--------- I decided to become a firefighter. I used to work in hospitality. Good afternoon everybody. Today is Thursday, September 4th, 2025. It's 400 p.m. We're in city chambers and I call the city commission regular meeting to
order. Commissioners present. Commissioner Dval, Mr. Langden, Mayor Stokes, Vice Mayor Emer, and Commissioner Pro. It's a quorum for this meeting. Uh, also present, city manager Fletcher, interimm city attorney Goolan, Assistant City Clerk Pal, Board
Specialist Linder, and Police Chief Garrison, and Fire Chief Titus. And let's see, Mr. Patrick, how about leading us in the To the flag of the United States of
America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I am looking for a motion to approve the agenda. So moved. Second.
Got a motion by Blair Mayor, seconded by Mr. Lang to approve the agenda. Let's vote. And that passes 520 to zero. Uh clerk public comment. Uh we do have one e comment from Martin
Lumper. Dear commissioner, originally generally develop general development corporation was in charge of ronage drainage and mowing. Later the mayor and four commissioners decided that taxpayers will be better off if city takes over that responsibility and we will have better service and lower
taxes. That was true for a while when manager and five commission system was put into place. Everything changed. Taxes went up and service went down. But that did not stop the city later to implement the biggest increase in mowing assessment in the history of Northport and only to Northport Estates property
owners. A 3 acre lot had 300% increase for mowing with additional 100% increase for each added acre but up to an acre lot had 10% lower assessment. Was this fair to around 800 Northport estate property owners in the budget for road
RO where we should have eight mowing cycles per year? We are lucky if we get four in the budget for drainage RO where we should have six mowing cycles per year. We are lucky if we get one. You pick the cheapest contractor and we in the states are paying the full price for
a half fast job. As your new budget is coming up for approval, you have to put some kind of responsibility on the management that what you approve will be done. In our opinion, it is fraud when you collect the assessment for road and drainage maintenance. Yet, the work is not always done for contract. I do not
have the authority to change the dollar numbers in your budget, but the manager does not have a right to lower our service that we have to pay full price for. It is time for you, commissioner, to consider and represent the taxpayer. Sincerely, Martin Looper. And that is all, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, sir. With that, we are moving
on to welcoming new employees. City manager, you're right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, this is our welcoming new employees. I would like to bring down our human resource director, Miss Christine McDade. Thank you. Good afternoon, everyone. For the
record, Christine McDade, human resources director. It's my honor to formally welcome some of our newest employees as part of our city team. When I call your name, if you'll please stand. From the city clerk's office, we have Tiffany Linder, a board specialist,
too. City attorney's office, we have Jesse Levine. development services. We have Elise Cellhower, a planning faculty, Adriana Silva, planner too. Jacqueline Waterhouse, administrative
services. Anthony Bhan, code enforcement inspector. Christian Sodto, marketing strategist. All right. From fire, we have Edward Fudenberg, a
firefighter EMT. Yasoft Boland, firefighter EMT. James Lorente, firefighter EMT. Jack Smurker, EMT, firefighter. Jacob Spurko, firefighter paramedic.
Derek Bolos, firefighter EMT. Nathan Whistllo, a firefighter EMT. And if I get this one wrong, I'm in big trouble because this is human resources. Kira Parks, our human res. So, from parks and recreation, we have
Kevin Mace, a program coordinator for the drug for youth. Dustin Hess, athletic field specialist to Richard Henson, War Mineral Springs Supervisor. So, for the police department, we have quite a few. We have Vince Allen,
service desk technician. William Hadet, police officer cadet. Dominic Dominic Hotshell, police officer cadet. Evelyn Mahoney, police officer.
Adam Sang, police record specialist. Nicholas Smith, digital record specialist. Chelsea Rogers, purchasing agent. Christopher Ramsay, police officer. Ah, happy birthday. Jimmy Angelini, police officer.
From public works, we have James Ford, building tech 2. Mary Beth Gregory, customer account specialist three. and Gary Midas, equipment operator 1.
And from utilities, I have Daniel Darius Zas and instrument control tech 1. Now, I'm going to go take a nap. Uh, but welcome to all of you and I wish you much success. All righty,
moving on. We got proclamations and recognition. Commissioners, that front. No, Pete. You can stay. Now we go. They'll be down. That's all.
Are we on? All right, let's see. Crime scene investigation. We got anybody here for that? Come on. Should be many, many people. Police department chief,
come on down. head. Come on, let's go. Whereas crime and intelligent analysts play a critical role within their police agencies. And whereas crime and intelligence analysts support their agencies by working to identify
criminals solve crimes and investigations and provide statistical information that help their command staff, homeowners, and city commissioners. And whereas crime and intelligent analysts are regularly overlooked and rarely receive the
recognition and appreciation that they deserve. And whereas September 20th of each year is dedicated to acknowledging the hard work and efforts of the crime and intelligent analysts. Now therefore, we, the city commission of the city of
Northport, Florida, do hereby proclaim September 20th, 2025 as National Crime and Intelligent Analyst Appreciation Day. Can I get the analyst to come up here real quick?
Crime scene, crime analysis starts with crime. So these are the real heroes behind the scenes. These are actual Right. Yeah. Exactly. Listen, we're one big happy family. We appreciate it. But we appreciate the recognition. They are the ones that are doing the hard work
behind the scenes. They are the heartbeat of the real time intelligence center. So we uh we thank you and the citizens thank you. So good job. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I think you guys can stay. Some of you anyway,
some of you can stay. Whereas forensic science is a vital public service and core duty of the government. And whereas access to quality forensic analysis dramatically improves the
investigation of c criminal activity leading to the exoneration of the innocent and the prosecution of the guilty. And whereas forensic science plays a critical role in public outreach and crime prevention and and is evolving
in its role as an important member of the criminal justice community. And whereas crime scene investigators, forensic examiners, and forensic scientists provide unbiased, accurate, and reliable analyses of evidence
recovered from across the nation. And whereas numerous professional organizations have recognized September 14th through September 20th, 2025 as National Forensic Science Week. And
whereas the hard-working people that compose our forensic science organizations deserve universal regard and appreciation for their commitment to proper scientific investigations for the cause of justice. Now therefore, we, the
city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, do hereby proclaim September 14th through September 20th, 2025 as National Forensic Science Week. Thank you, M.
You're welcome, sir. So on behalf of the uh crime scene unit, um they they are definitely what uh brings closure to a lot of victims and and families and what they do is so important and um if I was the victim of a crime, I wouldn't want
anybody else to investigate it than our CSI. So on behalf of the city and the citizens, thank you very much. Tighten it up. Tighten it up, guys. Thank you so much. Thank you very much. Congratulations. Thank you for
everything you do. You're okay. Aerospace. A proclamation. Whereas the aerospace industry is a cornerstone of American innovation,
national security and economic vitality, contributing more than 900 billion dollars annually to the US economy and supporting over two million jobs nationwide. And whereas National Aerospace Week
observed annually in the third week of September celebrates the the accomplishments, contributions, and future potential of the aerospace sector, including civil aviation, space exploration, and defense systems. And
whereas the city of Northport recognizes the strategic importance of aerospace in shaping the next generation of high-tech workforce development, STEM education, and advanced manufacturing opportunities
for local residents. And whereas Northport Economic Development is actively working to position the city as an emerging aerospace hub in Southwest Florida, fostering public private partnerships,
workforce readiness, and investment attraction through innovative initiatives and collabor collaborative planning. And whereas the city of Northport supports and commends the efforts of Northport economic
development to advance aerospace related growth that is align with city's long-term vision for sustainable prosperity, economic diversification and regional leadership in next generation industries. Now therefore, we
the city commission of the city of North Fort, Florida, do hereby proclaim September 14th through 20 through September 20th, 2025 as National Aerospace Week and encourage
all residents, businesses, and educational institutions to recognize the importance of the aerospace industry in shaping our shared future and to support initiatives that continue to advance Northport as a forwardthinking
community with limitless potential in the skies and beyond. In witness whereof, we have here unto set our hands and the seal of the city of Northport, Florida to be affixed this fourth day of September, 2025.
Thank you, sir. Congratulations. Thank you very much. Thank you, commissioners. I just wanted to let everybody know that in case you hadn't heard about our efforts to bring aerospace and aviation to the community, uh, this proclamation pretty well lays
it all out. The county to the north of us, Manatee County, city of Sarasota and Charlotte County have all ventured into this space because they have airports and that's something that we don't have. And so you wonder how can we connect to aviation
and aerospace here in our marketplace? Well, economic development team has been working on logistics, distribution, transportation, and corporate headquarter activities. And what we've determined is that all of those
categories of business attraction can be applied to the aerospace and aviation industry. So in other words, we can have distribution for aerospace. We can have all sorts of logistic, transportation, and corporate
headquarters related to aerospace here because we don't have an airport. And we make a great hub for all of those things. We've done the research, the economic analysis, and we're really proud to be kicking off the aerospace and aviation ventures on behalf of the
city. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Congrats, guys. Thanks for all your appreciate it. Nice to see you. Thank you, Michael. All right, Trish.
You got it. Oops. You all right? Can you're up. I'm up. All right. Well, today I'm here to talk a little bit about um our standard Scott, as we like to call him, but put a little bit of a spotlight on Scott
today. Most of you might know him, our outgoing gnomewearing friend. Um is actually our accreditation coordinator who just earned his certified parks and recreation executive credentials. Um, that's the highest professional certification offered by the National
Recreation and Parks Association. The CPRE is a true leadership level achievement, often called a badge of honor in our field. To qualify, Scott had to already hold his CPRP, which is a certified professional, meet rigorous education and leadership experience
requirements, and then passed a challenging exam covering everything from operations and finance to HR planning and communications. To put it into perspective, there's more than 6,400 CPRPS in the nation, but only 400 CPREs.
So, it's a pretty big accomplishment uh for Scott. And what that means for us here in Northport is that it's not just a personal win for him. It elevates our agency. His expertise is now backed by very verified leadership skills which
translate into a stronger program, tighter accreditation, and even greater confidence in our community. Congratulations, Scott. Well, you you stole a lot of my talking points, actually. So, um I just want to thank um Sandy and
Trish for the leadership of our department. um they've always been super supportive of whatever we want to do, including getting a gnome mascot that I just threw out during an interview and came to fruition. So um but things like this has been really supportive and I was actually going to talk about how the
number of CPREs um we have three in this department now. Um soon to be four. Um, and in two weeks we get to go to our national conference and the three of us that have it get to put on a little ribbon that says CPRE and there's really not that many of there. So when they see
Northport and CPRE, they know that we're really committed to our industry and um I'm just, you know, been in parks for a long time and I'm just so happy to be in this department. So thank you Okay. What's that?
No. Did we miss someone? Me. Go. We got a proclamation down. Do we have an award for big brothers? Uh there's no proclamation or award, but recognition.
Yes. Oh, okay. For big brothers, big sisters. Okay, we recognize you. Go back. Yeah, let's just back down. I told you we had listen. Is that all? Well, hi there.
Well, hi there. You're doing the honors. Well, yes. I I would like just to introduce um Christa from Big Brothers Big Sisters. Go ahead. You are up. Have you have me start? Okay. All right. Okay. Thank you. All right. Thank you very much.
Hi, my name is Christa Hollandbeck and I'm the Beyond School Walls coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast. I'm honored to be here today alongside our CEO, Camela Martinez, our VP of marketing, Gina Taylor, and our director of programs in of the South
County, Melissa Nelson, and all our wonderful bigs of the city of Northport. Um, we're here to celebrate and recognize the incredible partnership that began in 2018 between the city of Northport and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Um, this mentorship program has grown into something truly special, and that's
thanks to the dedicated employees of the city who have poured their time, energy, and heart into supporting our Northport High School students. Each year has brought new milestones, but this year is especially meaningful. Five students who began their mentorship journey as
freshmen are now seniors preparing to graduate. With the guidance and encouragement of their mentors, all five students gained the confidence and skills to successfully enter the workforce last year. That's a powerful testament to what mentorship can do. But
I really want to give a special thank you to Lori, who has been my main point of contact with the city. Lori consistently goes above and beyond not only recruiting new mentors, but also coordinating tours, organizing speakers,
and managing all the moving parts that makes this program thrive. Her dedication and creativity has helped us evolve and expand the program year after year. Lori and I have been dreaming up big ideas and together with the Big Brothers Big Sisters, we're committed to helping Northport High School students
discover what it means to love where you live. love where you live and believe that this program uh doesn't just support students, it helps build the future workforce of the city of Northport. Thank you all for being part of this journey. We're really excited for what we have in store ahead. And
thank you. Well, I just wanted to thank the commissioners and city leadership and my directors and and absolutely my team. I couldn't do it without all of my mentors. You every year you bring it and we have just evolved so much in so many
years. Um I did want to share something with one of our um one of our mentors that she's actually coming back this year which is our city clerk Heather Faustst. uh she had came on and had um Julia Fritz uh she was a junior and she
had her for two years and then she um has now taken a position in the city clerk's but in the city clerk's office and will be starting within the next week. So it's kind of a full circle moment for us because we've mentored her and she's gone on to college and has decided that she wants a career with the
city. So this is something that Heather had put together and I just like to read it. Um, being a part of the Big Brother Big Sister program is an experience that provides great reward not only for the littles but for the bigs as well. Through the program, you create a bond and your little's goals become something
meaningful to you as well. If you are as lucky as I, you get to spend years mentoring and watching your little tackle these goals. I was so fortunate to become a big for Julia Fritz, who was a junior at the time. This experience allowed me to watch her move through her high school years and into her college.
Her dedication to school, to living life to her fullest, and to her future is commendable. So much so that my office is excited to announce that Julie will be starting her new job as a board specialist in the city clerk's department. So, thank you for your time, your commitment. It means the world to
me. I love this program, and I really appreciate all the support. So, thank you. Let's squeeze and maybe more like another layer. I'm going to come this way. You want to come,
right? Awesome. Thank you. That's right. Wouldn't be the first time. School update. All my room. I told him we got five when we were on number three. Sorry about that.
And I promise to any general public comment. No, Mr. Mayor. Well, then that is no other business. 428. All right. had friends that were firefighters. And
I decided one day that I Part: 2
hiring and I really liked what they had on their between their ISO rating and their beliefs and values and everything. So, I applied. They gave me an opportunity. Every day is different, but for the most part, we start off the
same. We'll uh get our gear onto the apparatus and u make sure everything's operational like our air pack. Then we also check the inventory. Uh make sure we have all our medical equipment. Um Everything's operational. Um, that way we could respond to any emergency. So,
we're always stocked and ready to go. I think the best part is that everyone's passionate about their job. So, they come to work and they're ready to train and uh take care of each other and and teach each other. So, everyone's sharp and on their aame. So, it makes the job fun and I just look forward to coming to
work. Yeah. [Music] I'm Stacy Losio. I'm the emergency management coordinator for the city of Northport. And I'm going to tell you the difference between flood zones and
evacuation zones or in Sarasota County we call them evacuation levels. So flood zones were generated by FEMA and they're used to determine the likelihood that you will flood and they're used to determine if you need flood insurance if you have a mortgage on your home. Now
the evacuation zones are based on storm surge data that comes from the National Hurricane Center and they use topography as well as hurricane vulnerability for storm surge for the area and we use those Good afternoon everybody.
Today's Thursday, September 4th, 2025. It's 5:00. We're in city chambers and I call the city commission special meeting to order. Commissioners present are Commissioner Dval, Commissioner Langden, Mayor Stokes, Vice Mayor Emerich,
Commissioner Pro, this quorum present for the meeting. Also present are city manager Fletcher, interimm city attorney Goolan, city clerk FA, board specialist Linder, police chief Garrison, and fire chief
Titus. Uh let us see who we want. Carmod, would you care to lead us in the pledge? I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to
the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Look for a motion to approve the agenda. So move second. Got a motion by Mr. Langon, seconded by Vice Mayor to
approve the agenda. Let's vote. And that passes 520 to zero. City clerk in a general public comment. Jill Luke. Commissioners, I am writing to show support in passing both 3A and B on this agenda. Both of these departments should be standing on their
own. I have watched and been part of their growth over the years. The next step for the future of these departments and the city as a whole is to make them stand within their own silo. There will be more accuracy and accountability when it is set up in this manner. It will also lessen the oversight by other departments. With the excellent
development and production of safeguards and everything technical as well as the excellent leadership of the managers of these departments, it is only logical that they be given the next step of improvement and be their own department. Thank you for looking to the future of our growing city.
Maria Leslley, in regards to the two new proposed department divisions, this does not seem budget friendly, especially given that the city manager's salary is in excess. He should continue to oversees these departments or perhaps the funding for these two new departments should be partially come out of his salary. And in regards to the
proposed percentage increases with the fire district and roaded district, the 10 and 15% increases seem awfully high to reasonably increase all at once. Community member, as the commission takes the takes action on the FY26 budget, I urge you to use this upcoming
year to truly promote and empower the parks and recreation department. Just a few weeks ago, there was an unexpected discussion about closing an activity center. Since this time, the department has continued to prove it immense value to the community. They successfully completed another summer camp program,
hosted an incredible freedom festival, celebrated Mormon on spring day, and continued to draw large attendance numbers at the aquatic center. These accomplish accomplishments highlight the department's ability to bring people together, strengthen community pride, and provide safe and meaningful spaces for all ages. As the city moves into a
new fiscal year, may this year be the year parks and recreation is discussed not in terms of what might be closed, but in terms of how you can expand, invest, and add amenities that meet the growing needs of the residents. Supporting this department is an investment in the quality of life and future of the city. In person, I have
Valdi Oleander, followed by Robin Vay and Carmine Miranda. Good afternoon. I am Ali Hollander. I come here in peace. I am not a criminal and I have a dignity stones. I am instructing you to remove
the cup of my back. Your and his actions make me sick causing substantial emotional distress. Stop absolutely. Stop harassment. Collect $331 million fiscal year 2026
equivalent of financial terrorism and an ripoff. No consent to it. Commissioners city employees are supreme all the rest of 99% of we the people. No consent to it.
Action of five commission is major contribution to poverty and my mental distress. No consent to it. Does police force behind speakers give you comfort to fleas with the people? No consent to
it. Property at valor tax proposal is 3.38% up from previous year. No consent to it. Not at Valor and taxes for fire rescue,
road and drainage solid waste proposal combined is 10.22% over last year. No concerns. City commission budget is up 25.76%
equals to 150,73 over last year. No concern. Five commission salaries are 50.71% and $2270,000 more over last year. No concern.
Since Fletcher got here, taxes per capita rose 75%. 75.81 81 up from $2,32 to $3,585. This year
when population is up only 12,874 which equals to 15.93% only 75% raise of the budget when 15% only population
growth not percent. Please verify yourselves using the Please verify what I said using the total budget and divide by the total count of the people in a given year.
If you want more money, go ask AI for next lottery numbers. What else you deserve? Laura leaves wet on your heads. No concern. Get off my bag.
Thank you, Mr. Al. Hi, good evening. Um, I'm Robin Vikai. Um, I live in the city of Northport since 2023. I've been a Sarasota County resident since, uh, 2014. Uh, I'm a local real estate broker. Um, and the
reason I wanted to come out here today, I'm also a certified financial planner in my past life. Um, I have a lot of concerns about the increases, the constant increases in the budget. And I just pulled a little, uh, a little
spreadsheet together for your adopted budgets for the last five years. Um, and we've got basically 66% increase over five years. Um, and and I'm sure all of you have a certain level of concern. The only one that I really
hear and read saying anything about how this is impacting the community is Commissioner Pro. Um, so I thank you for that. Um, I know your your focus is the millage rate is staying the same, but people are still paying more in taxes.
And I'm sure you're aware the county on the whole is also facing budgetary issues and constraints as we move forward. So I don't think now is the time to be increasing spending. In fact, everybody should be looking at cutting
back and scaling down and doing more with less. That's all I wanted to say. Thank you. Thank you. Good evening, commissioners, city manager, county clerk, u department heads, and fellow Northport residents.
As our city I'm sorry, I'm Carmine Miranda, and I've been uh resident of Northport since 2013. Uh, as our city continues to grow at one of the fastest rates in Florida, communication is our most important tool for keeping our community informed and
building trust and transparency. That's why I'd like to speak about the benefits of creating a single centralized communications department to serve our city. First, centralizing communications gives Northport one clear, consistent voice in communicating infrastructure
projects, road closures, and emergency information. Second, a single department saves money by increasing efficiencies and eliminating redundancies in each department. This approach ensures taxpayers get the best value for their
tax dollars. This is not just an investment in communication. It's investment in, as I said, trust and transparency between our city and its residents. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Lance Bro, followed by Rolini.
Good evening, Northport. Um, commissioners, I'm Lance Bro. I've been a res resident for 20 years and a proud customer of the city of Northport. I want to thank you all for everything you've done since you've been sitting on the commission or helping the city move in a positive direction. Um, recent
graduate of Northport University and I was completely shocked at what I seen. I went to all the different departments. I got to meet with department heads, employees, and I got to see how well the city runs, how efficient it runs, how
the employees, the managers, and the staff have core values that they look at every day that they operate behind that how they have a mission statement and how this reflects in their work. We saw shops that were wellmaintained, trucks
that were wellmaintained. They had vision for the future. They're not being reactive. They're being proactive in their thinking. They're trying to save money. The most the most important thing that I saw was
how well they work together because as the as we were meeting with police and how they tell us how they respond with fire and then how fire and police respond with Department of Public Works when they need to. It just shows that
the um value that we pay to live in this city is going to very good use. And uh I appreciate everything that the staff does, the commissioners do, the city managers does, and most importantly, you
know, with all this being said, communication is at the top of the list. without good communication will have uninformed residents that think they know what the city's doing. So, I would like to see uh
more investments in the communication to help the city run more efficiently and I think it will in the future. That's all I have to say. Thank you. Thank you very much, sir. Question. Okie do.
Moving on to public hearings. Um 2025-26. Um city clerk, if you'd be kind enough to read by title only. a motion. Uh, actually, yeah, we do need a motion to direct city clerk. So, I'm looking
for that motion. You've got it, mayor. So, move. Right. Sorry. Got a motion by Commissioner Langden, seconded by the vice mayor to direct city clerk to read ordinance by title only. Let's vote on that, please.
And that passes 5 to zero. With that, city clerk, you're up. Ordinance number 2025-26, an ordinance of the city of Northport, Florida, activating a communications department providing for findings, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing dates. Thank you, ma'am. City manager, you're
right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, section 5.05 05 of our charter talks about our organizational structure of the city of Northport. And it states that the city commission shall by ordinance uh adopt by unanimous vote activate and deactivate departments as deemed necessary for the efficient
administration and operation of city government. The following departments may not be deactivated except by referendum at the police department and the finance department. Today we ask that you take the recommended action of creating a communications department by selecting option one which is continuing
ordinance number 202526 as presented to second reading on September 18th, 2025. We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Sir, thank you very much. Commissioners, you're up. Anybody want to speak to this item?
Commissioner Lang. Thank you, Mayor. Uh I am so impressed with what the communications department has been able to accomplish over the past two or three years. Um I've opined
on that repeatedly um from the day when the topic has come up. Good communications are so important to a community of our size and growing. And this team has done such an incredible
job at elevating the image of the city, but within the city and outside the city. They've had a tremendously beneficial impact on our economic development efforts um on our
customer satisfaction. Um they have really proven that they are ready to become their own department. So I am an unequivocal yes. Um let's move forward with this ordinance.
Uh anybody else? I would just like to say that I echo Commissioner Langdon's feelings with regard to this matter and um and I also think it's important too being a department unto itself I think actually help increase efficiency and increase
communication to the community. um being able to stand on equal footing with other department heads, being able to interface with them, understand better the projects they're working on, what they're involved in, and being able to to really transmit that information out
to our community, I think is essential. And I think we've moved in the right direction. I think these folks for the short money that that in differential here, I I think it's well worth worth it. and and I think that our citizenry
and the city will benefit by it. Um it's it's hard to measure, but it is noticeable and it's been noticeable to me in a handful of years I've been involved with the city. Communications is head over heels better than it was and and it's moving in the right
direction. So I am supportive of this. Commissioner Dvali, thank you. mayor. Um, I took a look back at our budget book from last year
and our adorum tax revenue last year was $36,548,170. [Music] Our projected this year is 39,421,820. That's an increase of about 7.86%.
Later on, we're going to be discussing some increases for our fire rescue, our road and drainage, our solid waste. Those
increases are more in line with 10% and more. This is difficult to say and I definitely do not want what I am saying to be determined as
looking down on the people in our communications division. These people work hard. It is a growing entity. They're involved in so many things. But this
along with another change that we're going to be talking about comes out to almost $100,000 this year for our taxpayers.
And I have to look at our taxpayers. I do not believe that the people that work for this city, whether this becomes a department or not, are going to do any worse of a job if this gets turned down.
Uh so for those reasons, I am not voting for this. Thank you. Anything else from anybody? Commissioner Pro. Thank you, Mayor. I don't know if it adds value to
speaking before the vote because we already know the direction of this vote, but I want to say that it is uh important to talk about this. And I do want to commend our communication division and
the head of that communication division for wonderful work you did for the city and for the citizens of this city. Uh the financial impact of both divisions if they be reclassified is uh close to $100,000.
It's $99,630. Al although I see a value in this classification there will be very little change in the operations and if not passed it will not impede the functionality of each division.
Now with that being said I I commend each division with a hard work and the productivity. I do believe that we have to look at the the other side of the story and that is the taxpayers. Uh with our commercial
base around 8 9% which is way below the average I'm looking at the number of houses that might or should be added to cover that financial impact. And uh
if you're a homeowner and within the city, you know how much you tax uh you pay taxes for the city of Northport. Um not excluding the uh the Sarasota County uh portion.
So that takes a number of houses to be added and uh as we hear a lot growth pays for the growth which is does not really pay uh because each household consumes much more
than they provide in financial asset or financial contribution to the city. So, I just want to say this before we vote. Thank you, Vice Mayor.
Yeah, since everybody else spoke, I guess I got to speak now. Um, no. Um, communications is very key with what we're getting ready to move forward on in this city. We're we're in, you know, tough times. You know, a lot of
speculation out there on whether we're going to have this or have that or how life's going to be, but having communications is the key to where the citizens get the proper information. I don't like to where I go on Facebook and they've created their
own information and everybody is following that and going, "Oh, yeah, it must be true because so and so put it out there." Well, no. go to the communications of the city of Norport and get the facts, get the truth. You know, we got price widening coming up
and there's going to be a lot of questions on why'd you do this, why'd you do that? It'll all be there if not from communications from public works, but it's still going through communications to get out to the public. I had a little birdie speak to me before
the meeting and uh she said that she had difficulties finding communications on the website. I said, 'Well, it's under the city manager's office. Oh, well, I go to parks and wreck, it's parks and w over here, it's the same. So, to have
their own identity when people are looking for communications is a key and it is definitely worth that investment especially with the times going forward. So, anybody out there saying this is not a wise investment is just trying to keep
the information from getting to the citizens and that's just my opinion. So, that's where I'm at. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, sir. Um, point of clarification, city attorney, in order for this particular change to occur, am
I correct? Can changing a a a division to a department requires unanimous vote? Is that correct? No, I didn't look at that before I came. I believe that's correct. I got to change. Let me read that anyway. So, what I what
I read, Mr. Mayor, was the city commission shall by ordinance adopt it adopt by unanimous vote activate or deactivate my department. All right. With that in mind, then uh anybody else have anything to say here?
Can I look for public comment? Susan Costfire. I support a communications department to better align cross communications as we continue to grow. I commend the information we received during past hurricanes which made me feel safe and informed. Moving forward, there is a need to continue with timely critical
information, especially with our growth and the many anticipated storms. Thank you for all your efforts. I love Northport. Michelle Moore. Hello, city commission. My name is Michelle Moore and I'm here today as a proud Northport resident and a local business owner of Foam Boutique and image images of therapy. I'm
speaking in support of ordinance number 2025-26. I truly believe that creating a single communications department will make our city stronger. I am a great example of the good work they are already doing. After graduating with honors from Northport University class 2, I became more civically involved than ever
before. This happened because the city did an incredible job telling its story and engaging with residents. Bringing all the communication teams together under one department will make our city's voice more cohesive. It will help us build more public trust and ensure that as Northport grows, our ability to inform and engage with the community
grows with it. I urge you to vote yes on this ordinance. Thank you so much for your time and for all you do for our city. in person. I have Kathy Gity. Good afternoon, commission, city manager. I'm Kathy Giry. I am a 25-y year resident of Northport and the
valictorian of Northport University. I'm speaking extemporaneously because I just believe that the uh department coming out of where it is right now for communications is really important just to kind of set the standard. There are
so many communications runs across every department. It runs across every single thing that we do. Um it's difficult sometimes when you go on our website and you do try to find exactly where it is and who is involved in it and who's heading it, who's doing everything else.
And not to take away any of city managers under because they report directly to you as I understand. It's just a matter of putting it in its place and giving it a title because we have already seen what a great job our communications department has done over
the years. Um, I've seen great increases in my 25 years here. I think especially within the last two years and what we've learned in Northport University going from department to department, you see how important the communications element plays in every single department that we
visited. So, I am all in favor. I voice what Lance said. I voice what Michelle said and I voice what some of your commissioners have said that I think that the communications department has a right to stand on its own and I hope you'll see positive to give it that vote. Thank you.
Thank you. All right. Um with that then uh entertain the motion. All right. I move to continue ordinance number 2025-26
to second reading on September 18th, 2025. Second. Got a motion by the vice mayor, seconded by Commissioner Langden to um move this motion forward. Let's go ahead
and vote, folks. So while this vote was 3 to2 in the affirmative as a result of this requiring a unanimous vote um fails. Moving on
to let me find here a second. Ordinance 2025-27. Uh am I going to need a motion for city clerk to read by title only, please? So moved. Second.
All right. Uh got a motion by uh Commissioner Langden, seconded by the vice mayor. Let's vote on this. Passes 520. City clerk, if you'd be kind enough. Ordinance number 2025-27,
an ordinance of the city of Northport, Florida, activating an information technology department, providing for findings, providing for conflicts, providing for separability, and providing an effective date. Thank you very much, city manager, you're up. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, per our
charter section 5.05, 05. The orchidal structure of the Northport um city charter states that the city commission shall by ordinance adopt by unanimous vote activate or deactivate departments as deemed necessary for the efficient administration and operation of city government except for the two
departments of the police department and the finance department. They recommend that you take the action of creation of the internal excuse me information technology department by selecting option one continuing ordinance 202527 as presented to second reading on
September 18 2025 happy answer. Thank you very much, sir. Commissioners, anything to this item? Lang. Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Although I already have a pretty good feeling how
this is going to go. Um, I think it's important for us to acknowledge the leadership and the incredible work of our IT department. Um, as a direct result of their good stewardship, we've
been able to avoid some potentially devastating um, situations like communications. they do cut across all of the departments. Um and sec uh security and um being
leading in our technology use as a city is vitally important I believe to our future growth. And because of all of those reasons um I am supportive of elevating it from a division to a
department. Commissioner, anything else? Commissioners, seeing nothing. Uh, city clerk, any general any public comments on this item? There is none. With that, I'll close this public hearing and request a motion.
I'll make it. I move to continue ordinance number 2025-27 to second reading on September 18th, 2025. Second. Got a motion by Commissioner Lang, second by Vice Mayor to continue ordinance 2025-27
to second reading on September 18th, 2025. Nothing else to that. Let's vote. And while that passes three to two in the affirmative, it fails as it requires a unanimous vote. Mr. Mayor, if I may, sir,
the ordinance has to be adopted by unanimous vote, but moving it to second reading is adopted at second reading. So, this motion, this ordinance can go to second reading with a pass of 3 to2. Would not be adopted at second reading if the vote was 3 to2 at that time. I see.
And that'll go for the other one as well. As well. All right. So, all right. We'll see them again. Yeah, we'll see it again at second reading, I suppose. Thank you for the clarification. All right.
Moving on. Ordinance 2025-24. Uh, I need a motion to direct city clerk to read by title only. I move. Second. Got a motion by the vice mayor, seconded by Commissioner Langden to direct city
clerk to read this item by title only. Let's vote passes 520. City clerk, if you'd be kind. Ordinance number 2025-24, an ordinance of the city of Northport, Florida, adopting the ad palorum millage rate and rolled back rate for the fiscal
year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2024. Providing for findings, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. Very much, city manager. Oh, okay. Go ahead.
The general mills rate and tax levy for the city of Northport, Florida for the fiscal year is 3.7667 mills, which is $3.7667 per $1,000 of assessed property within the city. The millage rate is certified to the property appraiser and the tax
collector of Sarasota County, Florida to be levied for the city's general government operating and capital purposes for the fiscal year. Section 2.02. The general municipal millage rate is 0.47 47% higher than the rolled back rate of 3.7491
mills, which is $3.4791 per $1,000 of assessed property within the city. Thank you. Thank you, ma'am. City Manager Shere. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh the fiscal year 2025 2016 budget is based on a 3.7667 at
the lower mill rate. This rate represents $3.767 per 1,000 of taxable value. The proposed new rate is budgeted to generate $39,421,820 in general fund revenues at a 96.5 collection rate. The reason that the
adalorum tax revenues are increasing include personnel costs from 14 additional general fund positions, an increase in facility maintenance, deferred maintenance, a transfer to the renewal and replacement fund for future capital facility needs, generator improvements, and city shared cost of
fire station 83 and 84 roof replacements. Uh we're happy to answer any questions you may have, but we ask that you approve with with option one, which is approving ordinance number 22524 on first reading as presented and move to second reading on September
18th, 2025. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, sir. Commissioners, questions, discussion. Seeing nothing. Uh, city clerk, any public comment? And I'll close this public hearing. Looking for a vote or a motion. I'm
sorry. I'll make it move to continue ordinance number 2025-24 to second reading on September 18th, 2025. Second. Then a motion by the vice mayor, seconded by commissioner dval, continue ordinance 2025 d24 second reading on
September 18th, 20125. There's nothing more to it. Let us vote. And that passes 520. Moving on ordinance 2025-25. Uh, need a motion to direct city clerk to read by title only. So moved.
Second. A motion by Commissioner Langden, seconded by the vice mayor to request uh city clerk to read by title only. Uh let's vote on this. Passes 5 to zero. City clerk. Ordinance number 2025-25. An ordinance
to the city of Northport, Florida, adopting the non-district budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026. Adopting the capital improvement budget and program prescribing the terms, conditions, and provisions with respect to the items of appropriations and their
payment, providing for supplemental appropriations and reappropriations, providing for findings, providing for posting of the budgets, providing for conflicts, providing for subability, and providing an effective date. Thank you, ma'am. City manager, your item. Thank you, Mr. Mayor um for this item we
are recommending the action of approving board October 2025 25 reading and moving it to second reading on September 18 2025 as outlined in the staff summary is the total non district amount of this budget of $262,920,950
and we're happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you, sir. Commissioners, any questions? Any discussion? Commissioner Petro. Thank you, Mayor. in our workshops.
I believe it was the last one. I suggest a hiring fees um and I had to do it again. And what do you what do you fellow commissioners think if we
initiate a higher fees for the best for the next year? Anybody have any comments? I guess I'm next on the board. Uh, city manager, could you refresh us on what
the new headcount is? What departments? What positions? Can someone do that? You mean they'll be added to the budget? Correct. Yes. Give us one minute.
[Music] All right. I apologize. because I'm having Excel issues here that I can only read one line at a time for fiscal year 26. There are 25 new positions, but they are not all included
in this non-district budget. So, three. There are 20 positions that are included in this budget which also include some that eight for the fire district that are half fire district and half general
fund. Is that all 20? So, how many positions are involved in this? 20. 20. And how many of them are fire and rescue? I believe it's eight.
Is it eight? Yes. Eight. And And what are the others? the other five basalance of those positions that are coming out of the general fund.
Okay. The positions are an assistant city attorney, grants compliance specialist, planning coordinator, code enforcement inspector, accountant three. I'm sorry, I this
Excel is I I can't even see what's going on. Thank you. Maybe glasses are recorder. No. No. I don't know what's going on with this. Okay. Sorry about that. Two code
enforcement inspectors that are split between general fund and building fund. A code code enforcement inspector that's in the building fund. Accountant that's in the general fund. Seven firefighter EMT paramedics in split between general fund and fire district. Assistance sport
analyst also split between general fund and fire district. Collections operator two in the utility fund. Distribution operator two in the utility fund. Distribution operator one in the utility fund. Admin service specialist in the
fleet fund. Emergency vehicle technician in the fleet fund. The other five are two in road and drainage and three in solid waste district. Right. Which aren't part of which are not part of this. Yes. Okay. Um
when I look at that list, I don't see any position that I feel is arbitrary or not warranted. Um to put a freeze on fire and rescue, I
for one am not willing to impact or affect the safety um of this community. I personally have um utilized those services and appreciated the rapid response
um and I would not want to do anything that negatively impacted the quality of that service to our residents. Code enforcement. I I think we all regularly hear complaints
um from our residents that we're not doing enough to maintain property standards in this city. Um I would have to say the majority of the complaints I get are in that neighborhood. So I personally am not willing to sacrifice
that position. Um same with utilities. Um, I just don't see where we would want to cut any of these positions. I also feel that we might in the next
year or two face a situation where our assessed values decline in which case we in my mind would be forced to con to consider freezes and cuts. I don't see that as the situation
we are in for this year. A hiring freeze is extreme. I think it signals to the development community and the business community and surrounding communities that this city is in some
type of financial crisis. I do not believe we are there. Um, so while I appreciate the desire to contain costs, um, we're not asking the citizens for an increase in mill rate to
fund any of these positions. So, my personal opinion, taking such an extreme measure when I do not believe at this point in time it's warranted would not be a wise move on the part of this commission.
Thank you, Commissioner. Vice Mayor. Yeah, we we've already vetted this in throughout the budget hearings and stuff, but I also recall that some of these positions, they're they're half a year. They're not starting all these positions out in October 1st, so it's
sort of split. And also they're being combined with either enterprise funds, district funds, and it's not a whole hit on the general fund. But we do need staff and it is well worth it to make that investment. I mean, everybody
complains about especially code enforcement. I'm going to use those. They're they're they are key. They complain and complain, but we don't have the help to get that job done, and we need more individuals out there. So, I'm all for it. That's all I have.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, you know, I focus on a on another aspect of it. I I've never been a big advocate of freezes across the line. The across the board cuts, across the board freezes, I I think are unhealthy because they don't they're the easy way to go.
They're not strategic. They're not carefully planned. They don't look to the different needs of the citizenry or the city. Um, I I I think it's it's definitely the wrong way to go about
saving money. We we spent quite a period of time working on this budget and commission had sufficient time to look for deeper cuts.
I think the the staff did a pretty good job, if you ask me, of of digging deep to to to come in line and and hold the military at at its present level and yet
still be able to, you know, maintain a quality of service to our citizenry in light of the growth we're going through. Um, I just don't think hiring freezes solve a problem for you. I I think it it
all it does is set you up for more problems down the road. Um, especially listening to the specifics of the positions we're looking at here. Um you know if if commission had wished to save of 1 million, 2 million, 3 million, 5
million, 10 million, then it should have said so during the budget process. It should have said this is unacceptable. We want more cuts. We want deeper cuts. It didn't. Now we say, gee, let's just freeze salaries like that's going to be
some magic wand that's waved that's going to solve the city's problems. No, it's not. As vice mayor said, there are significant needs in various departments to address the needs of our citizens. I wonder how the citizens would feel if
public safety was jeopardized, if people died because of it, if we cut quality of life amenities, shut down parks, shut down centers. I mean, there's the pain. You want to save money?
We could have done it, but we didn't because we were sensitive to the fact that there's a careful balance between what you charge citizens, how you use their tax dollars, and the quality of services you provide them. Is it's not
easy to cope with a a a city that's growing as fast as we are and trying to keep pace with that. I think for six years running this city held the millage rate flat. It is not our problem that the county assessed property values up. It's not our problem
that 34 of every dollar that we pay in taxes goes outside this city. Only 25 cents on a dollar stays in Northport. So to look to slash more than we have, if we had
wanted to, we should have prior to this. I just don't support a hiring freeze. I I think that's blind to the needs. I think it's just an easy way to say, "Oh, here we can just appease. Let's just
slash it. Let's just freeze it." And you know the consequences of doing without these positions will be felt in the community. And I personally don't think it's worth it. So you know again if we want to open the budget back up
not approve the budget go back in and slash more. Okay. But this is not the way to do it in my book. So I'm not supportive of this. Commissioner Dval. Thank you mayor. Um, as my fellow
commissioners have already said, this city provides services to the citizens and to consider u the fact that there are more houses being built
continually. And as the city spreads out towards the west and hopefully soon towards the east, we need we're going to be needing more fire departments. We're going to be
needing more police. We're going to be needing more services no matter which department they come from. and
to consider the future funds are going to be a problem in the future if you all you have to do is look at the national level on down
but we cannot cut the services to our citizens and that's why I support this. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Commissioner Petro. Thank you, Mayor. I know it's a tense topic, but uh to some extent is needed
for the discussion, even if it's for the sake of discussion because maybe there's some ideas we can develop while being on the dis. But the the biggest reoccurring expense with any municipality is a personnel reoccurring
expense. And um that's why I brought it up publicly because workshop is one format and the general meeting is another format.
But uh I just don't believe the growing the growing the city is is the way to grow the budget and we grew this budget by 20%. And I know the staff did a good job
reclassifying or shuffling funds from one fund to another fund, but I do not believe that we as a city grew up grew by 20%. Uh and it's just, you know, with our
commercial uh base that is the main main driver of the revenue so to speak. uh it's just I just failed to bring it at print even for the
sake of discussion but I do believe even if we pay it um as a citizens a a fair amount even if it's 25 cents on a dollar the city of Northport is becoming more and more unaffordable
and I might be in the minority I might be speaking for the little guy. But this is what I feel and um I just don't know I do not know how to tackle this issue. Um and that's why I brought it up. Um
but it is a significant expense for the new personnel and um I'm not here to make sacrifices on general public safety. We as a commission we are responsible to keep this
city healthy and uh thriving. But um by the same token I do believe you know take into account that um everything arises in cost
and we are benefit we are in a way encouraging that. So just brought it up as a discussion point but um and uh I didn't do this for the publicity or for anything on that matter
and nobody vote nobody influences my vote but I just felt to say that because the budget increases really 20%. And that is not to account the budget amendments that
were were done throughout the year. the fiscal year of last year. So, we grew this budget not by 20%. I have not done the calculation, but I'm I'm sure it's more than 20%.
And um I just wanted to be everybody aware of where we are as far as the city commissioners. Thank you, Mayor. Anything else to this item, folks? Any
uh public comment on this, city clerk? And I'll close this hearing and uh look for a motion. I make it move to continue ordinance number 2025-25 to second reading on September 18th,
2025. Second. Got a motion by the vice mayor, seconded by commissioner develop continue ordinance 2025-25 to second reading September 18th, 2025. If there is nothing more to that, let us vote.
And that passes 421 with uh Commissioner Petro in the no of reason. the ones that I stated earlier. I just feel that we are growing the budget
before we're growing the city. All right. Uh that any general public comment. In which case I'm journing this meeting. understand that there is a difference. If you're interested in finding out what evacuation zone you are in, which we
highly recommend you do, uh you can use your search engine of choice and type in Sarasota County. It's 5:57. We're in city chambers. I call the fire rescue district governing body meeting to order. Commissioners present. Commissioner Dval, Commissioner Langden,
Mayor Stokes, Vice Mayor Emerich, Commissioner Pro, there's a quorum present for the meeting. Also present, city manager Fletcher, interm city attorney Goolan, city clerk FA, board specialist Lindner, police chief Garrison, and fire chief Titus. Uh,
I need a uh motion to approve the agenda, please. Second. A motion by the vice mayor, seconded by Commissioner Langden. Approve the bud or the agenda, please. vote and that passes five to zero. City clerk
public comments. Moving on to the consent agenda here. Um, city managers, any items been pulled? No, sir, mayor. All right. Uh, public comment. Then I'm looking for a motion. I'll make
it. I move to approve the items in the consent agenda. Got a motion by Commissioner Landom, second by Vice Mayor to approve the items in the consent agenda. Let's vote. Yeah.
We're waiting on your vote. Vote and that passes 520. Uh, moving on to public hearings. Resolution number 2025-R53. Uh, city clerk, if you're kind enough to read by title only. Resolution number
2025-R53, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida as the governing body of the Northport Fire Rescue District, adopting, certifying, and confirming the non-Avalorum assessment rates, and adopting and certifying the non-Avalorum assessment role for the Northport Fire Rescue
District for fiscal year 2025-2026, providing for findings, providing for conflict, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. Thank you, ma'am. City Manager, you're right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh the assessment rate to be adopted through this resolution reflects a 9% change in tier
1 and 9% change in tier 2 from the fiscal year 2024-25 rates. The district's fire assessment program is supported by a cost proportion methodology that results in assessment rates that are proportional to the special benefit received from fire
protection service provided by the district. We ask that you take recommended action on option one which is approve of resolution number 2025- R53 as presented. We're happy to answer any questions at the end. Thank you sir. Uh commissioners
questions discussion going once, twice and three times. Uh city clerk any public comment? Then I'll close this public hearing. Look for a motion. I'll make it. I move to adopt resolution number 2025-R53
as presented. Second. Motion by Commissioner Lang, seconded by the vice mayor to adopt resolution 2025-R53 as presented. There's nothing more to that. Let's vote. That passes 4 to one with commissioner
pros uh dissenting commissioner. Uh this is regarding rates um issue. I think the rate is success. I understand that the cost of everything is going up or has gone up and is going up. I would be more comfortably supportive of a
lower rate and possibly half of what is proposed. Thank you, Commissioner. Moving on. Um, resolution 2025-R54. Uh, city clerk, you kind enough to read that title only? Resolution number 2025-R54.
A resolution at the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida as the governing body of the Northport Fire Rescue District adopting the tenative Northport Fire Rescue District budget for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026, prescribing the terms, conditions, and
provisions with respect to the items of appropriation and their payment. Providing for supplemental appropriations and reappropriations, providing for findings, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. Thank you, ma'am. City manager, you're ready. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The
tenative budget for fiscal year 2526 for the fire district is $20,533,830, which is a decrease of $2,583,880 from the fiscal year 2024 amended budget. This represents a 9% increase in the district assessment rate over the prior year assessment rate. We recommend
that you take the action of of approving option one which is adopting the resolution number 20 25 as R4 has presented. I'm happy to answer your question. Thank you very much commissioners. Anything to this item?
Seeing nothing. Uh city clerk any public comment? And I'll close this public hearing for motion. Move to adopt resolution number 2025-R54 as presented. Second motion by the vice mayor, seconded by Commissioner Langman to adopt resolution
2025-R54 as presented. There's nothing more to it. The first vote and that passes 421 with Commissioner Petro in the descent. Uh, Commissioner, I'm a bad guy today.
uh but um I do believe because the rate is embedded into the budget so I did not agree with the rate that is excessive so that's the
that's the reason thank you commissioner uh city clerk any general public comment in which case I'll 604 I'll adjourn this meeting [Applause] road drainage. Today's Thursday,
September 4th, 2025. It's 6:04. We're in a city chambers, so I call this road drainage road and drainage district governing body meeting to order. Commissioners present. Commissioner Dval, Mr. Langden, Mayor Stokes, Vice Mayor Emerich, Commissioner
Petro, a quorum present for the meeting. Present are city manager Fletcher, interm city attorney Goolan, city clerk FA, board specialist Lindner, police chief Garrison, and vice chief and uh Chief Chief Titus, I'm sorry, Fire Chief
Titus. Getting late, isn't it? Yeah, it must be. Uh I need a motion to approve the agenda. So second. Got a motion by Vice Mayor. Mr. Langden to approve the agenda. Let's vote. That passes 520.
Uh, city clerk, any general public comment? Yes. Yasine Rosani. Hey, mayor, commissioners, city manager. This is my first time doing this, so you know, excuse me if I don't follow the
right decorum, I guess, if you will. Uh, I'm a property owner with two commercial properties. I own the Burger Kings on Dita Blade and on US Highway 41 right next to Popeye's. Um, I look at my trim tax, my bill every year and Sarasota
County has been raising the values, but then if I, you know, turn the page around, then I look at the the nonadalum taxes and it's the road and drainage is very very expensive. Um my wondering is
why are other municipalities like Pasco County, Sarasota, General Counties, Charlotte County, I have properties um a bunch of properties and I don't pay the kind of tax um I have and the regular
tax um that I'm paying here in in the city of Northport. It's very very hard to do business. I agree with um Mr. Petrov um that you guys are killing small businesses and I'm a small business that provides jobs, sales tax
revenue, uh payroll taxes if you will. And it's it's it's very very tough. And I spoke with Garrett um and his team at the drain and road fund to understand the mythology. So I didn't come in here just to speak from
the hip. I spoke with him last year. I think I don't know who he is. maybe I can meet him afterwards. And then I spoke with him yesterday right before this meeting. I looked at the mythology on the website and I tried to calculate it myself and then he gave me the calculation and it looks like it's forward looking. I think the mythology
needs to change. The way the mythology is currently done, they put a weight on uh on the most use and QSR quick service restaurants with their drive-thru have a high weight along with gas stations. If you look at Wawa Racetrack and you look
at that at the not at Delorum Wawa and Racetrack itself, they're paying like a h 100,000 or so just on this road and drainage fee. I'm paying roughly 16 to 18,000 on each of the two properties just on this drainage fee. U my property tax from Sarasota County is like 22,000
and 16,000 for this road in drainage fee. It's a lot. Um I think the mentality needs to change. Um, I know it's not going to happen today at this meeting because you guys are here to vote for for for your bill or whatever it is, but
ultimately the city manager needs to the city manager or whoever it is makes the decisions needs to find uh another outside firm. I know you guys already had retained one, but maybe two or three to get out to RFP and figure out another
way where it's more equitable. right now you're hurting small businesses like me and you guys think I'm at McDonald's that does $4 million in revenue or Chick-fil-A that does $9 million in revenue. Burger King, an average Burger King does $1.6 million in revenue and out of that I keep maybe seven or eight%
of that generally speaking and I have a note to pay. Thank you, sir. So that's just my two cents. Thank you. All righty. Um, moving on to consent agenda. City manager, any items been pulled?
No. Great. Any public comment? And then request a motion. I move to approve the items in the consent agenda. A motion by Commissioner Lang, by Deval
to approve the consent agenda. Vote. And that passes 5 to zero. Moving on to public hearings. Resolution 2025-R50. Uh city clerk, if you'd be kind enough to read by title only. Resolution number 2025-R50.
A resolution of the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, as the governing body of the Northport Road and Drainage District, adopting, certifying, and confirming the non-avalorum assessment rates and capital improvements assessment rates, and adopting and certifying the non-avalorum assessment role for the Northport Road and Drainage District for fiscal year
2025-2026, providing for findings, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. Thank you, ma'am. City manager. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh the 15% rate increase uh proposed today will help maintain the financial health of the
rate the road and drainage district by generating sufficient revenue to support ongoing maintenance operations and capital improvement projects. This aligns with the findings of professional rate consulting and addresses current and anticipated infrastructure need as the city grows. We ask that you choose
option one today which is approve the resolution number 2025-R50 as presented. We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you sir. Commissioners, anything to this item? Seeing nothing. Uh,
any public comment? And then I'll close this public hearing and look for a motion. I move to adopt resolution number 2025-R50 as presented. Second. We got a motion by the vice
mayor, seconded by Commissioner Langden to adopt resolution 2025-R50 as presented. Uh spoke and that passes 4 to one with Commissioner Pro desenting. Commissioner. Yes. I thank you, Mayor. I do believe
that 15% is excessive rate. Uh and I've looked at the methodology and I calculated my own residential tax which is you know over the 10 years I'll be paying $2,000 extra. I getting to the unsustainable
level of taxing our people, our citizens. So I do support um some level of raising a rate but not 15.
Thank you. Right. Uh moving on. We are resolution uh 2025-R55. City clerk if you be kind enough to read by title only. Resolution number
2025-R55, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida as the governing body of the Northport Road and drainage district adopting the tenative road and drainage district budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026. prescribing the terms, conditions, and
provisions with respect to the items of appropriation and their payment, providing for supplemental appropriations and reappropriations, providing for findings, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. Thank you very much, city manager.
Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The tenative budget for fiscal year 202526 for the road and branch district is $30,928,880 which is a decrease of $16,752,436 for the fiscal year 2024 amended budget. This represents a 15% increase to the district assessment rate over the prior
year assessment rate. We ask you take the recommended action of choosing option one which is adopting resolution number 2025- R55 as presented. I'm glad to answer any questions you may have. Thank you very much uh commissioners.
Anything to this commissioners once, twice and three times. Uh city clerk any public comment? Then I'll close this public hearing and request a motion. I'll make it. I move to adopt resolution number
2025-R55 as presented. Second. Got a motion by Commissioner Dval, seconded by Commissioner Langden to adopt resolution 2025-R55 as presented. Let's vote. And that again passes 421. Commissioner
Petro. Yes. I believe the 15% hike is embedded in the budget. Uh for that reason I'm defending. Moving on. Public com. General public comment. There is none. All right. Then uh with that I'm going
to be in this meeting at 6:14. Governing body, today's Thursday, September 4th, 2025. It is 6:15. We're in the city chambers. Call the solid waste district governing body meeting to order. Commissioners present. Commissioner Dval, Commissioner Langden,
Mayor Stokes, Vice Mayor Emerich, Commissioner Pro. There's a quorum present for the meeting. Also present, city manager Fletcher, intern city attorney Goolan, city clerk FA, board specialist Lindner, police chief Garrison, and fire chief Titus. I am looking for a motion to approve the
agenda. So moved. Second. Motion by Commissioner Langden, seconded by Vice Mayor to approve the agenda. Let's vote. And that passes 5 to zero. City clerk, any public comment?
Then on to the consent agenda. Uh any items been pulled, city manager? No. Then uh any public comment? And then I'm looking for a motion. I'll make it. I move to approve the items in the consent agenda.
Second. Got a motion by the vice mayor, seconded by Commissioner Langden to approve the consent agenda. Supposed and that passes 5 to zero. Moving on to public hearings. Resolution 2025-R51. City clerk, would you be kind enough to
read by title only? Resolution number 2025-R51, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida as the governing body of the Northport Solid Waste District, adopting, certifying, and confirming the non-avvalorum assessment rates, and adopting and certifying the non-avalorum assessment
role for the Northport Solid Waste District for fiscal year 2025-2026, providing for findings, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. Thank you very much, city manager. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The 10% uh increase in rate increase included in
this item will help maintain the financial health of the solid waste district by generating sufficient revenue to support ongoing service operations and capital improvement projects. This aligns with the findings of professional rate consulting addresses current and anticipated
infrastructure needs as the city grows. We ask that you choose recommended action option one which is approve resolution number 2035-R51 as presented and we're happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you, city manager, commissioners, questions,
concerns, conversation commissioner Dval. Thank you, Mayor. Um on the last two special special meetings, uh we've been kind of
quiet, you know, except for Commissioner Petro has, you know, hoisted his reasoning for, you know, for voting no. Um we've been kind of quiet, those of us that voted yes. Um, but I
want to speak specifically to our citizens that may be listening, especially on this top this topic right here, solid waste. We had an opportunity to try to save some money
by getting the funding for a sw solid waste transfer station that would provide us with possibility of revenues from other governments. It would save us
money and the citizens turned us down. costs do go up and you know basically we're talking a 10% increase here. Okay, and that hurts. But again, these are services. These are
services we need. These are services we provide. And our solid waste just does an excellent job year round. And I don't think you'll find too many citizens in this city that would disagree with that.
I just want to remind the citizens that we are making an effort to cut costs down um and to keep that in mind in the future when we ask when we have an ask. Thank you.
Thank you, Commissioner Dval. Vice Mayor. Yeah. I just wanted to put in the record that Frankie's wearing purple, so he really wants us to approve this. So that's all I have. Right. Um
there's nothing else public comment. There's not. Then I'll close this public hearing and request a motion. I'll make that motion. Thank you. I move to adopt resolution number 2025-R51 as presented. 56, sir.
51 I'm sorry I stand corrected. Uh it is 2025-R51 is presented. Thank you. Second. All right. Got a motion by Commissioner Dval, seconded by the vice mayor to adopt resolution 2025-R51 is presented. There's nothing more to
that. Let's vote. And that passes 5 to zero. Moving on to resolution number 2025-R56. City clerk, if you'd be kind enough to read by title only. Resolution number 2025-R56. A resolution of the city commission of
the city of Northport, Florida as the governing body of the Northport Solid Waste District adopting the tenative solid waste district budget for fiscal year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026. Prescribing the terms, conditions, and provisions with respect to the items of appropriation and their payment,
providing for supplemental appropriations and reappropriations, providing for findings, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. Thank you, city manager. You're right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Tenative budget for fiscal year 2526 for the solid waste
district is 20,521,800. This is an increase of $19 million from the fiscal year 202425 a minute budget. The assessment rate for fiscal year 2526 will be $332.75
per residence which is a 10% increase from the fiscal year 202425 rate of $32.50. We ask that you take the recommended action of option one which is adopting the resolution number 2025-
R56 as presented. We have questions from Thank you, city manager, commissioners. Anything to this item? Seeing none, uh, city clerk, any public comment? And then I'll close the public hearing. Request a motion.
I'll make it. I move to adopt resolution number 2025-R 56 as presented. Second. Got a motion by Commissioner Langden, seconded by Commissioner Tuval to adopt resolution 2025-R 56
as presented. Let's move. [Music] And that passes 520 to zero. Um, city clerk, any general public comment? There is not. Then it is 6:23 and I adjourn this meeting
today. Mario Vendetti, planner schedule for the city of Northport.