viva USA. And Mr. Mueller is going to tell us all about it. Thank you, miss mans. Good evening council and honorable mayor. Requests from staff for city council is to review and consider approval of the sole bid received for itb 26 005. This is for the clarifier gearbox replacement at the wastewater treatment facility and as stated, this would be awarding the project to Avivo USA, LLC and not to exceed amount of $154,000. As [00:35:03] Previously discussed during our departmental budget presentations, the existing clarifier main gearbox has exceeded its useful life, having been in continuous service for about 30 years now. And to explain what gearbox is to go into that point within the clarifiers themselves, the gearbox will sit on top along a shaft and it rotates a rake system, rake and plow system that maneuvers the suspended solids that settle down to the bottom and help clear that sludge away from the fluid as we're clarifying the water, hence the name clarifier and gearbox in there. So it's a critical component component in ensuring properly treated water advances through the treatment process. And replacement of the gearbox is necessary to maintain the reliable facility operations. On December 5th, 2025, one sealed bid was opened and publicly announced by the city clerk. Viva USA, LLC is the original equipment manufacturer. They submitted the only bid and they have extensive experience in performing gearbox replacements at similar wastewater treatment facilities, and they provided significant references documenting successful completion of comparable projects. Funding for this project was identified in the water pollution control operations and maintenance budget and recommendation. Recommendation of approval of the bid award for itb 26 005 to Avivo USA, LLC is recommended at this time. I'm here for any questions. Public comment. Seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote to approve. I'll second. All right. Let's keep this moving. Second, I can't top that comment. I'm with you. All in favor, signify by.
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- 11.d
RFP 26-015 Yard Debris Grinding Services Award
approvedCouncil awarded RFP 26-015 for yard debris grinding services to Cooper Timber Harvesting, Inc., the lowest of ten proposers, at a rate not to exceed $9,973 per hour for a three-year contract with a one-year renewal option. Staff explained the city grinds yard debris twice yearly at its 6420 Pine Hill Road site and provides the resulting mulch free to residents. Council discussed potentially expanding the program in the future to produce more refined compost/fertilizer.
- motion:Motion to approve RFP 26-015 award to Cooper Timber Harvesting, Inc. for yard debris grinding services at not to exceed $9,973/hour, three-year term with one-year extension option. (passed)5–0
6420 Pine Hill RoadCooper Timber Harvesting, Inc.Mr. DuchampMr. MuellerMs. Manson2014 Roadway Needs AssessmentFDEP permitRFP 26-015▶ Jump to 35:03 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
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That's for nothing. Rfp 20 6-015 yard debris grinding service award. The request before you this evening is to enter into a contract with cooper. Timber harvesting for yard debris grinding services. The fee is $973 per hour. We are requesting to enter into a three year contract with a one year renewal option. Should both parties agree to an extension, and Mr. Mueller will talk to you a little bit about what we use yard debris grinding services for. Thank you again, miss manson. Again, the request from staff for city council is to review and approve of rfp 26 015 and award to the lowest bidder respondent cooper timber harvesting incorporated at a rate not to exceed $9,973 per hour, with a contract term of three years, with a one year extension available. As you know, the public works department collects yard debris citywide as a part of a program to help support cleanup services and maintain our city right of ways, and transports it to a city owned site at 6420 Pine Hill Road, which operates under a permit from the from fdp. It's right across the street from the new fleet maintenance facility, and debris is stockpiled and typically we grind it up twice per year. We like to do it right before hurricane season, then right towards the end of hurricane season, because those are the times we like to operate that facility and make sure we're at peak. The process of the grinding breaks it down into that mulch, and that mulch is then made available to the residents at no charge. So it's a free service provided to city residents to come in and pick up that new newly mulch material or some of the older mulch material. And duchamp could probably tell you pretty thoroughly about how much he utilizes it and how effective it is. The cost comparisons continue to show that contracting grinding services averaging 2 to 1 week periods for approximately 40 hours each annually, is more financially responsible than purchasing and maintaining the equipment in-house, and the city received a total of ten proposals for rfp 26 015, with cooper timber harvesting, inc. Being the lowest proposal received. Funding is available within the street and right of way maintenance division, stormwater utility and water distribution, sewer collections, operation, budgets and approval of the rfp 26 015 is recommended at this time, and I'm here for any questions, any public comment, seeing no one come forward. Bring it back for discussion and vote. I'll make a motion to approve. I'll second only that as we continue to evolve. That was popular earlier