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

Jill Luke, Commissioner

Debbie McDowell, Commissioner

Alice White, Commissioner

APPOINTED OFFICIALS

Jerome Fletcher, City Manager

Amber L. Slayton, City Attorney

Heather Faust, City Clerk

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

6:00 PM

City Commission Chambers

CALL TO ORDER

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

ROLL CALL

5 -

Present:

Mayor Pete Emrich, Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon, Commissioner Jill Luke,

Commissioner Alice White and Commissioner Debbie McDowell

Also Present

City Manager Jerome Fletcher, City Attorney Amber Slayton, City Clerk Heather Faust,

Recording Secretary Amanda Baker, Fire Chief Scott Titus, Police Chief Todd Garrison,

Parks and Recreation Director Sandy Pfundheller, Parks and Recreation Assistant

Director Tricia Wisner, Parks and Grounds Manager Jeff Nelson, and Marketing and

Engagement Coordinator Laura Ansel

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by North Port resident Melodi Wilson.

Commission recognized Boy Scout Troop 254 and Sarasota County Commissioner Ron

Cutsinger for attending the meeting.

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner

Luke, to approve the Agenda as presented. The motion carried on the following

vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Luke, Commissioner White and

Commissioner McDowell

2. PUBLIC COMMENT:

Ms. Faust read the following e-comment into the record:

Mildred Hubbard: expressed opposition for the Myakkahatchee Creek nature trail project.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Jeffrey Scott: roles of the City Manager, elected Commissioners, and will of the

community.

Valdy Olender: Declaration of Independence.

3. CONSENT AGENDA:

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher noted items to be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion.

motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner

Luke, to approve the Consent Agenda with Item Nos. 22-2509, 22-3002, and 22-2969

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

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Luke, Commissioner White and

Commissioner McDowell

22-2917

22-2509

Approve the Release and Indemnification Agreement Regarding Use of the

Sheriff’s Facilities and/or Equipment between the City of North Port and the

Sheriff of Hillsborough County.

This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.

Award RFB No. 2022-16 for Janitorial Services to Emerald Facility

Management, LLC., dba Emerald Facility Services, in the Amount of

$179,460.00 For the Initial Term from the Date of Award Through and

Including June 21, 2024, with an Option to Renew for Two Additional

One-year Terms with 5% Compounded Increases for Second and Third

Year Plus Any Additional Services on an “as-Required” Basis per the

Terms and Conditions in the Solicitation and Authorize the City Manager

to Approve Renewals in Accordance with the Terms and Conditions in the

Solicitation

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced and spoke to the item, and noted staff requested to remove the

item from the agenda.

No action was taken on this item.

22-3002

Approve Construction Contract No. 2022-18 - Toledo Blade Boulevard

Utility Extensions With DBE Management LLC dba DBE Utility Services in

the Amount of $2,030,075.00, With a Contingency of $304,511.00, for a

Total Amount of $2,334,586.00.

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Commissioner White spoke to the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding broadband connectivity.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

motion was made by Commissioner White, seconded by Commissioner

McDowell, to approve Item No. 22-3002 for Construction Contract No. 2022-18 -

Toledo Blade Boulevard Utilities Extensions with DBE Management LLC dba DBE

Utility Services. The motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Luke, Commissioner White and

Commissioner McDowell

22-2954

22-2957

Approve the Third Amendment to the City of North Port, Florida and North

Port Health Investors, LLC Water and Wastewater System Developer’s

Agreement.

This item was approved on the 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 the Consent Agenda.

22-2979

22-2986

22-2994

Approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between Bob

Gualtieri, as Sheriff of Pinellas County, and the City of North Port

Regarding Florida's Facial Recognition Network, Which Provides the North

Port Police Department Access to Florida’s Facial Recognition Network

(FR-Net), Hosted by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.

Approve Amendment No. 1 to Construction Contract No. 2021-47 -

Myakkahatchee Creek Water Treatment Plant (MCWTP) Structural

Rehabilitation Project - Phase 2 with Innovative Masonry Restoration, LLC,

for an Additional Amount of $37,125.00, for a Total Contract Price of

$1,231,432.00.

This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.

