In Northport, families are finding more and more places built just for them. We opened um this past June. We are an indoor play center for children ages 0 to 7. We do open play sessions, birthday parties, special events, and classes
here at the play center. For me, um you know, being a Northport resident, there was really not a whole lot in Northport for children um besides the local parks. So, it was super important for me to have something in the community to be able to offer to families with young children. You want to have that option
to be able to still get out of the house. >> Bill, settle down. Come on. >> All right, we're ready to get started here. There's Thank you, Michelle, for your listen. [laughter] Before we get started, um I just wanted
to remind everyone that we do public comment once in the beginning and once at the end of the meeting. We do not do but due to policy, we do not do public comment throughout the presentation items. So, I just wanted to remind everybody of that. Today is Thursday,
March 5th, 2026. It's 400 p.m. We're in the city chambers and I call the city commission regular meeting to order. Commissioners present are Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Stokes, Mayor Emer, Vice Mayor Langden, and Commissioner Pro. There is a quorum present for this
meeting. Also present are city manager Fletcher, city attorney, Deputy City Clerk Powell, Board Specialist Linder, Police Chief Garrison, and Fire Chief Titus. I'm going to call on the lady of the day, Miss Joe Luke. Would you lead
us in the pledge, please? >> [applause] >> 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. >> Thank you. >> I'm going to request a motion to approve the agenda. >> Second. Got a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Stug, seconded by Vice Mayor Langden to approve the agenda as
presented. Let's vote. And that passes 5 to zero. Public comment. City clerk. [clears throat] >> Thank you. Thank you. >> [laughter] >> feel [laughter] when you go out. No. [laughter]
>> Not soon enough. >> I Yeah. I just want to congratulate you guys for uh your decision and uh presenting the key to the city to nobody think more deserving than Jill Luke uh for uh for the city of Northport. And uh
guys, I got to tell you, there's there's nobody more deserving than somebody like Jill who truly exemplifies what Norport's all about. Um, she just truly truly cares about Northport, cares about everybody who lives in Northport, wants
to help everybody. She's involved in more stuff than you can imagine. Norport would not be Northport without Joe Luke. When you add the two together, they just go together. So we are we are blessed to have an individual like this that lives in our community that can just continuously represent [clears throat]
Northport, promote Northport and just truly love and befriends everybody in here. And we go way back uh with Zil at the chamber and she uh took over reigns at time when uh a lot of adjustments had
to be made and some good leadership required to make the chamber leap into the new era that we're in and uh she had a lot of sheer she had to deal with me for a year but it's just uh working with her not only as the board president and board member but just a friend our many
trips to Key West having fun it's uh All she did was care about anybody she was around. And we we just want to show you, Jill, look at the chambers here. Everybody loves you. And there's just nobody more that we're more proud of
than you receiving this key. And uh we just want [applause] to thank you for everything you've done. And you will always be our Jula Chamber. And uh once again, congratulate everybody. You you really have finally did it. You got a great person that represents the city and uh well deserved. So thank you.
Thank you. And Jill, congratulations. [applause] [clears throat] Contrary to popular belief, I am not Jerome Fletcher. [laughter] >> Today, [laughter] today is a No, no, no, no, no. Today is uh just one of those days where you
really get a chance to see the fruits of your labor where there's times where you have downtimes. You're kind of beating yourself up about stuff that you couldn't have done, should have done, or [clears throat] should not have done. And these are just one of those situations where we can see the example
on how our efforts now can affect the future. And thank you, Jill, for being that individual to show us the light, the opportunity, the ability, and the chance to really have an impact not just on our little core group of individuals,
but the advancement and the growth of an entire city. So, enjoy this moment. you'll like it a little bit, but uh at the same time, take those moments later on this evening or tomorrow or over the weekend and really reflect on some of the things and the impact that you've
had on the community, the impact you've had on myself, and also [clears throat] the impact that you're going to have going forward. So, thank you very much. Thank you for the city for uh giving her this opportunity and giving her the key to the city.
[applause] >> [clears throat] >> Hey Jill, what is there to say? You did it, girl. >> I love you. >> I remember the first time I met her. I was working with the chamber. This was a couple buildings ago with you and we're
doing a contest for the small, medium, large and she was representing a storage company and I'm going, "Oh my gosh, no. No." Well, you might know she blew us away. [clears throat] She totally blew us away and it was just phenomenal. And uh you know what she's
done, what she continues to do and and she's a real person. What she did with her mother. Okay. I mean, we all saw her take her time off from her busy schedule from her wardrobe changes and everything else [laughter]
to push her mother in the wheelchair and take her every place and do everything and and take her up north to visit everyone to make sure that she got the last opportunity to see every single person again. What Jill has done for Northport is incredible. What she has
done for all our lives, I mean, there's only one Jill, okay? There's only one Joe in this city, that's for sure. What she has done, what she is doing now, and what she's going to do in the future, she certainly has approved and and achieved anything, but she's achieved
everything. And we don't know what's still going to happen because you're still vital. You're still here. And the future is yet to be. And who knows? We all love you. Thank you. [applause] Tim Doyle.