at the workshop. The manner in which you do the grinding, perhaps it can come a time when we take it through a second phase and turn it more [00:40:01] Into a fertilizer that's not as chunky and more marketable market worthy. I know that it it piles up, and sometimes you got to find a place to move it, or it's getting awfully high in the, in the spot. And of course, the, the concept that when drove composting is to wet it down, to let the, the heat destroy the seeds. So when you look at the invasives and the other things that go into it, by the time you get done cooking it and rolling it, it's quite a process. So it is, you know, more than just grinding it up, but you got to get it ground up to begin with. I had suggested that potentially we could find other sites where we could distribute it if we got it to a point, or some cities are beginning to encourage residents to use less garbage to have food, whether it be from restaurants or or grocery stores that are added into that to make a even more viable product. So as we proceed forward, I think it'd be nice maybe to look into opportunities to enhance that service in the future. Not this year, but just to keep that on your mind and give Mr. Duchamp something else to talk about a second. I'm good. Thank you. So. Yes, sir. I just want to say that a product that we get from a few residents, all the residents get to use for free. So I think that's really a compliment to us, but a treat to the rest of the residents that don't supply the the stuff. So all those in favor signify by I. That's five for nothing. [11.e) 2025/2026 Street Improvement Project Task Order No. 26-001 - Engineering Services] Street improvement project task order number 26 001. Engineering services. The task order represents the services associated with the 2526 street improvement project and includes design, bidding and construction phases. The recommendation before you is to enter into a contract with Florida design consultants incorporated, for an amount not to exceed $134,360, and this year's project is for cycle nine of our road improvement project. And Mr. Mueller will tell you about our project for the year and the professional services that are being requested. Thank you, miss manson. So again, staff is requesting city council to review and approve the task order 26 001 with fdc incorporated for engineering services related to the 2526 street improvement project. Again, that proposed amount is not to exceed $136,360. So the project is based on the city's 2014 roadway needs assessment, which ranked streets by condition and establishing kind of paving cycles throughout the roadways include included in this task order, identified as paving cycle nine. That's a correction to make and include multiple segments throughout the city, including portions of washington street, vermont avenue, kentucky avenue, ohio avenue, indiana avenue, queen's lane, mount vernon street, jefferson street, pennsylvania avenue, central avenue, congress street, woodland lane, river ridge road, and the entirety of colonial drive. As you can see on this map here, that kind of identifies the areas that will be a part of the street paving project. And then this overall map reflects the areas within the city that we've completed. Are there in blue. The yellow is what's currently in the construction phase process. And then the rest. There is what we are proposing today. So the city has retained fdc consultants incorporated since 2010, typically for roadway engineering services, fdc has successfully delivered prior projects for the city, including the plath road resurfacing project, the 2015 main street streetscape project, and most recently, the city has retained their services for the Grand Boulevard streetscape project. As you may recall, they're very familiar with the city's infrastructure standards and what we aim for improvement goals. So with that, the approval of the task order number 26 001 is recommended at this time. And I'm here for any [00:45:05] Questions, any public comment, seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote. I'll move for approval of the requested paving process. Second, yeah, I mean, it's been one of the biggest benefits to the city residents. It's eliminated some of the fighting that used to go on when people had to go out and collect signatures, and half the people wanted it and half didn't because the fees were so high. So the fact that we're paving roads before they get so bad that they have to be rebuilt, and we're able to reuse a lot of the asphalt, it's much more efficient. And I think the city is better for it, so I'm happy to see it continue. Second. Yeah, as you can tell, it's an efficient program. It's doing what it's meant to achieve. And lots of roads on this one. Thanks. Ditto. Streets ain't pretty. All those in favor signify by. That's for nothing. It'd be 25 019 cd, bg
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- 11.f
You arrived here from a search for “Formax Construction” — transcript expanded below
ITB25-019 CDBG Sidewalk Improvements Project Bid Rejection and ITB26-013 CDBG Sidewalk Improvements Project Bid Award
approvedCouncil rejected the original low bid from Formax Construction ($889,250) on ITB25-019 due to a HUD technical requirement that bids be solicited for four weeks rather than three. Council then awarded the rebid contract (ITB26-013) to Garcia Civil Contractors, LLC as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder at an amount not to exceed $739,907.71 for installation of 10,602 linear feet of six-foot-wide ADA-compliant sidewalks in the West and East Grand neighborhoods.
