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 Potential Referendum for a Charter Amendment Regarding the City's Bonding Authority, a Potential Referendum Authorizing Bonds, and Other Funding Options for the Police Department Headquarters Project.
Recommended Action
Discussion and possible action.
Background Information
The following provides a chronological order of events regarding the potential referendum language relating to City bonding authority and funding options for the Police Department Headquarters Project:
During the City Commission Workshop held on February 26, 2024, the Commission discussed potential referendum language to amend Section 1.02(b) of the Charter of the City of North Port, Florida, Related to the City’s authority to issue general obligation and revenue bonds. At the conclusion of their discussion, the City Commission provided the following consensuses:
Ø Consensus: To direct the City Attorney to conduct a legal analysis on the usage of government impact fees and how it relates to the North Port Police Department Station.
Ø Consensus: To direct staff to investigate the possibility of going to referendum in August.
Ø Consensus: To pursue the $122 million model for the North Police Department Station, subject to change pending future information being provided.
Ø Consensus: To direct staff to investigate permissive referendums and send to Charter Review Advisory Board and have legal review to be provided back to Commission.
Ø Consensus: To update draft language to spell out who is giving the authority to issue permissible debt.
During the City Commission Special Meeting held on March 7, 2024, the City Commission approved the following motions:
Ø Motion: To direct the City Manager to proceed with the $122 million growth to 2065 plan.
Ø Motion: To direct the City Manager to work with the engineer firm for site, drainage, and construction plans for the headquarters at 100%.
Ø Motion: To direct the City Manager to continue preparing a funding plan for additional services to complete the site, drainage, and construction plan for the Police Department Headquarters at a cost not-to-exceed $4 million dollars.
Ø Motion: To direct the City Manager and City Clerk to schedule a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce and Commission to solicit input regarding Police Department Headquarters Project.
Ø Motion: To direct the City Manager and staff to review the alternative option of a lease buyback for construction of the Police Department Headquarters project.
Pursuant to the Commission’s direction, the City Manager, City Attorney and staff have researched permissive referendums, funding options, and have revised the draft referendum language for Commission consideration.
Strategic Plan
Good Governance
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Draft Referendum Language
Prepared by: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager