4970 CITY HALL BLVD  
NORTH PORT, FL 34286  
City of North Port  
Meeting Minutes  
City Commission Regular Meeting  
CITY COMMISSIONERS  
Pete Emrich, Mayor  
Barbara Langdon, Vice Mayor  
Phil Stokes, Commissioner  
David Duval, Commissioner  
Demetrius Petrow, Commissioner  
APPOINTED OFFICIALS  
Jerome Fletcher, City Manager  
Michael Fuino, City Attorney  
Heather Faust, City Clerk  
Tuesday, May 5, 2026  
10:00 AM  
City Commission Chambers  
CALL TO ORDER  
Mayor Emrich called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.  
ROLL CALL  
5 - Mayor Pete Emrich, Commissioner David Duval, Commissioner Demetrius  
Petrow, Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon and Commissioner Philip Stokes  
Present:  
ALSO PRESENT  
City Manager Fletcher, City Attorney Fuino, City Clerk Faust, Board Specialist Lindner,  
Police Chief Garrison, Fire Chief Titus, Development Services Deputy Director Barnes,  
Development Services Director Ray, Finance Director Kukharenko, Assistant Utilities  
Director Vuolo, and Public Works Director Speake.  
Mayor Emrich recognized former Commissioner Jon Thaxton and read statement  
regarding rules of decorum.  
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE  
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by former Commissioner Jon Thaxton.  
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Vice Mayor Langdon,  
to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried on the following vote:  
5 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon  
and Commissioner Stokes  
Yes:  
2. PUBLIC COMMENT:  
Ms. Faust read the following eComment into the record:  
Anonymous Employee: Expressed support of City leadership and spoke to various  
topics.  
In Person:  
Jon Thaxton: Spoke to Gulf Coast Community Foundation.  
Tim Doyle: Spoke to various topics.  
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS  
26-0142  
Announcement of Current Advisory Board and Committee Vacancies  
A.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and called on the City Clerk to read the  
announcements.  
Ms. Faust read the announcements into record.  
4. CONSENT AGENDA:  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and queried the City Manager regarding items pulled  
from the consent agenda for discussion.  
Public Comment:  
In Person:  
Tim Doyle: Spoke to various items on the consent agenda.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Duval,  
to approve the consent agenda as presented. The motion carried on the following  
vote:  
5 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon  
and Commissioner Stokes  
Yes:  
26-0339  
Approve the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection  
Standard Grant Agreement Number L0290, for the North Port Blue  
Ridge / Salford Neighborhood Water and Sewer Expansion Phase 1  
Project in the Amount of $3,000,000, and Authorize the City Manager or  
the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute All Funding  
Documents After Legal Review.  
A.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
26-0372  
26-0533  
Approve the Fifth Amended Lease Agreement By and Between the City  
of North Port, Florida, and the North Port Senior Center, Inc., at the  
B.  
C.  
Community  
Education  
Center,  
Located  
at  
4970 Pan  
American  
Boulevard, North Port, Florida, 34287, Allowing for a Two-Month Lease  
Extension Through August 31, 2026.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
Approve the Application to the Housing and Urban Development  
Community Development Block Grant Program in the Amount of  
$305,000 for the Greenwood Avenue Sidewalk Widening Project, and  
Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City  
Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review, Should  
the Grant be Awarded to the City.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
26-0534  
Approve the Application to the US Department of Housing and Urban  
Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program in  
D.  
the Amount of $300,000 for the La Brea Park Playground Replacement  
Project, Located at 6340 La Brea St, North Port, FL 34287, and  
Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City  
Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review, Should  
the Grant be Awarded to the City.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
26-0536  
Approve the Letter of Support for the Fiscal Year 2027 Federal  
Appropriations Request of $2,282,907 for the Water Control Structure  
114 Project, Located on North Salford Boulevard and the Snover  
Waterway.  
E.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
26-0558  
26-0559  
26-0594  
Approve the Appointment of Daniel Kowalczyk as an Alternate I to Serve  
a First Term on the Planning and Zoning Advisory Board From May 5,  
2026, Through May 5, 2029.  
F.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
Approve the Appointment of Tiffany Arnold as a Regular Member to  
Serve a First Term on the Community Economic Development Advisory  
Board From May 5, 2026, Through May 5, 2029.  
G.  