- motion:Motion to reject the original ITB25-019 bid from Formax Construction and award ITB26-013 to Garcia Civil Contractors, LLC at not to exceed $739,907.71. (passed)
Grand BoulevardRio DriveWest and East Grand neighborhoodsFormax ConstructionGarcia Civil Contractors, LLCGulf Middle SchoolHUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)ColinMs. BarnesMs. MansonCDBG Sidewalk Improvements ProjectCDBG-CV grantCapital Improvement Plan ($973,986 CDBG funding)ITB25-019ITB26-013▶ Jump to 45:05 in the videoShow transcriptHide transcript
Broadcast caption · reformatted for readability
Sidewalk improvement project bid rejection. This is actually a two part agenda item. Mr. Mayor, we are asking you not only to reject a project bid. We are asking you to make a project bid award as well. And this is the cdbg cv project bid and it is a HUD project. And so we are following the HUD guidelines in respect to the project. The first part of the the agenda item is a project is the a bid rejection. And it is a low bid which was submitted by for max construction in the amount of $889,250, and that bid was submitted on December 15th of 2025. And that bid is being rejected for technical reasons. The technical reason being, we only solicited bids for three weeks, and the HUD requirement is that we solicit bids for four weeks. Hud rejected that bid, and we in turn are rejecting the bid. For that reason, we were asked to go out and rebid the project for a four week period of time, and we did so. And upon rebid, the low bidder is garcia, civil engineers, and their bid amount is in the an amount not to exceed $739,907.71, and they will be installing 10,602 linear feet of six foot wide sidewalk in the city. And we are that will be installed in the West and East Grand neighborhoods of the city. And colin, did you have a powerpoint? I did, but you you pretty much covered it all, miss manson. Maybe they'd like to see. Yeah, we can go ahead with that. How about if we do that? Thank you. I'm sure that we can show specifically where the area is in the city that will be installing this grand sidewalk. So, yes, as stated, miss barnes, the section of the west and east grand neighborhood project development is identified here in the map, as you can see, and this is where the sidewalks currently do not exist or where gaps are present. The scope also includes construction of ada compliant sidewalk ramps in accordance with the grant requirements. And we'll just go on the map the. So on December 16th a competitive sealed bids were opened and this is for the second outing. The bids ranged from low bid of $739,907.71, to a high bid of $1,483,000, or $483,513. The engineer of record and city staff [00:50:02] Thoroughly reviewed these bid submissions and verified the line item pricing, contracted references, and evaluated responsiveness of the bidders. While there is a notable spread between the low and the high bids, as you can see, the several high bidders were submitted by asphalt utility contractors who historically subcontract concrete work. Based on its evaluation, the engineer record recommends award to Garcia Civil Contractors, LLC at the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Funds for this project, as noted, are identified in the city's current capital improvement plan in the amount of 973,900, or $973,986 in the cdbg grant. Funding and recommendation of the award in the amount and rejection of the previous bids recommended at this time. Thank you, Mr. Tim. Do we do one at a time or do we both do it all as one vote? Okay, well, any public input, seeing no one come forward, bring it back for discussion and vote on both the rejection and the bid award. We'll have a motion for a second. Second. The maker? No, just happy we can get this rolling. Since we didn't do our correct due diligence in the 3 to 4 weeks, the only thing that I would like to see is maybe a little more specifics on a map of kind of more where we're doing these sidewalks. Provide that in the city manager's report. Thank you a second. Yes. So we did the first bid for three weeks. We did the first bid for three weeks and did an additional reopen bid for four weeks, or we just added one week. For a period of time. And so and the the document I have, I don't know if I'm