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, March 10, 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, City Attorney Fuino, City Clerk Faust, Board Specialist Lindner,

Police Chief Garrison, Planner II Silva, and Development Services Director Ray.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Manager Jerome Fletcher.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mayor Emrich requested a motion to approve the agenda.

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 eComment into the record:

Sharon Donovan: Expressed support for Item No. 26-0427.

In Person:

Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding public comment procedures.

3. ANNOUNCEMENTS

26-0138

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 the 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 public comment procedures and compliance with laws.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

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

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

26-0241

26-0333

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.

Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Application for Voluntary

Re-Accreditation and the Accreditation Agreement between the City of

North Port and the Accreditation Council of the American Public Works

Association (APWA).

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

26-0405

26-0427

Approve the January 16, 2026 Commission Convocation of Governments

Joint Meeting Minutes

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Legacy Trail Warm Mineral Springs Park Connector Project

for Inclusion on the Prioritized List of Project Funding Applications Through

the Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

26-0422

Approve Contract Number 2025-14.001, Emergency Feeding and

Catering Services, By and Between the City of North Port, Florida, and

Cotton Commercial USA, Inc., Primary Vendor, and Authorize the City

Manager to Approve the Future Renewal Terms.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

26-0473

Approve Contract Number

2025-14.002, Emergency Feeding and

Catering Services, By and Between the City of North Port, Florida, and Puff

‘n Stuff Catering, LLC, Secondary Vendor, and Authorize the City Manager

to Approve the Future Renewal Terms.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

PETITION:

A. CC

Consideration Of Petition PMCP-24-00000041 (DMP-24-041), 75 Park

PMCP-24-00 Place Development Master Plan For A Personal Storage Facility With 175

000041

Parking Stalls For Recreational Vehicles And Boat Storage. On ± 6.37

Acres Generally Located Southeast of The Intersection of N Chamberlain

Boulevard and Greenley Road. (QUASI-JUDICIAL)

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

the City Clerk to read the Petition title.

Ms. Faust read the Petition title, stated there were no aggrieved parties, and swore in

those wishing to provide testimony.

Mayor Emrich called for disclosure of ex-parte communications.

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

Commissioner Petrow disclosed

one-on-one.

a meeting with Boone Law Firm and staff during

Frank Quattrone, Quattrone and Associates, Inc., being duly sworn, provided

presentation including request, area location map, subject and surrounding properties,

project zoning, project access and landscape buffers, water management, and

conclusion.

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

information, proposed development master plan, staff review, consistency with the

Comprehensive Plan and Unified Land Development Code (ULDC), neighborhood meeting

and public notice, and staff recommendation.

There were no rebuttals by the applicant or staff.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding highway access, flooding, traffic impacts, and

property rights.

There were no closing arguments by staff or the applicant.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding lease and operational

agreements, fire protection design elements, recreational vehicle (RV) storage

allocations, buffer enhancements, community input, hours of operation, and transition to

surrounding single-family uses.

Mr. Quattrone, being duly sworn, provided closing arguments regarding proposed

development and project considerations.

There was no closing argument by staff.

Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

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

to approve Petition No. PMCP-24-00000041, with the below conditions and find that,

based on competent substantial evidence, the development master plan and the

conditions are consistent with the Unified Land Development Code and the

Comprehensive Plan, and do not adversely affect the public interest:

Conditions:

1. At the time of the site development review, required shrubs need to be included

in landscaping calculations and on the plans. It is recommended to use Florida

native vegetation. Sec. 21-9.

2. The tree survey indicates more trees than what is proposed for preservation on

the site plans. During the Site Development Review, it is recommended to keep this

buffer in its natural state. By doing so, there will be no need to plant additional

trees to meet the requirements for a Type C buffer, as the existing trees will satisfy

this criterion. All trees designated for protection should have a barricade installed

around them, which must remain in place throughout the construction period to

prevent any damage to the protected trees. Chapter 45- Tree Protection Regulations.

3. If at any time this project offers temporary living sites for use by recreational

vehicles and camping units as defined in NFPA 1194 - Standard for Recreational

Parks and Campgrounds, 2021 Edition, the requirements for Wildland/Urban

Interface areas shall apply in accordance with NFPA 1144 - Standard for Reducing

Structure Ignition Hazards from Wildland Fire, 2018 Edition.

4. If at any time this project offers temporary living sites for use by recreational

vehicles and camping units as defined in NFPA 1194 - Standard for Recreational

Parks and Campgrounds, 2021 Edition, the requirements set forth therein shall

apply.

The motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

RESOLUTION:

B. RES. NO.

A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of North Port, Florida,

2026-R-15

Vacating

10-Foot Portion Of The Existing 20-Foot Platted Rear

Drainage Easement Located On Lot 1 Block 1538 Of The 31st 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 and swear in those wishing to provide testimony.

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.

There were no ex-parte communications.

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

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

There was no rebuttal by staff.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Tim Doyle: Expressed support of the item and spoke to concerns regarding easement

allocations.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding landscaping concerns.

There was no closing argument by staff.