H.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
Approve the Application to the Fiscal Year 2027 Federal Community  
Projects Funding Request Program (Appropriations) in the Amount of  
$2,282,907 for the Water Control Structure 114 Replacement Project  
Located on North Salford Boulevard and the Snover Waterway and  
Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City  
Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
26-0600  
26-0604  
Approve the Award of Funds From the Special Event Assistance  
Program to the North Port Area Chamber of Commerce in Support of  
the Leadership North Port Serve up the Sound Pickleball Tournament to  
be Held on May 2, 2026, in an Amount up to, and Not to Exceed, $500  
to Cover the Costs of City Fees and Services.  
I.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
Approve the Application to the Fiscal Year 2027 Federal Community  
Projects Funding Request Program for the Upsizing of Four Wastewater  
Pumping Stations in the Amount of $1,680,000, and Authorize the City  
Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute  
all Funding Documents After Legal Review.  
J.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
26-0605  
Approve the First Amendment to the Lease Agreement Between the City  
of North Port, Florida, and Awaken Outreach Center, Inc., for Space at  
the Community Education Center, Located at 4940 Pan American  
Boulevard, North Port, Florida, 34287.  
K.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
26-0616  
26-0619  
Approve the Reappointment of Jessica A. Elk as a Regular Member to  
Serve a Second Term on the Environmental Advisory Board, From June  
27, 2026, to June 27, 2029.  
L.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
Approve the Donation of a Surplus Fleet Asset for Project Graduation in  
an Appropriate Fashion Pursuant to Chapter 2 Administration, Article  
VIII Procurement, Section 2-419, Disposition of City Assets and Property  
(d), (3) of the Code of the City of North Port, Florida.  
M.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
26-0627  
Approve the April 2, 2026 Commission Regular Minutes, the April 6,  
N.  
2026 Commission  
Workshop  
Minutes,  
and  
the  
April  
7,  
2026  
Commission Regular Minutes.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
26-0635  
26-0636  
Accept the Cash Receipts Summary Report for March 2026.  
O.  
P.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
Approve the Disposition of Surplus Assets in an Appropriate Fashion  
Pursuant to Chapter 2 Administration, Article VIII Procurement, Section  
2-419, Disposition of City Assets and Property (d) of the Code of the City  
of North Port, Florida.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
26-0637  
26-0720  
Approve the Reappointment of Omy Patel as a Student Member to  
Serve a Second Term on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board  
From June 24, 2026, Through June 24, 2027.  
Q.  
R.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
Approve the Updating of the Online Portal and Completion of the  
Medicare Enrollment Application and Associated Agreements to Reflect  
Mayor Pete Emrich as the Assigned Authorized Official to Allow for  
North Port Fire Rescue District's Primary Billing Company, Digitech  
Computer Inc., to Submit Claims and Receive Remits on North Port Fire  
Rescue District's Behalf.  
This item was approved on the consent agenda.  
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:  
ORDINANCE - First Reading:  
ORD. NO.  
2026-11  
An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the Unified  
Land Development Code to Consolidate the Revenue Account Formerly  
Known as the Tree Fund into the Environmental Protection Fund by  
Amending Section 6.1.3.; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts;  
Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; And Providing an  
Effective Date.  
A.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and requested a motion to direct the City Clerk to  
read by title only.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Vice Mayor Langdon,  
to direct the City Clerk to read the Ordinance by title only. The motion carried on  
the following vote:  
5 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon  
and Commissioner Stokes  
Yes:  
Ms. Faust read the Ordinance by title only.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding property owners, tree  
preservation,  
canopy  
coverage,  
wildlife  
protection,  
tree  
planting  
percentages,  
environmental protection initiatives, and regulation enforcement.  
Public Comment:  
In Person:  
Tim Doyle: Expressed support of the item.  
Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Stokes,  
to continue Ordinance No. 2026-11 to second reading on May 19, 2026. The  
motion carried on the following vote:  
4 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon and Commissioner  
Stokes  
Yes:  
No:  
1 - Commissioner Duval  
ORDINANCE - Second Reading:  
ORD. NO.  
2026-14  
An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the  
Non-District Budget and Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year  
2025-2026 to Increase Park Impact Fee Funded Project P24LTC  
Legacy Trail Connection to Warm Mineral Springs, In the Amount of  
$125,000; Providing for Findings; Providing for Posting; Providing for  
Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.  
B.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and called on the City Clerk to read by title only.  
Ms. Faust read the Ordinance by title only.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding first reading.  
Public Comment:  
In Person:  
Tim Doyle: Expressed support of the item.  
Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Duval, seconded by Vice Mayor Langdon,  
to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-14 as presented. The motion carried on the  
following vote:  
5 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon  
and Commissioner Stokes  
Yes:  
RESOLUTION:  
RES. NO.  
