TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding a Recommendation to Close City Manager Report Item #591 Related to the Irdell Terrace Parcel No. 1141260522.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Close City Manager Report item #591 related to Irdell Terrace parcel no. 1141260522 and take no further action related to park use.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Close City Manager Report item #591 related to Irdell Terrace, parcel no. 1141260522 and take no further action related to park use.
• Pros:
o Aligns with the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Park Type Standards which deem the site unsuitable for park development due to acreage and designated elements.
o Reinforces the operational priority of stormwater management and ensures uninterrupted access for maintenance.
o Provides resolution to a long-standing directive and removes an inactive item from the City Manager Report.
o Maintains consistency and clarity in long-range planning for parks.
• Cons:
o Eliminates future development of the Irdell Terrace parcel for recreational use unless conditions change significantly.
Option 2: Pursue recreational development opportunities on Irdell Terrace parcel.
• Pros:
o Could identify limited or non-traditional recreational opportunities if the Commission wishes to explore them despite site constraints.
• Cons:
o Conflicts with the Parks & Recreation Master Plan’s finding that the property is not suitable for park development.
o There is no available budget for park development, making any new recreational project infeasible at this time.
o May create public expectations for park amenities that cannot realistically be delivered due to size, shape, and stormwater infrastructure constraints.
o Diverts staff resources from higher-priority parks projects identified in the Master Plan.
Background Information
During the September 24, 2024, Road & Drainage District Governing Body meeting, City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2024-R-25, authorizing the purchase of the property located on Irdell Terrace (Parcel #1141260522). This acquisition was crucial to the City’s stormwater system, as it contains outfall ditches that collect stormwater from nearby areas and direct it to a retention area. While the property was originally designated as park land prior to its transfer into private ownership, the staff report for the acquisition noted the potential for future park use in addition to the primary stormwater functions.
Following the adoption of the Resolution No. 2024-R-25, the City Commission approved the following motion:
Ø Motion: To direct the City Manager to work with Parks & Recreation and Road & Drainage staff to bring back an agenda item at a future Commission Meeting regarding park land and road and drainage relative to the Irdell Terrace property designated in Resolution No. 2024-R-25.
This directive was tracked as item #591 in the City Manager Report with action deferred pending the completion of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan to ensure any proposed development aligned with updated standards and needs. This agenda item fulfills that direction and provides the Commission with an opportunity to determine whether to close City Manager Report Item #591 or pursue any further action related to the parcel.
The City Commission officially adopted the Parks & Recreation Master Plan on December 9, 2025. Following a comprehensive evaluation under this plan, it has been determined that the Irdell Terrace property is unsuitable for park development and should be retained exclusively for stormwater management purposes. Key findings supporting this recommendation include:
Ø Acreage Deficit: Due to the parcel's irregular shape and the substantial area required for Public Works’ stormwater conveyance system, the remaining land falls well below the 2-acre minimum required for a standard park.
Ø Operational Priority: The primary function of the site remains the maintenance of outfall ditches. Any secondary development would likely conflict with necessary infrastructure, access and maintenance.
As the property does not meet the criteria for park development established in the Master Plan, further exploration of recreational use is not warranted. Public Works will continue to manage the site strictly for road and drainage operations. Based on this information, staff recommends removing this item from the City Manager Report.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Quality of Life
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. September 24, 2024, Meeting Minutes
2. Resolution 2024-R-25
3. December 9, 2025, Meeting Minutes
4. City Manager Report
5. Parks & Recreation Master Plan Park Type Standards
Prepared by: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director
Chuck Speake, Public Works Director
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Director