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 Marconi Avenue; Described as Lot 35 Block 485, Eighth Addition to Port Charlotte Subdivision, Identified as Parcel Identification Number 0984048535; 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-60 as presented, authorizing the purchase of real property located on Marconi Avenue, North Port, Florida, 34286.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-60 as presented, authorizing the purchase of real property located on Marconi Avenue, North Port, Florida, 34286.
• Pros: Provides permanent access to Retention Ditch No. 166 for inspection, rehabilitation, maintenance, and emergency operations.
• Cons: Requires the District to expend acquisition funds and assume ongoing ownership and property-maintenance responsibilities.
Option 2: Deny Resolution No. 2026-R-60 as presented.
• Pros: Avoids the immediate property-acquisition cost and future ownership and maintenance responsibilities.
• Cons: Without ownership or access, the District cannot ensure Retention Ditch No. 166 is properly maintained, which may increase the risk of flooding, erosion, or drainage failures that could adversely affect surrounding infrastructure.
Background Information
The Department of Public Works seeks authorization for the North Port Road and Drainage District to purchase property located on Marconi Avenue, North Port, Florida, Parcel Identification No. 0984048535. The property is currently owned by Susan Victoria Thomas.
Acquisition of this parcel will provide the District with permanent access to Retention Ditch No. 166 for inspection, ongoing maintenance, rehabilitation and emergency operations. Permanent access will allow staff and equipment to reach the ditch without relying on temporary access arrangements or access through property not owned by the District.
An appraisal prepared by Hettema Saba, LLC, dated April 8, 2026, determined the market value of the property to be $21,000.00. Following negotiations coordinated by American Acquisition Group, LLC, the property owner has agreed to sell the property to the North Port Road and Drainage District for $19,000.00.
Resolution No. 2026-R-60 has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Resolution No. 2026-R-60 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 $19,000.00 is available in the Fiscal Year 2026 Road and Drainage District Budget, account number 107-5000-541.61-00, Capital Project R22RDD.
Procurement
Purchase of property will be pursuant to Chapter 2, Article VIII, Section 2-403 (a)(3)c of the City of North Port Procurement Code - Real property, real estate brokering, or appraising.
Attachments:
1. Resolution
2. Appraisal Report
3. Property Information Sheet
4. Map
Prepared by: Rita Puglise, Real Estate Coordinator
Department Director: Chuck Speake, Public Works Director