4970 CITY HALL BLVD

NORTH PORT, FL 34286

City of North Port

Meeting Minutes

City Commission Regular Meeting

CITY COMMISSIONERS

Alice White, Mayor

Phil Stokes, Vice Mayor

Pete Emrich, Commissioner

Barbara Langdon, Commissioner

Debbie McDowell, Commissioner

APPOINTED OFFICIALS

Jerome Fletcher, City Manager

Amber L. Slayton, City Attorney

Heather Faust, City Clerk

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

6:00 PM

City Commission Chambers

CALL TO ORDER

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

ROLL CALL

4 - Commissioner Debbie McDowell, Mayor Alice White, Vice Mayor Philip Stokes

and Commissioner Barbara Langdon

Present:

1 - Commissioner Pete Emrich

Absent:

Also Present:

City Manager Fletcher, City Attorney Slayton, City Clerk Faust, Board Specialist

Bodmer, Police Chief Garrison, Deputy Police Chief Morales, Fire Chief Titus, Police

Legal Advisor Coughlin, Planning and Zoning Manager Flores, Director of Development

Services Ray, Parks,

Assistant Director of Development Services Barnes, and

Recreation Director Pfundheller, Recreation Manager Mendelson, and Finance Director

Williams

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Awaken Church Pastor Larry Grant.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

motion was made by Commissioner Langdon, seconded by Commissioner

McDowell, to approve the agenda moving Item No. 24-0465 prior to Public

Comment. The motion carried on the following vote:

4 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White, Vice Mayor Stokes and Commissioner

Langdon

Yes:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

3. PRESENTATIONS: TIME LIMIT OF 15 MINUTES

24-0465

Sarasota County Commissioner Ron Cutsinger Update to the North Port

City Commission.

Mayor White announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Commissioner Cutsinger provided

presentation including expanding River Road

under budget, Mosquito Control Task Force meeting, and new facility, San Mateo Drive

land purchase, park development, Hurricane Ian damage, Housing and Urban

Development Department (HUD) grants, affordable housing, and South River Road

flooding.

There were no Commission questions or discussion.

There was no public comment.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Ms. Faust read the following eComments into the record:

Jill Luke: Expressed opposition to timing of the new Police Headquarters.

In Person:

Deborah Plasencia: Expressed concern with Activity Center 6 rezoning.

Valdy Olender: Spoke to rights and privileges.

4. ANNOUNCEMENTS

24-0208

Announcement of Current Advisory Board and Committee Vacancies

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

announcements.

Ms. Faust read the announcements into the record.

5. CONSENT AGENDA:

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

from the consent agenda for discussion.

There was no public comment.

Mayor White requested a motion.

motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Vice Mayor

Stokes, to approve the consent agenda with the exception of Item No. 24-0426

being pulled for discussion. The motion carried on the following vote:

4 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White, Vice Mayor Stokes and Commissioner

Langdon

Yes:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

24-0351

24-0373

Accept the Cash Receipts Summary Report for January 2024.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve Work Assignment 2024-05 with Stantec Consulting Services

Inc.,

in the Amount of $168,080.00, for the City of North Port’s

America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) Updated Risk and Resilience

Assessment and Emergency Response Plan Project

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

24-0424

24-0426

Approve the February 1, 2024 Commission Regular Meeting Minutes

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Interlocal Agreement Relating to Trespass Authority for

County Owned Parks and Facilities Located Within the City of North Port

By and Between Sarasota County, Florida and the City of North Port,

Florida.

Mayor White announced the item.

Commissioner McDowell spoke to the item.

Ms. Coughlin replied to Commission questions regarding inclusion of additional parcel

identification numbers (PID) on the exhibit.

