4970 CITY HALL BLVD

NORTH PORT, FL 34286

City of North Port

Meeting Minutes

City Commission Regular Meeting

CITY COMMISSIONERS

Phil Stokes, Mayor

Pete Emrich, Vice Mayor

Barbara Langdon, Commissioner

David Duval, Commissioner

Demetrius Petrow, Commissioner

APPOINTED OFFICIALS

Jerome Fletcher, City Manager

Michael Fuino, City Attorney

Heather Faust, City Clerk

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

6:00 PM

City Commission Chambers

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Stokes called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

5 -

Present:

Mayor Pete Emrich, Commissioner David Duval, Commissioner Demetrius Petrow,

Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon and Commissioner Philip Stokes

ALSO PRESENT

City Manager Fletcher, City Attorney Fuino, City Clerk Faust, Board Specialist Lindner,

Deputy Fire Chief Herlihy, Police Captain Fussel, Development Services Director Ray,

and Planner II Silva.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Pam Tokarz.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mayor Stokes requested a motion to approve the agenda.

A motion was made by Commissioner Langdon, seconded by Vice Mayor Emrich,

to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon

and Commissioner Stokes

2. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Ms. Faust read the following eComments into the record:

Stephanie Gibson: Spoke to conflict of interest and impartiality in deliberations regarding

City Manager concerns.

John Parker: Spoke to Commission and staff interaction.

City Employee: Spoke to Commission and staff interaction.

Brock Mitchell: Expressed support of the Central Parc Master Plan amendment.

Park User: Spoke to parks project and funding options.

In Person:

Pam Tokarz: Expressed concern regarding Commissioner photo display and spoke to

personnel policy.

Susan Balmer: Expressed concern regarding Commissioner photo display.

Josh Smith: Expressed concern regarding Commissioner photo display.

Robin San Vincent: Expressed concern regarding Commissioner photo display and

spoke to Robert’s Rules.

Valdy Olendar: Expressed opposition to law enforcement presence and spoke to

legislative and policy matters.

Debbie McDowell: Expressed opposition to current Commission communication and

teamwork.

Michelle Pozzie: Expressed concern regarding Commissioner photo display and spoke to

leadership concerns.

Chuck English: Expressed concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and

communication within the City.

3. ANNOUNCEMENTS

25-2964

Announcement of Current Advisory Board and Committee Vacancies

Mayor Stokes announced the item and called on the City Clerk to read the

announcements.

Ms. Faust read the announcements into record.

4. CONSENT AGENDA:

Mayor Stokes announced the item and queried the City Manager regarding items pulled

from the consent agenda for discussion.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Steven Harrison: Expressed support of Item No. 25-2918.

Mayor Stokes requested a motion.

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Emrich, seconded by Commissioner Langdon,

to approve the consent agenda as presented. The motion carried on the following

vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon

and Commissioner Stokes

25-2061

25-2575

Approve Award of Request for Bid 2025-30 for Citywide Generator

Services as Needed to Paramount Power, Inc., in the Amount of

$181,767.00 and Authorize the City Manager to Approve Future Renewals

in Accordance With the Terms and Conditions in the Solicitation.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Subrecipient Agreement for

the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA) to Assist With

Funding Involved With Narcotics Related Investigations 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.

25-2622

Approve the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grant Agreement,

Grant Number 03D35625, for the City of North Port Sewer Vacuum Station

Installation Project in the Amount of $2,300,000 in Federal Funding, 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.

Approve the Second Amendment to the Lease Agreement by and Between

the City of North Port, Florida, and the Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center,

Inc. for Space at the Family Service Center, 6619 Outreach Way, North

Port, Florida, 34287.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Second Amendment to the Lease Agreement Between the

City of North Port, Florida, and Literacy Volunteers of South Sarasota

County, Inc., for Space at the Family Service Center, 6619 Outreach Way,

North Port, Florida, 34287.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Second Amendment to Lease Agreement by and Between the

City of North Port, Florida, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast,

Inc., for Space at the Family Service Center, 6619 Outreach Way, North

Port, Florida, 34287.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve Fifteenth Amendment to Construction Manager at Risk Contract

No. 2023-17.001 for Construction Services Contract Phase II by and

Between the City of North Port, Florida, and Wharton-Smith, Inc., for

Construction of a Public Works Pole Barn in the Amount of $582,175.00.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Disposition of Surplus Fleet 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 the consent agenda.

25-2704

25-2843

Approve Workplace Solutions Cooperative Acceptance Agreement and

Addendum to Agreement Between City of North Port, Florida, and Cintas

Corporation No. 2 for Uniforms and Workplace Products.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Annual Certification Statement Between Florida Highway

Safety and Motor Vehicles and City of North Port Regarding Access to the

Driver and Vehicle Information Database.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

25-2917

25-2918

Approve the October 2, 2025 Commission Regular Meeting Minutes

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Preventative Maintenance Agreement Between the City of

North Port, Florida, and FITREV, INC., for the Maintenance of the Fire

Department Fitness Equipment for North Port Fire Rescue Station 82,

5650 North Port Boulevard, North Port, Florida, 34287, in the Amount of

$290.00.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

25-2954

25-2961

25-2962

Approve the Preventative Maintenance Agreement Between the City of

North Port, Florida, and FITREV, INC., for the Maintenance of the Fire

Department Fitness Equipment for North Port Fire Rescue Station 83,

3601 East Price Boulevard, North Port, Florida, 34288, in the Amount of

$150.00.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Preventative Maintenance Agreement Between the City of

North Port, Florida, and FITREV, INC., for the Maintenance of the Fire

Department Fitness Equipment for North Port Fire Rescue Station 84,

1350 Citizens Parkway, North Port, Florida, 34288, in the Amount of

$290.00.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Preventative Maintenance Agreement Between the City of

North Port, Florida, and FITREV, INC., for the Maintenance of the Fire

Department Fitness Equipment for North Port Fire Rescue Station 85,

1308 North Biscayne Drive, North Port, Florida, 34291, in the Amount of

$290.00.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

25-2963

25-2968

Approve the Preventative Maintenance Agreement Between the City of

North Port, Florida, and FITREV, INC., for the Maintenance of the Fire

Department Fitness Equipment for North Port Fire Rescue Station 86,

19955 Preto Boulevard, Venice, Florida, 34293, in the Amount of $290.00.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the October 6, 2025 Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

ORDINANCE - Second Reading:

A. ORD. NO.

An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the Central Parc

2025-28

at North Port (Activity Center 9) Pattern Plan to Revise the Buffer Plan;

Amending Article III, Table 3.3.1.2: Dimensional Standards and Article IV,

Development Standards of the Unified Land Development Code to

Reference the Amended Central Parc at North Port Pattern Plan; Providing

for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing

for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date. (QUASI-JUDICIAL).

Mayor Stokes announced the item, stated this is a quasi-judicial hearing, and called on

the City Clerk to read by title only.

Ms. Faust read the Ordinance by title only and swore in those wishing to provide

testimony.

Mayor Stokes called for disclosure of ex-parte communications. Commissioner Petrow

disclosed discussion with the property manager of Fairview Villas and residents,

Commissioner Langdon disclosed discussion with a resident of Sabal Trace Community

and was informed that the residents express support of this item, Commissioner Duval

disclosed discussions with the City Manager, Interim City Attorney, several residents of

the Trace Community, a fellow commissioner, and heard both sides of support, Mayor

Stokes disclosed discussions with the City Manager and Sabal Trace residents who

express support of this item, and Vice Mayor Emrich disclosed no ex-parte

communications.

Ms. Faust stated there were no aggrieved parties.

Peter Van Buskirk, Kimley Horn and Associates, being duly sworn, provided

presentation including request, zoning and uses, January 2018 concept, July 2018

concept, Section 21-9, Table 1, Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) required

landscape buffers, proposed amendment, current buffer plan, proposed revisions to the

plan, compromises to include live oak plantings, buffer along Fairway Village, and Lake

13 buffer, staff recommendations, Lake 13, waiver 1 for Lake 5, waiver 2 for Lake 9,

Comprehensive Plan consistency, complies with applicable findings review criteria, and

request for approval.

Alaina Ray, being duly sworn, spoke to impacts of Option 4 versus Option 1, additional

options discussed with the applicant, and staff’s recommendation of Option 1.

Mr. Van Buskirk provided a rebuttal regarding the proposed reduction in required tree

plantings and request for approval.

There were no rebuttals by staff.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Kathy Brown, being duly sworn: Expressed support of Option 4.

Ronald Barriere, being duly sworn: Expressed support of Option 4.

James Murphy, being duly sworn: Expressed opposition of Option 4

Conni Brunni, being duly sworn: Expressed Expressed support of Option 4.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding maintaining the agreement,

heat elements, representation of all residents, public feedback received, buffer waivers,

environmental protections and impacts, Planning and Zoning Advisory Board (PZAB)

meeting, and citizen support.

There were no closing arguments by staff.

Mr. Van Buskirk provided closing arguments regarding staff appreciation and number of

trees being planted.

Mayor Stokes closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

A motion was made by Vice Mayor Emrich, seconded by Commissioner Langdon,

to approve Option 4 adopting Ordinance No. 2025-28 including approval of the

alternate buffer plan along with waivers as presented by the applicant featuring an

increased number of shrubs, a Type 2 buffer along the northern side of Lake 13,

and the addition of six live oak trees in the open space near Lake 6. The motion

carried on the following vote:

3 - Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon and Commissioner Stokes

2 - Commissioner Duval and Commissioner Petrow

Yes:

No:

B. ORD. NO.

An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Regarding Sales of

Alcoholic Beverages in Proximity to Churches and Schools; Amending the

Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Sections 6-1 and 6-4; Providing for

Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for

Codification; and Providing an Effective Date.

2025-31

Mayor Stokes 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.

There were no Commission questions or discussion.

There was no public comment.

Mayor Stokes closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

A motion was made by Commissioner Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Duval,

to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-31 as presented. The motion carried on the following

vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon

and Commissioner Stokes

RESOLUTION:

C. RES. NO.

A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida,

Vacating a Portion of Utility and Drainage Easements for Lot 27, Block

2096 45th Addition to the Port Charlotte Subdivision; Providing for

Findings; Providing for Recording; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for

Severability; and Providing an Effective Date. (QUASI-JUDICIAL)

2025-R-77

Mayor Stokes announced the item, stated this is a quasi-judicial hearing, and called on

the City Clerk to read by title only.

Ms. Faust read the Resolution by title only, stated there were no aggrieved parties, and

swore in those wishing to provide testimony.

Mayor Stokes called for disclosure of ex-parte communications. There were no ex-parte

communications.

Ivan M. Dankanich, being duy sworn, provided

presentation regarding property

purchase, knowledge of vacation of easement encroachment, variance approval, and

vacation of easement supporting documentation.

Adriana Silva, being duly sworn, provided a presentation including overview, background,

review process, compliance with Florida Statutes and Unified Land Development Code

(ULDC), legal review, and staff recommendations.

There were no rebuttals by the applicant or staff.

There was no public comment.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding support of the request and

appreciation to the property owner for bringing the property into compliance.

There were no closing arguments by staff or the applicant.