>> Oh, Miss Luke, welcome on the key to the city. I have not seen you in a long time. >> It's been >> The one thing I will say about these meetings, I do miss you. >> Thank you. You seem to have a lot of knowledge about town and you need to and when I remember the meeting because you
seem to know the backstory on everything on why certain things were done and you kept that in mind. So I appreciate that in a meeting like this with people and I appreciate what you have done and I'll leave it at that and I'll leave the rest for you. [applause]
Debbie McDonald. >> I thought she was working. >> Hi, I'm Debbie McDella. We've been here to see the whole big presentation and everything, but you know, I75 traffic. What can I say? Jill, congratulations. Kudos to you. I am so proud of you. I've
loved serving with you, watching everything you do. your amazing wardrobe, your hair, being in all the photos, you are just a rock star. And I just wanted to be here to say congratulations. [clears throat] Good job. Can't wait to see what you do
next. [applause] >> That is all, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you, sir. Moving on to the welcoming of the new employees. Um, city manager, this is your item, sir. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor, I want to invite Miss Sandy Nolles, our human resource
assistant director, to invite you to employees. >> Good afternoon. I'm Sandy Nolles and I'm going to introduce the new employees, which Jill has also served with us for many years and cared about us as well. Um, as I say your name, you can just
please stand up and we would like to acknowledge your um, arrival to the city. Um, in our city attorney's office, I see him looking around already. Um, Andre Fernandez. [applause] Thank you. In our finance department, we
have a Bobby Sue Bellflower. [applause] Marilyn Martin. If I say your name wrong, yell it out. We're all family here, guys. Marilyn [applause] Mary Grace Stamper. Mary Grace, [applause] our grants division, we have a Charlotte
Booth [applause] and our human resources department. We have Michelle Garnica, [applause] Amy Ryan Williams and HR office. >> [applause] >> In our public works department, we have
Daniel Bareris, [applause] Jordan Scott, [applause] Wesley Maler, [applause] Austin Hammer, Aaron Lewis, and I don't think it's the country singer.
>> [applause] >> James Worth, >> our parks and recck department, we have Nathan Schaefer, [applause] Cara Smith, Michael Lipker, [applause]
our fire department, we have um Brandon Lataka, [applause] Caleb Mcrae, [applause] Colton Naz Nazarasi, you can say it for me, [applause] Matthew Russell.
Our IT department, we have Tony Rego, [applause] development service. We have Kevin Love Lace, [applause] Maria Dampo, [applause] James Morris,
[applause] and the final department, utilities, we have a David Kimell. [applause] Thank you and welcome to the city. We look forward to a long and successful career here. Thank you guys. [applause] >> Thank you. Now we'll be going on to the
most important part of today. Miss Jill, let's go down. for now. Oh, you're so sweet. [laughter] >> I've heard about some lady known for her endless wardrobe and costumes and for attending every event throughout
the city. Uh she also served as a commissioner in our city. You might know her. [laughter] Um I typed it up so I don't want to miss anything. Uh Jill look is truly deserving of this honor and recognition as recipient of this award. Uh when I
met with Jill uh to speak with her about this award, she was deeply humbled. When I asked her whether she had any relatives living locally with watery eyes, she replied, "No, the people of this community are my relatives."
[applause] That simple response says everything about who Jill is. She has embraced this community as her family and through her service, dedication and compassion, she has truly be become part of lives of so
many people here and everywhere else. Um it is often said that it is better to give than to receive and Jill embodies that principle wholeheartedly and I want to ask for your attention. Um, I'm going to read a little bit of her bio, what
she did, a small portion, what she did throughout the her years with the city. Uh, Jul came to Northport in January 2009 to operate a new storage company and instantly became invested within the
community. Her grassroots marketing allowed her to learn about the community while supporting organizations, businesses, and individuals during the Great Recession era. The facilities became a refuge for some individuals to
have a place to relax and not feel the weight of hard times. Some businesses and organizations had their startup within the buildings while others moved all their belongings into storage while they looked for another path. It has it
was a hard times in Northport during that era for all businesses and Jill would cross market with them and promote them in the welcome packets or partner with them for their events. She utilized her two facilities to aid non-for-profit
organizations and discounted or even free storage. Jill had a list of places that folks could go to for help and support, becoming one-stop shop for those in need. When the company
was sold in September 2016, Jill had supported and partnered with 92 different organizations. She was a member of 39 of them [laughter] and served on boards and committees of 24 [laughter] of them.
