TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the License Agreement With the Southwest Florida Water Management District to Support Regional Water Resource Monitoring Efforts at Warm Mineral Springs Park, Located at 12200 San Servando Avenue, North Port, Florida, 34287.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve the License Agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to support regional water resource monitoring efforts at Warm Mineral Springs Park, located at 12200 San Servando Avenue, North Port, Florida, 34287.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve the License Agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to support regional water resource monitoring efforts at Warm Mineral Springs Park, located at 12200 San Servando Avenue, North Port, Florida, 34287.
• Pros:
o Supports regional hydrologic and water level monitoring that benefits long-term water resource planning.
o Provides the City with access to all monitoring data collected on the site at no cost.
o Minimal impact to City operations, as the licensed area is limited and activities are low intensity.
o SWFWMD is responsible for installation, maintenance, compliance with laws, and restoring the site after use.
o Enhances interagency collaboration with a key regional water management partner.
• Cons:
o May require staff to dedicate time to coordinate site visits.
o Staff must monitor compliance and manage termination if issues arise.
Option 2: Deny the License Agreement with The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to support regional water resource monitoring efforts at Warm Mineral Springs Park, located at 12200 San Servando Avenue, North Port, Florida, 34287.
• Pros:
o Ensures the City retains full, unrestricted control of the property without external use or access.
o Avoids potential concerns about property impacts, however minimal.
• Cons:
o The City would not receive hydrologic monitoring data that could support planning, stormwater management and environmental decision making.
o Could limit regional understanding of water levels and groundwater behavior in an important area.
o SWFWMD may need to seek alternative sites, which may reduce data accuracy or relevance for North Port.
Background Information
The City of North Port and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) seek approval of a License Agreement that allows SWFWMD to access a designated portion of City-owned property (Parcel ID 0769070014) for the installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of hydrologic monitoring equipment. This equipment will support ongoing water level monitoring and data collection, and all data obtained at the site will be made available to the City.
The Agreement grants SWFWMD a non-exclusive license to enter and use the specified area for these purposes; establishes compliance and restoration responsibilities; and includes sovereign immunity and indemnification provisions consistent with Section 768.28, Florida Statutes. Either party may terminate the Agreement with 180 days’ notice, or sooner in the event of non-performance under specified conditions. No property interest is conveyed through this license.
Staff recommends approval of the license agreement to support regional water resource monitoring efforts.
The License Agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to support regional water resource monitoring efforts at Warm Mineral Springs Park, located at 12200 San Servando Avenue, North Port, Florida, 34287 has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
The License Agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to support regional water resource monitoring efforts at Warm Mineral Springs Park, located at 12200 San Servando Avenue, North Port, Florida, 34287 has been submitted to the City Clerk’s Office on August 6, 2026, for signature, subject to City Commission approval.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Quality of Life
Financial Impact
The License Agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to support regional water resource monitoring efforts at Warm Mineral Springs Park is a no-cost arrangement and will have no financial expenditure or revenue impact on the City.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. License Agreement
Prepared by: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director