Ms. Slayton spoke to the agreement presented for approval and process for exhibit

modification.

motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Vice Mayor

Stokes, to approve Item No. 24-0426 as presented. The motion carried on the

following vote:

4 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White, Vice Mayor Stokes and Commissioner

Langdon

Yes:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

24-0427

Approve the Interagency Agreement By and Between the Sarasota

County Sheriff’s Office and the City of North Port, Florida on Behalf of

the North Port Police Department for Use of the Knight Trail Park Gun

Range at a Reasonable Hourly Rate to the City of North Port.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

24-0428

24-0431

Approve the LexisNexis Solutions Supplemental Terms and Conditions

for the TraX and VIPER (Virtual Pen Register) Software Subscription in

the Annual Amount of $5,897.25.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Memorandum of Understanding Between Miami-Dade

County and Partner Law Enforcement Agencies for Sharing License

Plate Recognition (LPR) Detection Data and Hotlists on Insight LPR’s

Platform.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

24-0444

Approve the OpenGov Software Services Agreement an Order Form for

OpenGov Community Feedback for an Annual Fee of $2,140.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

24-0466

24-0467

Approve the Appointment of Patricia Richardson as a Regular Member

of the Art Advisory Board, to Serve a Term From March 26, 2024, to

March 26, 2027.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

Approve the Appointment of Deanna Broes as an Alternate Member of

the Environmental Advisory Board, to Serve a Term From March 26,

2024, to March 26, 2027.

This item was approved on the consent agenda.

6. PRESENTATIONS: TIME LIMIT OF 15 MINUTES - Continued

24-0435

Presentation of Awaken Outreach Center 2023 Annual Report of

Activities.

Mayor White announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Bill Taaffe, Awaken Church Board of Directors, provided

presentation including

non-profit status and incorporation, partner organizations, outreach center programs,

drive-thru pantry, 2023 numbers and individuals served, and donated volunteer hours.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding jurisdiction and how to

volunteer.

There was no public comment.

7. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

PETITION:

PLF-23-251

Consideration of Petition PLF-23-251, Lakespur at Wellen Park Phase 3

Final Plat (QUASI-JUDICIAL)

Mayor White 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 Petition by title only and swore in those wishing to provide testimony.

Mayor White called for disclosure of ex-parte communications.

Commissioners disclosed having no ex-parte communications.

Ms. Faust stated there were no aggrieved parties.

John Luczynski, Manasota Beach Ranchlands, LLC., being duly sworn, provided

presentation involving location, and request recommendation.

Mr. Flores, being duly sworn, provided

a presentation including overview, applicant,

property owner, request, location, residential lots, aerial view, compliance with Unified

Land Development Code (ULDC) and Florida Statutes, and recommendations.

There was no rebuttal by the Applicant or Staff.

There was no public comment.

There were no Commission questions or discussion.

There were no closing arguments by Staff or the Applicant.

Mayor White closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

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

to approve the Lakespur at Wellen Park Phase 3 Final Plat, Petition No.

PLF-23-251, and find that, based on the competent and substantial evidence, the

plat is consistent with Florida Statutes Section 177.081, the Unified Land

Development Code, and the North Port Comprehensive Plan. The motion carried

on the following vote:

4 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White, Vice Mayor Stokes and Commissioner

Langdon

Yes:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

PLF-23-259

Consideration of Petition PLF-23-259, Wellen Park Downtown Phase 2

Final Plat (QUASI-JUDICIAL)

Mayor White 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 Petition by title only and swore in those wishing to provide testimony.

Mayor White called for disclosure of ex-parte communications.

Commissioners disclosed having no ex-parte communications.

Ms. Faust stated there were no aggrieved parties.

John Luczynski, Manasota Beach Ranchlands, LLC., being duly sworn, provided

presentation including overview and location.

Ms. Barnes, being duly sworn, provided

a presentation including overview, applicant,

property owner, request, location, residential lots, aerial view, compliance with Unified

Land Development Code (ULDC) and Florida Statutes, and recommendations.

There was no rebuttal by the Applicant or Staff.

There was no public comment.

There were no Commission questions or discussion.

There were no closing arguments by Staff or the Applicant.

Mayor White closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

motion was made by Vice Mayor Stokes, seconded by Commissioner

McDowell, to approve the Wellen Park Downtown Phase 2 Final Plat, Petition No.

PFL-23-259, and find that, based on the competent and substantial evidence, the

plat is consistent with Florida Statutes Section 177.081, the Unified Land

Development Code, and the North Port Comprehensive Plan. The motion carried

on the following vote:

4 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White, Vice Mayor Stokes and Commissioner

Langdon

Yes:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

ORDINANCE - Second Reading

ORD. NO.

2024-01

An Ordinance of The City of North Port, Florida, Adopting Certain

Standards of the International Property Maintenance Code Related to

the Exterior Maintenance of Residential and Non-Residential Properties,

Buildings, and Structures; Amending the Code of The City of North Port,

Florida, Chapter 42, Article V, Sections 42-84 Through 42-86; Providing

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

for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date.

Mayor White announced the item and called on the City Clerk to read by title only.

Ms. Faust read the Ordinance by title only.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding compliance, incomplete

housing, deadline, code enforcement, and blue tarps.

There was no public comment.

Mayor White closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

motion was made by Commissioner Langdon, seconded by Commissioner

McDowell, to adopt Ordinance No. 2024-01 as presented. The motion carried on

the following vote:

4 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White, Vice Mayor Stokes and Commissioner

Langdon

Yes:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

ORDINANCE - First Reading

ORD. NO.

2024-06

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

The City of North Port, Florida, Chapter 4, Article X, Regarding the

Historic and Cultural Advisory Board; Providing for Findings; Providing

for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and

Providing an Effective Date.

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

read by title only.

motion was made by Commissioner Langdon, seconded by Commissioner

McDowell, to direct the City Clerk to read the Ordinance by title only. The motion

carried on the following vote:

4 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White, Vice Mayor Stokes and Commissioner

Langdon

Yes:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

Ms. Faust read the Ordinance by title only.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding board members

applications, term limits, and ordinance language.

There was no public comment.

Mayor White closed the public hearing and requested a motion.

motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Vice Mayor

Stokes, to continue Ordinance No. 2024-06 to second reading on April 9, 2024

amending line 63. The motion carried on the follow vote:

4 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White, Vice Mayor Stokes and Commissioner

Langdon

Yes:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

Recess was taken from 7:09 p.m. until 7:19 p.m.

8. GENERAL BUSINESS:

24-0358

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding City Commission Previous

Action Relating to the Placement of Artwork Near Walgreen's in Heron

Creek

and

Possible

Direction

the

Associated

Recommendation From the Art Advisory Board for Artwork.

Mayor White announced the item.

Ms. Pfundheller spoke to the item including request and location.

Ms. Mendelson spoke to Art Advisory Board input, City Attorney review, local artist, and

Hurricane Ian salvage material.

Mr. Halligan spoke to proposed project including search and rescue after Hurricane Ian

inspiration for sculpture, material, and base.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding materials, deposit,

dimensions, location, lighting, and visibility.

There was no public comment.

Mayor White requested a motion.

motion was made by Commissioner Langdon, seconded by Commissioner

McDowell, to direct the City Manager to move forward with the installation of the

artwork as presented by Mike Halligan to be located near the Myakkahatchee

Creek Greenway Trail along Price Boulevard in an amount not to exceed $45,000.

Commission questions and discussion continued regarding funding from the Art fund,

and partial payment option.

motion to amend was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Vice

Mayor Stokes, to add “with deposit and payments being made as follows: 1/3

initial deposit, 1/3 during the completion and curing process, and 1/3 at final

installation." The motion to amend carried on the following vote with

Commissioner Langdon dissenting due to the original payment plan being

acceptable.

