4970 CITY HALL BLVD  
NORTH PORT, FL 34286  
City of North Port  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
City Commission Regular Meeting  
CITY COMMISSIONERS  
Pete Emrich, Mayor  
Barbara Langdon, Vice Mayor  
Jill Luke, Commissioner  
Debbie McDowell, Commissioner  
Alice White, Commissioner  
APPOINTED OFFICIALS  
Jerome Fletcher, City Manager  
Amber L. Slayton, City Attorney  
Heather Faust, City Clerk  
Thursday, October 6, 2022  
10:30 AM  
City Commission Chambers  
Postponed Meeting from September 27, 2022  
CALL TO ORDER  
Mayor Emrich called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.  
ROLL CALL  
4 - Commissioner Pete Emrich, Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon, Commissioner Debbie  
McDowell and Commissioner Alice White  
Present:  
Also Present:  
City Manager Jerome Fletcher, City Attorney Amber Slayton, Assistant City Clerk Adrian  
Jianelli, Fire Chief Scott Titus, Deputy Fire Chief Nick Herlihy, Division Chief Emergency  
Manager Fire Rescue Michael Ryan, Police Chief Todd Garrison, Deputy Police Chief  
Chris Morales, Finance Director Kimberly Williams, Planning Manager Lori Barnes,  
Public Utilities Assistant Director Jennifer Desrosiers, Public Works Director Chuck  
Speake, Social Service Manager Janet Carrillo  
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA  
A
motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner  
Luke, to approve the Agenda as presented. The motion carried on the following  
vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
2. PUBLIC COMMENT:  
Ms. Jianelli read the following eComments into the record:  
Edie Driest: spoke to Heron Creek Gopher Tortoise and Scrub-Jays  
Robin SanVicente: spoke to Heron Creek Gopher Tortoise and Scrub-Jays  
Concerned Resident: spoke to mosquito control spray in North Port  
PUBLIC COMMENT:  
Joseph Majorino: spoke to Tree Ordinance  
Jeffrey Scott: spoke to misleading the public and North Port responsibilities  
Commission discussion took place regarding the City Manager provide an DRI update  
via memorandum.  
3. CONSENT AGENDA:  
A
motion was made by Commissioner Luke, seconded by Commissioner  
McDowell, to approve the Consent Agenda, pulling Item Nos. 22-3470 and 22-3480  
for discussion. The motion carried on the following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
22-3268  
22-3272  
Approve the Award of Funds from the Special Event Assistance  
Program to Family Promise of South Sarasota County in Support of a  
Kenducky Derby Event Held on August 20, 2022, in the Amount of $500  
to Cover the Costs of City Fees.  
A.  
B.  
This item was approved on Consent Agenda.  
Approve the Award of Funds From the Special Event Assistance  
Program to North Port Area Chamber of Commerce/North Port Young  
Professionals in Support of a Back to School Bash Event Held on July  
30, 2022, in the Amount of $824 to Cover the Costs of City Fees.  
This item was approved on Consent Agenda.  
22-3418  
22-3425  
Approval of the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers  
C.  
D.  
(SESAC)  
Music  
Performance  
License  
for  
Municipalities  
Between  
SESAC, LLC and the City of North Port.  
This item was approved on 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), (1) of the Code of the  
City of North Port, Florida.  
This item was approved on Consent Agenda.  
22-3430  
22-3440  
Approve the Shared Facility Agreement – North Port Fire Station No. 86  
Between the City of North Port and Sarasota County Addressing Joint  
Use of Operational Areas, Responsibilities of Both Parties, and an  
Annual Rental Fee Starting at $45,000.00 in Fiscal Year 2023.  
E.  
F.  
This item was approved on Consent Agenda.  
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding for Law Enforcement  
Agency Access to Driver and Vehicle Information Database System  
(DAVID) between the City of North Port and the Florida Department of  
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles  
This item was approved on Consent Agenda.  
22-3441  
22-3442  
Approve the First Amendment to Lease Agreement Between the City of  
North Port and North Port Senior Center for Space at the Community  
Education Center.  
G.  
H.  
This item was approved on Consent Agenda.  
Approve the Sole Source Purchase of Neptune AMR Water Meters,  
Reading Equipment, Software, and Repair and Maintenance Services  
from Ferguson Enterprises, LLC d/b/a Sunstate Meter & Supply on an  
‘As-Needed Basis’, Based on Unit Pricing, for an Annual Estimated  
Amount of $900,350.00 for Fiscal Year 2022-2023  
This item was approved on Consent Agenda.  
22-3462  
22-3470  
Approve Award of Request for Bid 2023-01 Outsourced Mowing  
Services to Natural Designs Landscaping, LLC and Authorize the City  
Manager to Approve the Future Renewal Terms.  