Approve the Award of the Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Disc Golf

Course Development Project to Jon F. Swift Construction in the Amount of

$149,912.00.

This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.

22-3101

Approve the Municipal Election Agreement Between the City of North Port

and the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections for the August 23, 2022,

City of North Port Primary Election and the November 8, 2022, City of

North Port General Election

This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.

22-3109

22-2969

Approval for Commissioner McDowell to Serve on the Florida League of

Cities 2023 Advocacy Committee.

This item was approved on the Consent Agenda.

Approval of Carl Goodrich as a Regular Member on the Environmental

Advisory Board to Serve a Two-Year Term From June 28, 2022, to June

28, 2024.

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Commissioner McDowell spoke to the item.

Commission discussion took place regarding prior attendance on advisory boards and

board member's responsibilities.

motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner

Luke, to deny Carl Goodrich as a regular member of the Environmental Advisory

Board. The motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Luke, Commissioner White and

Commissioner McDowell

4. PRESENTATIONS: TIME LIMIT OF 15 MINUTES

22-3125

Sarasota County Commissioner Ron Cutsinger Update to North Port City

Commission.

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Commissioner Cutsinger provided

presentation including Legacy Trail extension,

mobility On-Demand system, negotiating property on Myakka River, South County

Courthouse ribbon-cutting, and Surtax IV.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding gratitude to Commissioner

Cutsinger, Legacy Trail extension events, On-Demand service, expansion into Wellen

Park, temporary construction road, funding trail heads and accessories, trolley service,

shared ride experience, and On-Demand fee structure.

5. GENERAL BUSINESS:

22-3086

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Interlocal Agreement

Providing for the Administration of a Joint County/Municipality Economic

Development Program.

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Lisa Krouse and Erin Silk, Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Sarasota

County, provided a presentation including the EDC mission and purpose, FY 2023

organizational goals and approved annual plan, funding model, trends, Sarasota County

and North Port projects, FY 2022 metrics, strategic priorities, future focus, and North Port

metrics.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding EDC personnel resuming

weekly attendance in North Port, marketing plans, geographical area of added jobs, total

Economic Development Organizations (EDO) in Florida, metric calculations, dos and

don'ts for EDC and City government, new leadership team, and private vs. public funding.

Mr. Fletcher provided the number of EDOs in Florida.

Commission discussion continued regarding progress within the EDC agreement and

organization, Economic Development staff, and support of EDC.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Bill Gunnin: expressed support from the Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner

Luke, to approve the Joint Agreement with Sarasota County, other municipalities,

and the Economic Development Corporation as presented. The motion carried on

the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Luke, Commissioner White and

Commissioner McDowell

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

RESOLUTION:

A. RES. NO.

A Resolution of the City of North Port, Florida, Approving the Expenditure

of $10,000 of Forfeiture Funds to the Florida FBI National Academy

Associates, inc., for its Re-Trainer Conference to Provide Training for

Attending Members; Providing for Incorporation of Recitals; Providing for

Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.

2022-R-37

Mayor Emrich announced the item and directed the City Clerk to read the Resolution by

title only.

Ms. Faust 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.

motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner

McDowell, to approve Resolution No. 2022-R-37 as presented. The motion carried

on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Luke, Commissioner White and

Commissioner McDowell

RESOLUTION: Second Reading

B. RES. NO.

A Resolution of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the Non-District

2022-R-31

Budget and Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22 for

Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Trail Project P10MCG in the Amount of

$319,400 and for the First Floor Lobby Piece of Art in the Amount of

$1,750; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for

Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.

Mayor Emrich announced the item and directed the City Clerk to read the Resolution by

title only.

Ms. Faust 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-31 as presented. The motion carried on the

following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Luke, Commissioner White and

Commissioner McDowell

Recess was taken from 7:25 p.m. until 7:40 p.m.

7. GENERAL BUSINESS: Continued

22-2953

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Approval of the Award of

Request for Bid (RFB) No. 2022-23 for Construction of the Myakkahatchee

Creek Greenway Trail to Gale Construction Company of Illinois for the

Amount of $1,908,812.07 and Contingency in the Amount of $133,000 for

the Total Amount of $2,014,812.07.