Mayor Stokes closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

A motion was made by Commissioner Duval, seconded by Commissioner Langdon,

to adopt Resolution No. 2025-R-77 as presented. The motion carried on the

following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon

and Commissioner Stokes

D. RES. NO.

2025-R-78

A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida,

Vacating a Portion of Maintenance Easements for Lots 19 and 20 Block

1633 of the 33rd Addition to the Port Charlotte Subdivision; Providing for

Findings; Providing for Recording; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for

Severability; and Providing an Effective Date. (QUASI-JUDICIAL)

Mayor Stokes announced the item, stated this is a quasi-judicial hearing, and called on

the City Clerk to read by title only.

Ms. Faust read the Resolution by title only, stated there were no aggrieved parties, and

swore in those wishing to provide testimony.

Mayor Stokes called for disclosure of ex-parte communications. There were no ex-parte

communications.

Adriana Silva, being duly sworn, provided a presentation including overview, background,

review process, compliance with Florida Statutes and Unified Land Development Code

(ULDC), legal review, and staff recommendations.

There was no rebuttal by staff.

There was no public comment.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding space allocation

requirements for pool installation, ULDC code compliance regulations, and applicant

attendance.

There were no closing arguments by staff.

Mayor Stokes closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

A motion was made by Commissioner Langdon, seconded by Vice Mayor Emrich,

to adopt Resolution No. 2025-R-78 as presented. The motion carried on the

following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon

and Commissioner Stokes

E. RES. NO.

2025-R-83

A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida,

Vacating Utility and Drainage Easements for Lots 12, 13, and 14, Block

235, 8th Addition to the Port Charlotte Subdivision; Providing for Findings;

Providing for Recording; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability;

and Providing an Effective Date. (QUASI-JUDICIAL)

Mayor Stokes announced the item, stated this is a quasi-judicial hearing, and called on

the City Clerk to read by title only.

Ms. Faust read the Resolution by title only, stated there were no aggrieved parties, and

swore in those wishing to provide testimony.

Mayor Stokes called for disclosure of ex-parte communications. Commissioner Duval

disclosed communications with neighborhood residents. Commissioner Langdon,

Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Emrich, and Mayor Stokes disclosed no ex-parte

communications.

Adriana Silva, being duly sworn, provided a presentation including overview, background,

review process, compliance with Florida Statutes and Unified Land Development Code

(ULDC), legal review, and staff recommendations.

There was no rebuttal by staff.

There was no public comment.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding drainage easement impacts,

the utility review process, standby generator installation cost and timeline, drainage

installation costs, and quasi-judicial proceedings.

Mr. Fuino spoke to consideration of verbal evidence.

Ms. Silva provided closing arguments regarding review process.

Mayor Stokes closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

A motion was made by Commissioner Duval, seconded by Vice Mayor Emrich, to

adopt Resolution No. 2025-R-83 as presented. The motion carried on the following

vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon

and Commissioner Stokes

Recess was taken from 7:41 p.m. to 7:52 p.m.

6. GENERAL BUSINESS:

25-2905

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the City Clerk’s Annual

Evaluation.

Mayor Stokes announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding the City Clerk’s professional

and personal growth, engagement with staff, team-building efforts, communication and

public-speaking development, workload, credentials, comparable salaries, compensation

based on performance, honoring the City Clerk’s request for no increase, budget cycle,

Consumer Price Index (CPI) considerations, right sizing, proposed salary adjustments,

support for increase, recommended compensation, and prior compensation increases.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Debbie McDowell: Spoke to commending request and FCPC certification.

Mayor Stokes requested a motion.

motion was made by Vice Mayor Emrich, seconded by Commissioner Duval, to

conclude the annual evaluation for City Clerk Heather Faust and give her a 5%

salary increase. The motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon

and Commissioner Stokes

Commissioner Langdon spoke to her vote.

25-2921

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Individual Commissioners'

Interaction With Staff (Requested by Commissioner Petrow).

Mayor Stokes announced the item.

Commissioner Petrow introduced the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding limitations in the Charter,

administrative services definition, interaction with staff, Commissioner and City Manager

roles, ability to obtain information, ensuring information is shared amongst all

Commissioners, one-on-ones and agenda briefings, other municipalities processes,

potential perceived violations, Charter Officer responsibilities, legal review, concern with

work environment, email to citizen, badge access, meeting locations, employee

retention, and outside investigation.