I.  
This item was approved on Consent Agenda.  
Approve the Public Emergency Medical Transport (PEMT) Letter of  
Agreement with the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA).  
J.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Ms. Slayton introduced the item and requested a ratification.  
A
motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner  
Luke, to approve the ratification entering the agreement with the agency for  
Health Care Administration (AHCA). The motion carried on the following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
22-3474  
22-3480  
Approve the Affiliation Agreement Between the School Board of  
Sarasota County and the City of North Port, to Permit Students Enrolled  
in Health Science Programs to Ride-Along with Fire Rescue Crews.  
K.  
L.  
This item was approved on Consent Agenda.  
Approve Supplemental Minimum Wage Agreement with the Agency for  
Health Care Administration (AHCA).  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Ms. Slayton introduced the item and requested a ratification.  
A
motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner  
Luke, to approve the ratification entering the supplemental minimum wage  
agreement with the agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). The motion  
carried by the following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
22-3544  
Approval of William "Chuck" English to Serve a Second Term as a  
M.  
Regular Member on the Environmental Advisory Board to Serve a  
Two-Year Term From September 27, 2022, to September 27, 2024.  
This item was approved on Consent Agenda.  
22-3573  
Approval of Minutes for the September 1, 2022 City Commission  
Regular Meeting  
N.  
This item was approved on Consent Agenda.  
4. PRESENTATIONS: TIME LIMIT OF 15 MINUTES  
22-3333  
Presentation from American Public Works Association Accreditation  
Regional Director Regarding the Department of Public Works  
Reaccreditation.  
A.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item and requested it be postponed to a later date.  
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:  
RESOLUTION:  
RES. NO.  
2022-R-63  
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida,  
Approving the Two Subordinations of City Utility Interests Along the  
South Side of Tamiami Trail in Wellen Park for the Florida Department  
of Transportation for Highway Purposes; Providing for Incorporation of  
Recitals; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing  
an Effective Date.  
A.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and directed the Assistant City Clerk to read the  
Resolution by title only.  
Ms. Jianelli read the Resolution by title only.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
There were no Commission questions or discussion.  
There was no public comment.  
Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Luke,  
to approve Resolution No. 2022-R-63 as presented. The motion carried on the  
following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
RES. NO.  
2022-R-60  
A Resolution of the City of North Port, Florida, Vacating a Portion of the  
Ten (10) Foot Utility and Drainage Easement on the Western Boundary  
of Lot 18, Block 1310, Twenty-Sixth Addition to Port Charlotte  
Subdivision; Providing for Findings: Providing for Recording; Providing  
for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.  
(QUASI-JUDICIAL).  
B.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item, stated this is a quasi-judicial hearing, and directed  
the Assistant City Clerk to read the Resolution by title only.  
Ms. Jianelli read the Resolution by title only and swore in those wishing to provide  
testimony.  
There were no ex-parte communications.  
Ms. Jianelli noted there were no aggrieved parties.  
Ms. Barnes, being duly sworn, stated due to a meeting conflict the Applicant is unable  
to attend and provided a presentation including lot size and location, existing carport,  
vacation of easement, and Florida Power & Light (FPL) registered concerns on the  
power poles.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding existing carport, vacation of  
easement, and size.  
There were no rebuttals from Staff.  
There was no public comment.  
There were no closing arguments from Staff.  
Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Luke,  
to approve Resolution No. 2022-R-60 as presented. The motion carried on the  
following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
RESOLUTION - Second Reading:  
RES. NO.  
2022-R-43  
A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida,  
Amending the Non-District Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 for the  
C.  
Interlocal  
Agreement  
for  
a
Joint  
County/Municipality  
Economic  
Development Program in the Amount of $151,213: Providing for  
Findings; Providing for Conflicts: Providing for Severability:  
Providing an Effective Date.  
and  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and directed the Assistant City Clerk to read the  
Resolution by title only.  
Ms. Jianelli read the Resolution by title only.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
There were no Commission questions or discussion.  
There was no public comment.  
Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Luke, seconded by Vice Mayor Langdon,  
to approve Resolution No. 2022-R-43 as presented. The motion carried on the  
following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
ORDINANCE - Second Reading:  
ORD. NO.  
2022-14  
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.  
D.  
E.  
F.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and directed the Assistant City Clerk to read the  
Ordinance by title only.  
Ms. Jianelli read the Ordinance by title only.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
There were no Commission questions or discussion.  
There was no public comment.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A
motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner  
Luke, to approve Ordinance No. 2022-14 as presented. The motion carried on the  
following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
ORD. NO.  
