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, Naming the New Utilities Administration Building as the “Richard J. Newkirk Utilities Administration Complex;” Providing for Incorporation of Recitals; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-37.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-37.
Pros:
• Approval of Resolution No. 2026-R-37 establishes the facility’s official name prior to opening and occupancy to ensure consistent use across signage, maps/GIS, wayfinding, and communications.
• Approval of Resolution No. 2026-R-37 provides a formal, permanent recognition of Mr. Newkirk’s service to the City’s utilities system and aligns with the City Commission’s previously documented discussion of dedicating the new administration building in his honor.
Cons:
• Limits the opportunity to evaluate and potentially develop broader criteria or policies related to facility naming.
Option 2: Deny Resolution No. 2026-R-37.
Pros:
• Allows the City to further evaluate and potentially develop broader criteria or policies related to facility naming.
Cons:
• Denial of Resolution No. 2026-R-37 does not establish an official facility name at this time, which may delay consistent use across signage, maps/GIS, wayfinding, and communications.
• Denial of Resolution No. 2026-R-37 does not formalize the dedication concept previously discussed by the City Commission or provide permanent recognition of Mr. Newkirk’s service.
Background Information
During the City Commission Regular Meeting held on March 23, 2021, as part of the discussion of an agenda item regarding the posthumous presentation of a Key to the City for Richard (“Rick”) Newkirk, the City Commission discussed additional ways to recognize Mr. Newkirk’s service, including dedicating the new Utilities Administration Building in his honor. While the formal action taken at that meeting was approval of the Key to the City presentation, the discussion reflected interest in a future facility dedication.
Mr. Newkirk began his career with General Development Utilities in 1975 and transitioned to City employment in 1992, once the City officially took ownership of the utilities. He served the Utilities Department for more than four decades, including the positions of Field Operations Manager, Interim Utilities Director, and Director of Utilities. His service was recognized through multiple awards, including Employee of the Year (1996), Regional Excellence Awards for Customer Service (2006), and a Leadership Award (2012).
Adoption of a Resolution naming the new Utilities Administration Building as the Richard J. Newkirk Utilities Administration Complex would implement the facility dedication concept previously discussed by the City Commission and provide formal recognition of Mr. Newkirk’s contributions.
Resolution No. 2026-R-37 has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
Resolution No. 2026-R-37 was provided to the City Clerk’s Office on May 28, 2026, for signature subject to City Commission approval.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Infrastructure & Facilities Integrity
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2026-R-37
2. March 23, 2021 Commission Meeting Minutes
Prepared by: Amanda Maietta, Administrative Services Specialist
Department Director: Michael Vuolo, Acting Utilities Director