TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida as the Governing Body of the North Port Road and Drainage District, Authorizing the Purchase of Real Property Located on Malinda Terrace and Described as Lot 31, Block 260 of Seventh Addition to Port Charlotte Subdivision, Sarasota County Property Appraiser Parcel Identification Number 1007026031; Incorporating Recitals; Providing for Filing of Documents; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-48 as presented, authorizing the purchase of real property located on Malinda Terrace, North Port, Florida, 34286.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-48 as presented, authorizing the purchase of real property located on Malinda Terrace, North Port, Florida, 34286.
• Pros: Allows the City to close gaps in the transportation network, creating a continuous shared-use path. This directly supports safer, more efficient movement for pedestrians, cyclists, and alternative transportation users.
• Cons: Requires an upfront purchase cost and places responsibility on the City for ongoing property maintenance, liability, and any necessary improvements.
Option 2: Deny Resolution No. 2026-R-48 as presented.
• Pros: The City avoids upfront acquisition costs, freeing funds for other high priority needs such as roadway maintenance, stormwater improvements, utilities, or existing infrastructure upgrades that provide more immediate and certain public benefits.
• Cons: Denial may limit the City’s ability to construct the planned shared-use path and bridge within the proposed alignment. Future development or ownership changes could increase acquisition costs or require the City to evaluate an alternative alignment.
Background Information
The Department of Public Works is seeking approval to purchase real property located on Malinda Terrace, Parcel Identification No. 1007026031, currently owned by Thomas J. Ambrose. Acquisition of the property will preserve the corridor needed for a future shared-use path and bridge connection between Malinda Terrace and Fernway Drive across Creighton Waterway. This acquisition supports implementation of the City’s Mobility and Connectivity Plan.
An appraisal report completed on February 17, 2026, by Hettema Saba, LLC, estimated the property’s market value at $21,000.00. Following negotiations facilitated by the City’s contracted real-property acquisition consultant, the property owner has agreed to sell the property to the North Port Road and Drainage District for $22,500.00.
Resolution No. 2026-R-48 has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Resolution No. 2026-R-48 was provided to the City Clerk’s Office on August 31, 2026, for signature, subject to City Commission approval.
Strategic Plan
Infrastructure & Facilities Integrity
Financial Impact
Funding in the amount of $22,500.00 is available in the Fiscal Year 2026 Road and Drainage District Budget, account number 107-5000-541.61-00, Capital Project R22RDD.
Procurement
The purchase of real property is exempt from competitive procurement pursuant to Chapter 2, Article VIII, Section 2-403(a)(3)c of the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, which applies to real property, real estate brokering, or appraising.
Attachments:
1. Resolution
2. Appraisal
3. Property Information Sheet
4. Map
Prepared by: Rita Puglise, Real Estate Coordinator
Department Director: Chuck Speake, Public Works Director