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-15, as presented. The motion carried on the

following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

C. RES. NO.

2026-R-16

A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of North Port, Florida,

Vacating A Utility And Drainage Easement For Lot 8, Block 1082, 23rd

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 and swear in those wishing to provide testimony.

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.

There were no ex-parte communications.

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

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

There was no rebuttal by staff.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Tim Doyle: Expressed support of the item and spoke to property rights and construction

improvements.

There were no Commission questions or discussion.

There was no closing argument by staff.

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-16, 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.

2026-R-02

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

Adopting the 2026 Sarasota County Unified Local Mitigation Strategy;

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

Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.

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 concerns regarding financial impacts and funding agreements.

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-02, as presented. The motion carried on the

following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

ORDINANCE - First Reading:

E. ORD. NO.

An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the City Charter

2026-05

of North Port, Florida to Create Section 1.05, Corporate Boundaries;

Providing for Findings; Providing for Filing of Documents; 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 Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Commissioner Petrow,

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.

There were no Commission questions or discussion.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding jurisdictional authority, ordinance language,

and public safety.

Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

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

continue Ordinance No. 2026-05 to second reading on March 24, 2026. The motion

carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

F. ORD. NO.

An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the Non-District

Budget and Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for

Purchase of Replacement Fire Engine 85 and Associated Equipment,

Additional Costs for the Utilities Administration Building and Field

Operations Center Project U18UAB, for a Total Sum of $3,795,000;

Providing for Findings; Providing for Posting; Providing for Conflicts;

Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.

2026-06

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.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding furniture, fixtures, and

equipment (FFE) costs, cost-saving options, and secondhand furniture.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding budget impacts, expenditures, and cost

considerations.

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. 2026-06 to second reading on March 24, 2026. The

motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

6. GENERAL BUSINESS:

26-0400

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Parks and Recreation Advisory

Board Recommendation Memorandum Regarding Electronic Bicycles

(E-Bikes).

Mayor Emrich welcomed student visitors and announced the item.

Ms. Faust introduced the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding safety, enforcement

challenges, park signage, State and County input, regulatory consistency, resource and

budget impacts, and education efforts.

Public Comment:

Ms. Faust read the following eComment into the record:

Cashton Emrich: Expressed opposition of the item and spoke to safety, enforcement,

and education.

In Person:

Tim Doyle: Expressed opposition of the item and spoke to safety, impacts to youth,

alternative solutions, and parental responsibility.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

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

to decline further action at this time and direct the City Clerk to notify the Parks

and Recreation Advisory Board.

Commission questions and discussion continued regarding waiting for County input.

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

Stokes, to include language regarding waiting for State and County input prior to

implementation of any City ordinance. The motion to amend carried on the

following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

The main motion as amended carried on the following vote:

5 -

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

and Commissioner Stokes

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

direct the City Manager to research opportunities to educate and train the public

about e-bikes. The motion failed on the following vote:

2 - Mayor Emrich and Commissioner Stokes

Yes:

No:

3 - Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow and Vice Mayor Langdon

26-0440

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Appointment of

Commissioner to the Auditor Selection Committee.

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Ms. Faust introduced the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding participation, time

commitments, and appointment considerations.

Public Comment:

In Person:

Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding auditor independence, potential conflicts,

selection practices, and rotation.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

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

appoint Commissioner Petrow to serve on the Auditor Selection Committee. The

motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

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

and Commissioner Stokes

26-0456

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Potential Actions the City can

Take to Support Prohibiting the Use of Vapes on School Grounds.

(Requested by Commissioner Petrow).

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Commissioner Petrow introduced and spoke to the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding regulations, enforcement,

education efforts, coordination with Sarasota County School Board, and

support.

a letter of

Public Comment:

Ms. Faust read the following eComment into the record:

Kiwanis Club: Expressed support of the item and spoke to parental concerns and vape

detection monitors.

In Person:

Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding vaping, education, and youth access.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

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

to approve and transmit a letter of support from the City Commission endorsing the

use of vape detection monitors as

a preventative, non-intrusive tool to address

student vaping. The motion carried on the following vote:

4 -

Yes:

No:

Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow and Commissioner

Stokes

1 - Vice Mayor Langdon

7. PUBLIC COMMENT:

In Person:

Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding public safety, emergency preparedness, and

contingency planning.

8. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS:

Mayor Emrich called on Commissioners for communications.

26-0036

26-0037

Commissioner Petrow's Communications

Commissioner Petrow reported on events attended.

Vice Mayor Langdon's Communications

Vice Mayor Langdon did not have a report.

26-0038

26-0039

26-0040

Mayor Emrich's Communications

Mayor Emrich reported on events attended.

Commissioner Stokes' Communications

Commissioner Stokes reported on events attended.

Commissioner Duval's Communications

Commissioner Duval reported on events attended.

9. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REPORTS:

Mayor Emrich called on Charter Officers for reports.

Mr. Fletcher did not have a report.

Mr. Fuino did not have a report.

Ms. Faust did not have a report.

10. ADJOURNMENT:

Mayor Emrich adjourned the meeting at 12:14 p.m.

City of North Port, Florida

By: ___________________________________________

Pete Emrich, Mayor

Attest: _________________________________________

Heather Faust, City Clerk