Mr. Fuino spoke to Policy 6.8 being consistent with the City Charter, statutory

interpretation, and responded to Commission questions regarding Commission ability to

ask staff questions.

Commission questions and discussion continued regarding personal versus business

communications,

manager

accountability,

employee

interactions,

Human

Resources (HR) limitations, and potential legal action.

Public Comment:

Ms. Faust read the following eComment into the record:

Tammy Rehm: Expressed support of Commission interaction with staff.

In Person:

Robin San Vicente: Spoke to Florida Law and guidelines regarding Commissioner

communication with employees, formal versus informal.

Pam Tokarz: Expressed concern regarding Policy 6.8 and spoke to organizational chart.

Susan Palmer: Expressed concern regarding Policy 6.8.

Conni Brunni: Spoke to organizational chart and expressed concern regarding lack of

trust.

Michelle Pozzi: Spoke to other municipalities processes and expressed concern

regarding Policy 6.8.

Josh Smith: Spoke to various issues and expressed concern regarding chain of

command.

Debbie McDowell: Expressed concern with treatment, equal dissemination of information,

and Policy 6.8.

Stephanie Gibson: Spoke to City Attorney declination memorandum and expressed

concern with public trust.

Commission

questions and discussion continued regarding legalities, third party

clarifications regarding potential policy and charter changes, and current communication

procedures.

Mayor Stokes requested a motion.

A motion was made by Commissioner Petrow, seconded by Commissioner Duval,

to direct the City Manager to revise Policy 6.8 regarding current communication

procedures to allow staff to answer questions from individual Commissioners

without having to go through the City Manager's office. The motion failed on the

following vote:

2 - Commissioner Duval and Commissioner Petrow

3 - Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon and Commissioner Stokes

Mayor Stokes passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Emrich.

Yes:

No:

motion was made by Mayor Stokes, seconded by Commissioner Langdon, to

direct the City Attorney to seek outside legal opinion to obtain a formal opinion in

regard to the Charter and Policy 6.8 to determine if there are conflicts and report to

back to Commission for possible further action. The motion carried on the

following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon

and Commissioner Stokes

25-2971

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Debt Management

Advisory Committee.

Mayor Stokes announced the item.

Ms. Faust introduced the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding meeting requirements,

temporary suspension of board, powers and duties, reinstatement requirements, and prior

board involvement.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Robin San Vicente: Expressed support of keeping the committee.

Pam Toharz: Expressed support of keeping the committee.

Debbie McDowell: Expressed support of keeping the committee and spoke to the Debt

Management policy.

Josh Smith: Expressed support of keeping the committee and submitting an application.

There was no public comment.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT:

8. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS:

Mayor Stokes called on Commissioners for communications.

Commissioner Petrow's Communications

Commissioner Petrow spoke to events attended.

Vice Mayor Emrich's Communications

Vice Mayor Emrich had no communications.

Mayor Stokes' Communications

Mayor Stokes spoke to events attended.

Commissioner Langdon's Communications

Commissioner Langdon spoke to events attended.

Commissioner Duval's Communications

Commissioner Duval spoke to events attended.

9. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REPORTS:

Mayor Stokes called on Charter Officers for reports.

25-2912

25-2955

25-2972

City Attorney’s Monthly Report

Mr. Fuino did not provide a report.

City Clerk's Monthly Report

Ms. Faust did not provide a report.

City Manager's Monthly Report

Mr. Fletcher did not provide a report.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Robin San Vicente: Spoke to items on the report including springhaven roadway

extension, Warm Mineral Springs conservation, and the Outstanding Florida Springs

(OFS) designation.

10. ADJOURNMENT:

Mayor Stokes adjourned the meeting at 10:40 p.m.