2022-18  
An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the Unified  
Land Development Code, Chapter 17 - Flood Damage Prevention  
Regulations, Relating to Accessory Structures and Manufactured Homes  
in Flood Hazard Areas and Definitions; Providing for Findings; Providing  
for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and  
Providing an Effective Date.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and directed the Assistant City Clerk to read the  
Ordinance by title only.  
Ms. Jianelli read the Ordinance by title only.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
There were no Commission questions or discussion.  
There was no public comment.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Commissioner Luke, seconded by Vice Mayor Langdon,  
to approve Ordinance No. 2022-18 as presented. The motion carried on the  
following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
ORD. NO.  
2022-23  
An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending Water and  
Wastewater Capacity Fees; Amending the Code of the City of North  
Port, Florida, Section 78-30; Providing for Findings; Providing for  
Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and  
Providing an Effective Date.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and directed the Assistant City Clerk to read the  
Ordinance by title only.  
Ms. Jianelli read the Ordinance by title only.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
There were no Commission questions or discussion.  
There was no public comment.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Luke,  
to approve Ordinance No. 2022-23 as presented. The motion carried on the  
following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
ORD. NO.  
2022-24  
An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Regarding Water and  
Wastewater Utility Line Extension and Connection Charges, Creating an  
G.  
Early Connection Incentive, and Creating  
a
Customer Connection  
Hardship Program; Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida,  
Section 78-31; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing  
for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective  
Date.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item and directed the Assistant City Clerk to read the  
Ordinance by title only.  
Ms. Jianelli read the Ordinance by title only.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding size, location and cost in  
linear, wastewater cost, combined lots, and construction credit.  
There was no public comment.  
Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.  
A
motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner  
Luke, to approve Ordinance No. 2022-24 as amended to correct VIII on Page 5 to  
show incentive instead of construction credit. The motion carried on the  
following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
Recess was taken from 11:23 a.m. until 11:40 a.m.  
6. GENERAL BUSINESS:  
22-3372  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Environmental Advisory  
Board's Formal Request to be Included in the Review of Requests for  
A.  
Waivers to Open Space and Park Requirements Contained in Section  
37-14 of the Unified Land Development Code  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
Commissioner McDowell spoke to the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding Environmental Advisory  
Board (EAB) recommendations, review of Unified Land Development Code (ULDC)  
changes and request for waivers pertaining to open spaces, and board tasks.  
PUBLIC COMMENT:  
Jackie Lafler: spoke to green space and quality of life  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A
motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Vice Mayor  
Langdon, to direct the City Manager to send memo to the Environmental  
a
Advisory Board and copy the Commission declining their request regarding  
waivers to open space and park requirements contained in the Unified Land  
Development Code (ULDC) and encouraging them to provide public comment at  
Commission meetings. The motion carried on the following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
22-3465  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Demolition of Buildings at  
Dallas White Park  
B.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
Commissioner McDowell spoke to the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding damages due to Hurricane,  
K9 training usage, insurance, public safety, project priorities, reallocating funds, other  
resources, Children’s Closet and Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) building, pod rentals,  
rental agreement, and building re-assessments.  
There was no public comment.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Luke,  
to direct staff to bring back information on potential funding sources and  
recommendations to proceed with the building whether demolishing or securing  
for public safety hazards. The motion carried on the following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
22-3529  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Painting or Decorating Traffic  
Signal Control Cabinets.  
C.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
Commissioner White spoke to the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding artwork on control box,  
other cities in Florida, control box locations, suggested ideas, sponsored plates, positive  
messages, public art, intentions of Activity Centers, art fund, changes to the Unified  
Land Development Code (ULDC) and Comprehensive Plan, procurement, Commission  
approval, and driving distractions.  
Mayor Emrich spoke to timing, priorities, distractions, and other ideas.  
There was no public comment.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner White,  
to direct staff to bring back recommendations at the same time the Unified Land  
Development Code (ULDC) project is brought back. The motion carried on the  
following vote:  
3 - Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke and Commissioner White  
2 - Commissioner Emrich and Commissioner McDowell  
Yes:  
No:  
Mayor Emrich dissented due to timing, priorities, distractions, and other ideas.  
Commissioner McDowell dissented due to staff time priorities.  
22-3540  
Discussion and Possible Action to Increase Transportation Impact Fees  
From 75% to 100% of the 2011 Impact Fee Study.  
D.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding legal precedence.  
Commissioner McDowell spoke to the item.  
Ms. Slayton spoke to raised impact fees every four years, exceptions, transportation  
impact fees, advertisement, and consultants.  
Commission questions and discussion continued regarding Comprehensive Plan and  
Unified Land Development Code (ULDC), current exceptions, allocated funds, types of  
usage of fees, and staff recommendations.  