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding design plans, following steps

after approval, cultural resource survey, environmental invasiveness, access point,

connection and crossing project, tree mitigation, funding sources, and checks and

balances.

There was no public comment.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner

Luke, to approve the award of Request for Bid (RFB) No. 2022-23 for the

construction of the Myakkahatchee Creek Greenway Trail project to Gale

Construction Company. The motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Luke, Commissioner White and

Commissioner McDowell

22-2977

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Approval of the May 24,

2022 Commission Regular Meeting Minutes

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Ms. Faust introduced the item.

Commission discussion took place regarding the incorrect vote.

There was no public comment.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

motion was made by Commissioner Luke, seconded by Commissioner

McDowell, to approve the May 24, 2022 Meeting Minutes as presented with the

recommended changes. The motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Luke, Commissioner White and

Commissioner McDowell

22-2918

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Selection of a Name for the

New Veterans Memorial Park and Consideration of the Proposed Park

Concept Plan.

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

Mr. Nelson provided a presentation including requested Commission direction and park

name recommendations.

Commission

questions

and

discussion

took

place

regarding

correct

name

recommendation of "Circle of Honor at City Green", other name suggestions, inclusion of

"park" in the name, and conceptual park design.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Melodi Wilson: expressed support of "Circle of Honor" and park originality.

Mayor Emrich passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Langdon.

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

approve "Circle of Honor" as the official name of the Veterans Park.

Commission questions and discussion continued regarding gratitude to the Veterans

Park Advisory Committee.

The motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Luke, Commissioner White and

Commissioner McDowell

Vice Mayor Langdon passed the gavel back to Mayor Emrich.

Mr. Fletcher answered questions regarding feasibility of placing a coming soon sign at

the park.

Mr. Nelson continued with the presentation including working with the Art Advisory Board

for design elements, park location, conceptual plan elements, and soliciting design firms.

Commission questions and discussion took place regarding natural shading and tree

canopies, portable bleachers, installing benches, estimated park size, Oath of Office and

statue placement, creating a more detailed conceptual plan, connecting the park to the

stormwater pond, community donations, and starting a tribute program for the park.

motion was made by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner

Luke, to direct the City Manager to prepare the necessary documents to move

forward to the design phase for the Circle of Honor. The motion carried on the

following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Luke, Commissioner White and

Commissioner McDowell

22-2935

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Display of the Roseate

Spoonbill Sculpture in City Hall.

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

There were no Commission questions or discussion.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

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

approve Option

A - the placement of the Roseate Spoonbill on the first floor

stairwell of City Hall. The motion carried on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Luke, Commissioner White and

Commissioner McDowell

22-2992

Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Florida League of Cities

Legislative Policy Committee Appointments.

Mayor Emrich announced the item.

Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.

There were no Commission questions or discussion.

Mayor Emrich requested a motion.

motion was made by Commissioner Luke, seconded by Commissioner

McDowell, to approve the continuation of current appointments for Commissioners

on the Florida League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee. The motion carried

on the following vote:

5 -

Yes:

Mayor Emrich, Vice Mayor Langdon, Commissioner Luke, Commissioner White and

Commissioner McDowell

8. PUBLIC COMMENT:

There was no public comment.

9. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS:

22-2496

Mayor Emrich's Report

Mayor Emrich did not have anything to report and expressed appreciation to Vice Mayor

Langdon for covering meetings in his absence.

Vice Mayor Langdon's Report

Vice Mayor Langdon reported on events and activities attended.

Commission Luke's Report

Commissioner Luke reported on events and activities attended.

Commissioner McDowell's Report

Commissioner McDowell reported on events and activities attended.

Commissioner White's Report

Commissioner White reported on events and activities attended.

10. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REPORTS:

22-2966

City Manager Report

Mr. Fletcher had nothing to report.

22-3107

22-3110

City Attorney Report

Ms. Slayton had nothing to report.

City Clerk Report

Ms. Faust had nothing to report.

11. ADJOURNMENT:

Mayor Emrich adjourned the meeting at 8:50 p.m.

City of North Port, Florida

By: ___________________________________________

Pete Emrich, Mayor

Attest: _________________________________________

Heather Faust, City Clerk

These minutes were approved on the ____ day of _______________, 20___.