3 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White and Vice Mayor Stokes

1 - Commissioner Langdon

Yes:

No:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

The main motion as amended carried on the following vote:

4 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White, Vice Mayor Stokes and Commissioner

Langdon

Yes:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

24-0478

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Approval of the March 5,

2024 Commission Regular Meeting Minutes.

Mayor White announced the item.

Ms. Faust introduced the item.

There were no Commission questions or discussion.

There was no public comment.

Mayor White requested a motion.

motion was made by Vice Mayor Stokes, seconded by Commissioner

McDowell, to approve the March 5, 2024 meeting minutes as presented with the

recommended changes. The motion carried on the following vote:

4 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White, Vice Mayor Stokes and Commissioner

Langdon

Yes:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

24-0490

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding a Potential Referendum for a

Charter Amendment Regarding the City's Bonding Authority, a Potential

Referendum Authorizing Bonds, and Other Funding Options for the

Police Department Headquarters Project.

Mayor White announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding criteria of repayment plan,

utilization of Surtax, impact fees, and grants.

Mr. Fletcher spoke to future discussion on April 1, 2024 for the use of Surtax.

Commission questions and discussion continued regarding discussing referendum

language, postponing discussion, payment schedule, minimizing debt service, and

reviewing alternate options.

Mr. Fletcher spoke to payment schedule and future answers.

Commission questions and discussion continued regarding funding options, staff

review, milage rate increase, past milage increases, and postponing item.

Ms. Faust read the following eComment into the record:

Jill Luke: Expressed opposition to Item No. 24-0490.

In Person:

Joe Jozzuolo: Expressed support of police department but opposes tax increases.

Mick Mchale: Expressed support of Item No. 24-0490.

Brenda Farley: Expressed support of Item No. 24-0490.

Karen Arlington: Expressed support of Item No. 24-0490.

Vanessa Carusone: Expressed support of Item No. 24-0490.

Mayor White requested a motion.

motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Vice Mayor

Stokes, to amend the April 1, 2024 meeting from a workshop to a special meeting.

Discussion took place regarding needing more time to gather additional information,

April 1, 2024 workshop items, legal implications of changing the meeting, and agenda

being posted.

The motion carried on the following vote:

4 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White, Vice Mayor Stokes and Commissioner

Langdon

Yes:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Vice Mayor

Stokes, to amend the April 1, 2024 agenda to include discussion and possible

action regarding funding of the Police Department Headquarters to 100 percent

design plan. The motion carried on the following vote:

4 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White, Vice Mayor Stokes and Commissioner

Langdon

Yes:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

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

to direct the City Manager to work with Staff to meet with bond counsel and other

external subject matter experts in order to have discussion with possible action

on how to structure the payment of the Police Department Headquarters. The

motion carried on the following vote:

4 - Commissioner McDowell, Mayor White, Vice Mayor Stokes and Commissioner

Langdon

Yes:

1 - Commissioner Emrich

Absent:

Mr. Fletcher spoke to bringing back charter amendment discussion at a later date.

Commission questions and discussion continued regarding bond counsel and other

external subject matter experts attending a Commission meeting to provide information

and respond to questions.

9. PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no public comment.

10. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS:

Commissioner McDowell's Communications

Commissioner McDowell reported on important topics and events attended.

Commissioner Langdon's Communications

Commissioner Langdon reported on important topics and events attended.

Mayor White's Communications

Mayor White's reported on important topics and events attended.

Vice Mayor Stokes' Communications

Vice Mayor Stokes reported on important topics and events attended.

24-0287

Commissioner Emrich's Communications

Commissioner Emrich was not present.

11. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REPORTS:

24-0225

24-0469

24-0483

City Clerk's Monthly Report

Ms. Faust did not provide a report.

City Attorney's Monthly Report

Ms. Slayton did not provide a report.

City Manager Monthly Report

Mr. Fletcher did not provide a report.

12.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mayor White adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m.

City of North Port, Florida

By:

_________________________________________

Alice White, Mayor

Attest: _________________________________________

Heather Faust, City Clerk