There was no public comment.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, to direct the City Manager and  
staff to proceed with mobility fees and update the Commission every other  
month with mobility status. The motion failed due to lack of a second.  
22-3550  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Approval of the  
September 8, 2022, City Commission Special Meeting Minutes.  
E.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Ms. Jianelli introduced the item.  
There were no Commission questions or discussion.  
There was no public comment.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A
motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner  
Luke, to approve the September 8, 2022 Meeting Minutes as presented with the  
recommended changes. The motion carried on the following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
22-3551  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Approval of the  
September 6, 2022, Commission Workshop Minutes.  
F.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Ms. Jianelli introduced the item.  
There were no Commission questions or discussion.  
There was no public comment.  
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.  
A
motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner  
Luke, to approve the September 6, 2022 Meeting Minutes as presented with the  
recommended changes. The motion carried on the following vote:  
5 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke, Commissioner McDowell and  
Commissioner White  
Yes:  
Recess was taken from 12:56 p.m. until 1:10 p.m.  
22-3575  
Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the City Manager's Annual  
Evaluation.  
G.  
Mayor Emrich announced the item.  
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.  
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding peer document,  
appreciation of the City Manager, improvements, April 2022 increase, other Charter  
Officers 4% raises, recommendations for  
Commissioners, ideas and plans, leadership with staff, strategic planning, obtaining  
International City/County Management Association (ICMA), percentages, top  
achievements, and commitment and dedication.  
a
1.3% increase, one on one with  
Mayor Emrich passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Langdon.  
motion was made by Mayor Emrich, seconded by Commissioner Luke, to  
A
approve an 8% salary increase for the City Manager based on his performance  
evaluation, effective on his anniversary date of October 1, 2022. The motion  
carried on the following vote:  
4 - Commissioner Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Luke and Commissioner White  
1 - Commissioner McDowell  
Yes:  
No:  
Commissioner McDowell dissented due to not declining the six month raise, and willing  
to wait at the 1-year evaluation, each Charter position brought on their own abilities and  
being fair with the other Charter Officers.  
Vice Mayor Langdon passed the gavel back to Mayor Emrich.  
7. PUBLIC COMMENT:  
There were no public comments.  
9. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REPORTS  
22-3566  
City Manager Report to Commission.  
B.  
Mr. Fletcher spoke on Hurrican Ian, the effects through the City, and appreciation to all  
staff, City/State Local Emergency extensions, Federal Emergency Management Agency  
(FEMA) funding/reimbursement, accessing buildings, joint information centers, daily  
Public Information Officer (PIO) support, call centers, County Communications, social  
media, volunteer staff, shelters, dispatch centers, City staff participation, childcare  
options, community centers, City community disaster recover, and efforts of the City.  
8. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS:  
22-2520  
Commissioner McDowell's Report  
A.  
Commissioner McDowell spoke to appreciation of staff and first responders during  
Hurricane Ian, The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) brochure  
regarding insurance and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and asked  
about temporary housing.  
Mr. Ryan spoke on temporary housing, extending RV stay, and customized response.  
22-2521  
22-2517  
Commissioner White's Report  
B.  
C.  
Commissioner White gave appreciation to staff during Hurricane Ian, and spoke to  
curfew and trees.  
Mayor Emrich's Report  
Mayor Emrich spoke to pod areas.  
Chief Titus spoke to pod areas and other resources.  
Mayor Emrich showed appreciation of staff during Hurricane Ian.  
22-2518  
22-2519  
Vice Mayor Langdon's Report  
D.  
E.  
Vice Mayor Langdon showed appreciation of staff during Hurricane Ian, and spoke to  
neighbors helping neighbors, supplies, San Pedro Catholic Church distribution, Awaken  
Food Pantry, and Insurance information locations.  
Commissioner Luke's Report  
Commissioner Luke spoke to resident humor, appreciation of citizens for their spirit and  
staff during Hurricane Ian, emotional health resources, condolences to families, and  
loans and bonds.  
Mr. Fletcher spoke on loans and bonds needed.  
ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REPORTS - CONTINUED  
22-3557 City Attorney's Report  
A.  
Ms. Slayton showed appreciation of staff during Hurricane Ian.  
22-3574  
City Clerk's Report  
C.  
Ms. Jianelli showed appreciation of staff during Hurricane Ian.  
Mr. Fletcher spoke on additional providers and support during Hurricane Ian.  
10. ADJOURNMENT:  
Mayor Emrich adjourned the meeting at 2:32 p.m.  
City of North Port, Florida  
By: ___________________________________________  
Pete Emrich, Mayor  
Attest: _________________________________________  
Heather Faust, City Clerk  
These minutes were approved on the ____ day of _______________, 2022.