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, January 13, 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 -

Present:

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

Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon and Commissioner Philip Stokes

ALSO PRESENT

City Manager Fletcher, Deputy City Manager Yarborough, City Attorney Fuino, City Clerk

Faust, Board Specialist Lindner, Deputy Police Chief Morales, Deputy Fire Chief Herlihy,

Development Services Director Ray, Development Services Deputy Director Barnes,

Planner II Silva, Natural Resources Manager Kalev, Parks and Recreation Director

Pfundheller, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Sturgess, Environmental Planner I

Bosch, and Finance Director Kukharenko.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Daniel Finton.

Mayor Emrich recognized prior Sarasota County 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 -

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:

Concerned Resident: Spoke to prior Good Governance Workshop conduct, participation,

and accountability.

Anonymous: Spoke to retreat funding and accountability within City leadership.

Debbie McDowell: Spoke to the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) noise

protections.

In Person:

Joan Morgan: Expressed opposition of Item No. 26-0265.

Jon Thaxton: Expressed support of Item No. 26-0228.

Robin San Vicente: Spoke to Commission communication and citizen input.

Chuck English: Spoke to board and committee removal processes.

3. ANNOUNCEMENTS

26-0134

Announcement of Current Advisory Board and Committee Vacancies

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 Deputy City Manager regarding items

pulled from the consent agenda for discussion.

Public Comment:

Ms. Faust played the following voicemail into the record:

Jonathan Temper: Expressed opposition to Item No. 26-0003.

Ms. Faust read the following eComments into the record:

Nikki Miller: Expressed opposition to Item No. 26-0003.

Chris Miller: Expressed opposition to Item No. 26-0003.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

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

approve the consent agenda with the exception of Item No. 26-0265 being pulled for

discussion. The motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

25-2777

Approve the Letter of Agreement and Contract Between the City of North

Port, Florida, on Behalf of the North Port Police Department and University

of North Florida Training and Services Institute, Inc., d/b/a Institute of Police

Technology and Management (IPTM), a Direct Support Organization of the

University of North Florida, for Reimbursement of Costs in an Amount Not

to Exceed $7,143.38, for the North Port Police Department to Provide High

Visibility Law Enforcement Operations in Areas With a High Rate of

Pedestrian/Bicycle Crashes.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

25-3035

Approve First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for Commercial

Driver License Training Between Charlotte County Public Schools and the

City of North Port, Florida.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

25-3042

Approve Election Day Polling Place Agreement Between the City of North

Port, Florida and the Supervisor of Elections of Sarasota County, Florida

Regarding Use of the Premises Located at 6207 West Price Boulevard,

North Port, Florida, 34291, Morgan Family Community Center,

Multi-Purpose Room A and B, for the August 18, 2026, Primary Election

and November 3, 2026, General Election.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

25-3071

26-0003

Approve the Interlocal Agreement for Emergency Water Interconnect

Between the City of North Port, Florida, and Englewood Water District.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve Request from Sarasota Memorial Hospital Seeking Relief From

the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Article II, Division 2. Noise, to

Allow Concrete Pouring

Activities to Occur at the Sarasota Memorial

Hospital - Sumter Boulevard Location Between the Hours of 9:00 p.m. and

7:00 a.m. the Following Day on Weekdays and 9:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. on

Weekends and Holidays, Beginning February 1, 2026, and Extending

Through September 30, 2028.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

26-0078

26-0132

Accept the Cash Receipts Summary Report for October 2025.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Affiliation Agreement for Clinical Practice Between the City of

North Port, Florida, and The School District of Manatee County, Florida, to

Permit Students Enrolled in the School District's Health Science Programs

at Manatee Technical College to Ride-Along With North Port Fire Rescue

Crews.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

26-0189

26-0260

Approve the November 18, 2025 Commission Regular Minutes, December

1, 2025 Commission Workshop Minutes, December 9, 2025 Commission

Regular

Minutes,

December

11,

2025 Commission

Regular,

and

December 11 Commission Special Meeting Minutes.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve Construction Contract No. 2025-45 Pan American Wastewater

Reclamation Facility Centrifuge Building By and Between the City of North

Port, Florida, and Close Construction Services, LLC, in the Amount of

$253,046.85 with a Contingency of $25,304.00, for a Total Amount of

$278,350.85.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Reappointment of Julianne Lacour as a Regular Member to

Serve a Second Term on the Community Economic Development Advisory

Board From February 14, 2026, Through February 14, 2029.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Appointment of Sharon Matthews as a Regular Member to

Serve on the Community Economic Development Advisory Board From

January 13, 2026, Through January 13, 2029.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Reappointment of Eva M. Rathgeber as a Regular Member to

Serve a Second Term on the Art Advisory Board From February 28, 2026,

Through February 28, 2029.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Appointments of Robin J. San Vicente and Eva M. Rathgeber

as Regular Members to Serve on the Environmental Advisory Board From

January 13, 2026, Through January 13, 2029.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Appointment of Cheryl L. Cook as a Regular Member to Serve

on the Debt Management Committee Advisory Board From June 9, 2026,

Through June 9, 2029.

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Mr. Yarborough introduced the item.

Commissioner Stokes spoke to the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding purpose, member

qualifications, current borrowing needs, and suspension of applications.

There was no public comment.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

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

suspend presenting applications for approval to the Commission for the Debt

Management Advisory Committee for a period of 6-months. The motion carried on

the following vote with Commissioner Duval dissenting due to the timeframe:

3 - Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon and Commissioner Stokes

2 - Commissioner Duval and Commissioner Petrow

Yes:

No:

26-0266

Approve the Appointment of Carolyn Barry as a Regular Member to Serve

on the Art Advisory Board From January 13, 2026, Through January 13,

2029.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

26-0272

26-0294

Approve Election Day Polling Place Agreement Between the City of North

Port, Florida and the Supervisor of Elections of Sarasota County, Florida

Regarding Use of the Premises Located at 1602 Kramer Way, North Port,

FL, 34286, George Mullen Activity Center/Gym, for the August 18, 2026,

Primary Election and November 3, 2026, General Election.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve Employment Separation and Release Agreement By and

Between David Brown and the City of North Port, Florida.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

ORDINANCE - First Reading:

A. ORD. NO.

An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Providing for the Imposition

2026-01

and Collection of Non-Ad Valorem Special Assessments to Fund Costs

Incurred by the City in Abating Nuisance Conditions of Excessive Growth of

Grass and Nuisance Weeds on Developed Lots, and Hazardous Trees

and Accumulation of Debris on Any Lot; Amending the Code of the City of

North Port, Florida, Chapter 42 – Nuisances, Article II – Lot Clearing, to

Create Section 42-27; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts;

Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an

Effective Date.

Mayor Emrich announced the item and requested a motion to direct the City Clerk to

read by title only.

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

to direct the City Clerk to read the Ordinance by title only. The motion carried on

the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

Ms. Faust read the Ordinance by title only.

Mr. Yarborough introduced the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding fund expenditures, cost

assessments, tree removal, code violations, Florida Building Code applicability, drought

considerations, and undeveloped lots.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Robin San Vicente: Spoke to fee abatement processes.

Commission questions and discussion continued regarding County tax fee processes.

Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

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

continue Ordinance No. 2026-01 to second reading on February 24, 2026. The

motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

B. ORD. NO.

An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Adjusting the

Commission’s Base Salary Rate; Amending the Code of the City of North

Port, Florida, Section 2-23. - Declaration of Salary; Payment; Providing for

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

Codification; and Providing an Effective Date.

2026-02

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 Commissioner Duval,

to direct the City Clerk to read the Ordinance by title only. The motion carried on

the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

Ms. Faust read the Ordinance by title only.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding base salaries, cost of living

adjustments, voting procedures for compensation, and clarification of Consumer Price

Index (CPI) based adjustments.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Robin San Vicente: Spoke to citizen concerns regarding pay structure for Commission

salaries.

Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

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

to continue Ordinance No. 2026-02 to second reading on February 24, 2026. The

motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

C. ORD. NO.

An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the Unified Land

Development Code Regarding Authorized Hours for Business Activities

and Deliveries in Corridor Transitional and Corridor Zoning Districts by

Amending Section 3.2.4.; Providing for Findings, Providing for Conflicts;

Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an

Effective Date.

2026-04

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 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

Ms. Faust read the Ordinance by title only.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Ms. Barnes spoke to the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding residential property uses,

restaurant use, noise ordinances, guideline adjustments, light industrial uses and special

exceptions, City segmentation, planned communities, impacts on undeveloped lots,

arterial and collector road classifications, automotive repair shop use limitations, benefits

versus cost considerations, citizen concerns, hotels, bed and breakfast establishments,

animal boarding facilities, and commercially designated lots.

There was no public comment.

Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

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

to continue Ordinance No. 2026-04 to second reading on February 10, 2026. The

motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

RESOLUTION:

D. RES. NO.

A Resolution of the City of North Port, Florida, Authorizing the Use of

Electronic Records and Electronic Signatures Pursuant to the Uniform

Electronic Transaction Act and Directing the City Manager to Adopt and

Implement Control Processes and Procedures for the Use of Electronic

Signatures; Providing for Incorporation of Recitals; Providing for Conflicts;

Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.

2026-R-03

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 DocuSign standards and

candidate forms.

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 Stokes,

to adopt Resolution No. 2026-R-03 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.

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

Vacating Utility and Drainage Easements for Lots 15 & 16 Block 334 of the

2026-R-04

5th 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 Emrich 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 Emrich called for disclosure of ex-parte communications.

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Stokes, and

Commissioner Petrow disclosed no ex-parte communications.

Cherie DeHay, Settles Real Estate, LLC and Applicant's Realtor, being duly sworn,

spoke to lot concerns regarding contract and kitchen easements.

Ms. Silva, being duly sworn, provided a presentation including overview, background,

review process, compliance review, staff recommendations, and legal review.

There were no rebuttals by staff or the applicant.

There was no public comment.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding easement clarifications.

There were no closing arguments by staff or the applicant.

Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

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

to adopt Resolution No. 2026-R-04 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 11:27 a.m to 11:45 a.m.

6. GENERAL BUSINESS:

26-0228

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Pursuing an Outstanding

Spring Designation for Warm Mineral Springs.

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Ms. Bosch spoke to the item and provided a presentation including the origination and

characteristics of the spring, prior Commission discussion, clarification of the process

and timeline, qualification criteria, priority focus characteristics, potential benefits of

designation, potential community benefits, major drawbacks of designation, City-level

challenges, potential costs to residents, potential City costs, municipal involvement,

Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) requirement clarification, minimum flows and

levels (MFL), clarification of prior Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)

questions, alternative local protection tools, benefits versus drawbacks, and decision

points for the Commission.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding water quality and testing

parameters, regulatory thresholds, monitoring responsibilities, environmental impacts,

cost considerations, local versus state oversight, and long-term protection strategies.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Robin San Vicente: Spoke to prior involvement with water testing and designation

clarification.

Pam Tokarz: Expressed support of the Commission discussion and expressed

opposition of the item.

Debbie Blackwell: Expressed opposition of the item.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

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

to direct the City Manager to continue utilizing local protection measures instead of

pursuing Outstanding Florida Spring designation. The motion carried on the

following vote:

4 -

Yes:

No:

Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon and Commissioner

Stokes

1 - Commissioner Duval

Recess was taken from 1:00 p.m. to 1:13 p.m.

26-0234

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Lowering the Tax Rate That the

City Charges on Citizens Florida Power and Light (FPL) Electric Service

Bills. (Requested by Commissioner Duval).

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Commissioner Duval spoke to the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding franchise fee percentage

rates, impacts to citizens, budgetary and revenue considerations, fiscal responsibility,

timing of potential changes, staff review and analysis needs, right-of-way and utility fee

structures, solid waste and water revenue allocations, potential offsets for residents,

future rate projections, and the budget process.

There was no public comment.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

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

to direct the City Manager to review a revenue-neutral approach, an approach to

reducing to 6%, the impact on citizens in terms of dollars, and the impact to the

City in terms of lost revenue, as timely as possible. The motion carried on the

following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

26-0264

Discussion

and

Possible

Action

Regarding

Advisory

Board

Recommendation Memorandum From the Charter Review Advisory Board

Regarding Bond Issuance During Declared Disaster or Emergency

Without Voter Approval.

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Ms. Faust spoke to the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding recommendations, Charter

language clarification, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) related

considerations, potential voter approval requirements, and a joint meeting.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Pam Tokarz: Spoke to processes, costs, and financing options.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

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

direct the City Clerk to schedule a joint meeting with the Charter Review Advisory

Board to discuss this item. The motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

26-0274

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Approving the Appointment of

Tim A. Drumm or Tiffany Arnold as a Regular Member to Serve on the

Community Economic Development Advisory Board From January 13,

2026, Through January 13, 2029.

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Ms. Faust spoke to the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding applicants' backgrounds and

experience.

There was no public comment.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

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

to approve Tiffany Arnold to serve on the Community Economic Development

Advisory Board as a North Port resident. The motion failed on the following vote:

2 - Vice Mayor Langdon and Commissioner Stokes

Yes:

No:

3 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval and Commissioner Petrow

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

to approve Tim Drumm to serve on the Community Economic Development

Advisory Board as a North Port resident. The motion carried on the following vote:

3 - Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval and Commissioner Petrow

2 - Vice Mayor Langdon and Commissioner Stokes

Yes:

No:

7. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Pam Tokarz: Expressed concerns regarding Item No. 26-0274.

8. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS:

Mayor Emrich called on Commissioners for communications.

Commissioner Petrow's Communications

Commissioner Petrow spoke to events attended.

Vice Mayor Langdon's Communications

Vice Mayor Langdon did not have a report.

Mayor Emrich's Communications

Mayor Emrich did not have a report.

Commissioner Stokes' Communications

Commissioner Stokes reported on important topics.

Commissioner Duval's Communications

Commissioner Duval reported on important topics and events attended.

9. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REPORTS:

Mayor Emrich called on Charter Officers for reports.

Mr. Fletcher did not provide a report.

Mr. Fuino did not provide a report.

Ms. Faust did not provide a report.

10. ADJOURNMENT:

Mayor Emrich adjourned the meeting at 2:19 p.m.

City of North Port, Florida

By: ___________________________________________

Pete Emrich, Mayor

Attest: _________________________________________

Heather Faust, City Clerk