2026-R-10  
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida,  
Amending and Restating the Citywide Sponsorship Policy Herein Known  
as the Sponsorship Policy for City Events, Activities, Programs, and  
Designated Public Spaces; Providing for Incorporation of Recitals;  
Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an  
Effective Date.  
C.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and called on the City Clerk to read by title only.  
Ms. Faust read the Resolution by title only.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
There were no Commission questions or discussion.  
Public Comment:  
In Person:  
Tim Doyle: Expressed support of the item.  
Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Stokes,  
to adopt Resolution No. 2026-R-10 as presented. The motion carried on the  
following vote:  
5 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon  
and Commissioner Stokes  
Yes:  
RES. NO.  
2026-R-11  
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida  
Authorizing the Sale of Real Property Located on 2400 Commerce  
Parkway and Described as Lot 8, North Port Industrial Park, Sarasota  
County Property Appraiser Parcel Identification Number 0962110080;  
Incorporating Recitals; Providing for Filing of Documents; Providing for  
Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.  
D.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and called on the City Clerk to read by title only.  
Ms. Faust read the Resolution by title only.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding property appraised value  
and proposed sale price.  
Public Comment:  
In Person:  
Tim Doyle: Expressed support of the item.  
Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Vice Mayor Langdon,  
to adopt Resolution No. 2026-R-11 as presented. The motion carried on the  
following vote:  
5 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon  
and Commissioner Stokes  
Yes:  
RES. NO.  
2026-R-19  
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida  
Accepting Ownership of Donated Real Property Located on Coastal  
Street and Described as Lot 5, Block 2087, 45th Addition to Port  
Charlotte Subdivision, Sarasota County Property Appraiser Parcel  
Identification Number 1131208705; Incorporating Recitals; Providing for  
Filing of Documents; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability;  
and Providing an Effective Date.  
E.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and called on the City Clerk to read by title only.  
Ms. Faust read the Resolution by title only.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding sending a letter of thanks  
to property owners.  
Public Comment:  
In Person:  
Tim Doyle: Expressed support of the item.  
Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Duval,  
to adopt Resolution No. 2026-R-19 as presented with  
a thank you letter being  
sent to the property owner on behalf of the Commission. The motion carried on  
the following vote:  
5 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon  
and Commissioner Stokes  
Yes:  
RES. NO.  
2026-R-26  
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida,  
Accepting the Donation of the Ace K-9 Temperature Alarm Deployment  
System From the Retired Law Enforcement Association of Southwest  
Florida, Inc.; Acknowledging That the North Port Police Department Will  
be Responsible for the Installation of the Equipment; Providing for the  
City’s Acceptance of the Donated Equipment; Providing for Incorporation  
of the Exhibits; Providing for Incorporation of Recitals; Authorizing the  
City Manager or Designee to Execute all Required Documents;  
Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an  
Effective Date.  
F.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and called on the City Clerk to read by title only.  
Ms. Faust read the Resolution by title only.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
There were no Commission questions or discussion.  
Public Comment:  
In Person:  
Tim Doyle: Expressed support of the item.  
Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.  
A
motion was made by Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Commissioner  
Petrow, to adopt Resolution No. 2026-R-26 as presented. The motion carried on  
the following vote:  
5 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon  
and Commissioner Stokes  
Yes:  
6. GENERAL BUSINESS:  
26-0418  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Fourth Amendment to  
City of North Port, Florida, and Sabal Trace Development Partners, LLC  
Water and Wastewater System Developer’s Agreement.  
A.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding fee delays, interest  
charges, citizen compensation, developer financial challenges, 2030 payment delays,  
2026 balances, payment allocations and schedules, financial impacts, and growth  
anticipation.  
Public Comment:  
In Person:  
Tim Doyle: Spoke to various topics.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Vice Mayor Langdon,  
to approve the Fourth Amendment to City of North Port, Florida, and Sabal Trace  
Development  
Partners,  
LLC.  
Water  
and  
Wastewater  
System  
Developer’s  
Agreement. The motion carried on the following vote:  
4 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon and Commissioner  
Stokes  
Yes:  
No:  
1 - Commissioner Duval  
Mayor Emrich reopened the item for discussion.  
Commission questions and discussion continued regarding additional fees, interest  
charges, delayed payments, capacity fees, guaranteed revenues, Equivalent  
Residential Connection (ERC) allocations, infrastructure costs, and developer financial  
impacts.  
Mayor Emrich reclosed the item.  
