TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Increasing Certain Building Fees Under the City Fee Structure; Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Appendix A - City Fee Structure, Section D, Building Fees; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Continue Ordinance No. 2022-14 to second reading on September 27, 2022.
Recommended Action for Second Reading
Approve Ordinance No. 2022-14 as presented.
Recommended Action on Third Reading
Approve and Adopt Ordinance 2022-14, Increasing Certain Building Fees
Background Information
On July 2, 2020, the City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 2020-28 as a response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the Commission’s desire to support local business operations by reducing certain building fees by twenty-five percent (25%).
On April 12, 2022, the City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 2022-05, reinstating certain building fees to the level effective prior to the adoption of Ordinance 2020-28.
On May 10, 2022, the City Commission directed staff to increase the City’s building fee rates as recommended by GovRates, a consultant hired by the City, to keep pace with operating expenses, fund major capital needs, and maintain healthy reserves while keeping the fees equitable and reasonable.
Ordinance 2022-14 has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is approved as to form and correctness.
Background Information for Second Reading
At its Regular Meeting on July 26, 2022, Commission continued Ordinance No. 2022-14 to second reading on September 27, 2022, as presented.
Third Reading
This ordinance was scheduled for second reading on September 27, 2022, and advertised; accordingly, that City Commission meeting was canceled due to Hurricane Ian and second reading was rescheduled on October 6, 2022. At the October 6, 2022, meeting, the City Commission voted to approve the ordinance. The next day, the City Attorney’s Office determined that the second reading was not properly advertised, as the advertisements specified a second reading date of September 27, 2022. The City Attorney’s Office advised that the ordinance be readvertised and scheduled for a third reading and adoption at the October 25, 2022 Commission meeting.
Strategic Plan
To provide exceptional service to our entire community for the continuous enrichment of quality of life
Financial Impact
City revenues are expected to see an increase of approximately $234,600 in the Building Fund over the remainder of the current fiscal year. In addition, revenues will be impacted in the Building Fund by an estimated $1,407,600 annually.
Procurement
Not Applicable
Attachments:
1.Ordinance 2022-14 for Third Reading
2. Ordinance 2022-14 for Second Reading
3. Ordinance 2022-14 for First Reading
4. Ordinance 2022-14 Exhibit A
Prepared by: Katrina Romano, Business Manager, NDS
Derek Applegate, Assistant Director-Building Official, NDS
Department Director: Alaina Ray, AICP, Director, Neighborhood Development Services