looking at this wrong, but I have the number of bids eight on December 15th and that has the the fomax one is that the is or okay. And this has the garcia one. So the December 15th bid list with the eight of them. That's the that's the most up to date one. It was eight bids total on December 15th. That's correct okay. Because I'm just trying to split screen the original bids from the the second round. And then the, the only other technical thing I had was on the, the breakdown of the costs. These red these red fonts. What are those referring to like. It's it's broken down by the, the the bid tabulation. What are the red fonts okay. Like the 68 170 140 68,171 440. What are those red values? I don't have the red values there. I'd have to look at that. Oh, oh, back on the engineers. Okay. That that would have been a part of the engineer's review. And that was probably associated with some of the highlighting he did as he was doing his reviews. Okay. Because I see the bid tabulation for the original, I don't see I'm just making sure I'm reading this right. I don't see the, the, the newest one that we're approving on johnson's. That's for johnson's. No, his ect, the ect review. Okay. On that bid tabulation I don't see the the the new bid that we'd, we'd be motioning to award tonight on the actual breakdown for unit price and total cost. I don't know if there's another page I'm missing on my end, but I just see the original bid tabulation. But other than that, it's a HUD bid. It's tbg did the we usually just require three weeks for pavement projects? Is that what it was. And HUD just had that. So you know we followed standards. It was a technical thing. It's it's going to achieve a great purpose. This is also the project. Correct me if I'm wrong that Rio Drive those residents came out. Yeah. So there was a couple technical things with this along the way that we worked through. I mean, the city limped along and it was able to produce a high quality end project that I think is going to be a great benefit for the safety of that community. It's within two miles walking distance from the, you know, Gulf Middle School, if not less than that. You know, it's supporting some of the vision we have for Grand Boulevard right there. So the project itself is going to be, you know, regardless of, you know, a small technical glitch with the bidding, the project itself is still going to be bringing the utmost safety to our communities and bringing walkability. So looking forward to it. Yeah, I think we're we're we're ready to go. I am [00:55:01] Continued growth. All those in favor signify by I. It's for nothing. Communications. We'll
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- 12Communications▶ 55:01
- 1Call to Order – Roll Call
- 2
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance.
- 3
Moment of Silence
Moment of silence.
- 7.a
February 3, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
Approval of the minutes from the February 3, 2026 Regular Meeting.
- 9.a
Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval
on consentApproval of purchases and payments requiring City Council approval.
- 9.b
Consideration of Amendment to the FY26 Adopted Budget
on consentConsideration of an amendment to the FY26 adopted budget.
- 9.c
Library Advisory Board Minutes - October and November 2025
on consentReceipt of Library Advisory Board minutes from October and November 2025.
- 9.d
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Minutes - December 2024 - December 2025
on consentReceipt of Parks and Recreation Advisory Board minutes covering December 2024 through December 2025.
- 11.a
2026 Fitzgerald's St. Patrick's Day Celebration - Alcoholic Beverage Special Event Application, Road Closure and Wet-Zone Request
Consideration of alcoholic beverage special event application, road closure, and wet-zone request for the 2026 Fitzgerald's St. Patrick's Day Celebration.
- 11.b
2026 Chasco Fiesta Alcohol Beverage Special Event Application
Consideration of the alcoholic beverage special event application for the 2026 Chasco Fiesta.
- 11.e
2025/2026 Street Improvement Project Task Order No. 26-001 - Engineering Services
Approval of Task Order No. 26-001 for engineering services on the 2025/2026 Street Improvement Project.
- 13Adjournment