26-0611  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Parks and Recreation  
Advisory Board Recommendation Memorandum for Event Cost  
Reduction Strategies.  
B.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Ms. Faust introduced the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding event cost reduction  
strategies and sponsorship opportunities.  
Public Comment:  
In Person:  
Tim Doyle: Spoke to various topics.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A
motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Mayor Emrich, to  
direct the City Manager to explore event sponsorship opportunities and/or  
a
sponsorship program, to be brought back to the City Commission for review. The  
motion carried on the following vote:  
5 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon  
and Commissioner Stokes  
Yes:  
26-0620  
Discussion  
and  
Possible  
Action  
Regarding  
Formal  
Commission  
C.  
Approval of the Facility Lease Policy for City-Owned Facilities Including  
Selection of a Set Discount Based on Market Value.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding utilities processes, meter  
usage, market rates, rental utilization and shared use clarifications, Loveland Center,  
Awaken Food Pantry, legal defense, lease extensions, percentage suggestions,  
fairness, age of building market rate clarifications, double-net lease clarifications and  
impacts, lease breach agreement course of action, wait lists, tenant service  
agreements, application timeline approval or denial response clarifications, allocation of  
costs, deferred maintenance, community subsidizing, and flex space allocations.  
Public Comment:  
In Person:  
Tim Doyle: Spoke to various topics.  
Elaine Emrich: Spoke to various topics.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Duval,  
to direct the City Manager to work with staff and schedule a workshop at a later  
date to address the questions raised during this meeting, present options based  
on a fixed amount per square foot and include an assessment of the legality of  
offering non-profits that are 100% volunteer the ability for an additional discount  
off the flat rate. The motion carried on the following vote:  
5 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon  
and Commissioner Stokes  
Yes:  
26-0649  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Approving the Appointments  
of Robin J. San Vicente, Daniel Kowalczyk, or Jacqueline Torres, as  
Regular Members to Serve on the Charter Review Advisory Board From  
May 5, 2026, Through May 5, 2029.  
D.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Ms. Faust introduced the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding board qualifications,  
application order, existing board appointments, regular and alternate appointments, and  
citizen participation.  
Public Comment:  
In Person:  
Tim Doyle: Spoke to various topics.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A
motion was made by Commissioner Petrow, seconded by Commissioner  
Duval, to approve the appointment of Jacqueline Torres and Robin San Vicente  
to serve as Regular Members and Daniel Kowalczyk to serve as an Alternate  
Member. The motion carried on the following vote:  
3 - Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow and Commissioner Stokes  
2 - Mayor Emrich and Vice Mayor Langdon  
Yes:  
No:  
26-0682  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Sending a Letter of Support  
to the House Committee on Natural Resources for H.R. 642 - Myakka  
Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025.  
E.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding prohibition of new water  
diversion projects, water supply alternatives, feasibility study, flooding concerns, potable  
water supply, economic and development impact concerns, conservation easement  
clarifications, and traffic routes.  
Public Comment:  
In Person:  
Tim Doyle: Expressed opposition to the item.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Vice Mayor Langdon,  
to direct the City Manager to review the impact Bill H.R. 642 will have on the City  
from  
a
financial and development standpoint. The motion carried on the  
following vote:  
5 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon  
and Commissioner Stokes  
Yes:  
7. PUBLIC COMMENT:  
In Person:  
Tim Doyle: Spoke to various topics.  
8. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS:  
Mayor Emrich called on Commissioners for communications.  
26-0056  
26-0057  
26-0058  
26-0059  
26-0060  
Commissioner Petrow's Communications  
A.  
B.  
C.  
D.  
E.  
Commissioner Petrow reported on events attended and important topics.  
Vice Mayor Langdon's Communications  
Vice Mayor Langdon spoke to activity report attached to agenda.  
Mayor Emrich's Communications  
Mayor Emrich reported on events attended and important topics.  
Commissioner Stokes' Communications  
Commissioner Stokes did not have a report.  
Commissioner Duval's Communications  
Commissioner Duval reported on events attended and important topics.  
9. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REPORTS:  
Mayor Emrich called on Charter Officers for reports.  
Ms. Faust did not have a report.  
Mr. Fuino did not have a report.  
Mr. Fletcher did not have a report.  
10. ADJOURNMENT:  
Mayor Emrich adjourned the meeting at 12:27 p.m.  
City of North Port, Florida  
By: __________________________________  
Pete Emrich, Mayor  
Attest: ________________________________  
Heather Faust, City Clerk