She served a little over 6,000 different customers and got to know them and their families. And that's not counting the businesses that she collaborated with or partnered with. During those years, Patriot Storage was named small business of the year by the
Northport Chamber. Six out of the seven years. it was in business and was named the best best of the best by the Northport son every year. Also, among the awards given to the caring work being done, Jude was named citizen of
the year 2012. Jill went into office in May 2017 after the stores sold and put to use practically speaking her 23 years of mid and upper management skills as well as
what she would learn during her years in the city. During her term, she was able to represent her city in larger arenas while serving on the various boards and committees that the city belonged to.
She was awarded a home rule hero award and worked on a couple pieces of legislation that went through the and became state law. She considers being a public servant the highest calling and privilege she has been able to do. She
loves Northport and its residents. Going into office did not keep Jill from serving and supporting the local organizations as she added 20 more to her list. while being a member of 16 of them and serving on boards and committees of 13
of them. She has written governance documents such as bylaws, strategic plans, policies and procedures and manuals for half a dozen organizations within the past 15 months. Last year she was giving the business advocate award
from the Northport Chamber Chamber for her work within the business community. Jill has always cared and has cared enough to serve. This is just a small portion what she did. Um she answered a higher calling by
giving herself fully to this community. Not for fame, not for recognition and not for personal gain but out of genuine commitment and service. She has invested her mind, her energy and her time. She has consistently volunteered and
responsibilities beyond her official title. Stepping up not because she had to, but because she wanted to grow and help others grow. That dedication to grow and excellence naturally positioned her for even
greater opportunities. Jill became too valuable to be overlooked. Those who give more become more, and those who become more continue to create a greater impact. Jill's selfless contribution have strengthened
this community in lasting ways and it it is both fitting and meaningful that she has she's be recognized for it. Uh she's also a big supporter of local business and um I've heard about Jill but I've
never got to know her personally until I was elected and I to this day I remember when I was standing here or was sitting there she gave a public comment and I remember what she wished for newly elected officials. Um, it is my great
honor on behalf of this commission board and the city to present the key to the city to Miss Juluk in recognition of her dedication and service to our community. Thank you. [applause] [applause] >> [applause] [applause]
[snorts] >> pictures. >> You might want to say something. >> First of all, those that are taking the pictures, the paper and that, would you come back here, please? because I got several
close friends out here in the audience. I want their picture with me with this. So, I'm going to swing over there. Commissioners, can you This is actually my brother who's out from Michigan. [applause] [cheering] My sister-in-law,
can you guys go up on the deas or something and get a shot? Thanks. >> [laughter] >> your brother down in front. Barbara, you're the shortest. [laughter] I've got a chair for you right here. Ready?
Three, two, one. >> One more. >> 3, two, one. >> Thank you. [applause and cheering] [applause] I got to start this off by just saying I love you.
[applause] >> I want to say thank you to Demetrius for not even knowing me but coming up with this to the city commission to the city to the city staff. Thank you for the
honor. Uh attending this is kind of like um like a memorial service or celebration of life. [laughter] I don't have to wait to die to be able to enjoy it. You know, I did wear the
appropriate color. [laughter] You guys, this city, you as individuals have made me who I am. That's how we exchange. That's how love acts. It connects people.
Sean was talking about how we affect change. And the dandelion seed always comes to my mind. And the seed travels in the wind and you never know where it's going to plant.
But where it lands has to be receptive and connect to that seed for it to grow. You guys accepted me for being me. You embraced me.
I love you for that. So this key isn't just for me. It's for us because we together have been able to accomplish the things that
my seed went out to strive to do. So with that, I have some many keys that I want to share with you. I would My brother, would you come up? Uh [sighs]
Lance, is Lance still here? Lance, would you come up? Uh, Francisco, would you mind covering that side? And come on. Yeah. If
>> No, no. [laughter] If you'll be the ushers from the church. Okay. Be nice. Uh if two of you will take the outside, two of you take the inside. If I have worked with your organization, as he stated, there's 112
of them in this city that I've worked with. If I have been involved with you in an organization, would you stand up so they can give you a key? >> That's the chamber. That's Meals on Wheels. That's the art center. If I if
you are involved with an organization that I have been involved with, please stand. >> Do I see the people from the city standing? I have police officers and firefighters that get these also. I
worked with them. Once you've gotten your key, go ahead and have a seat. >> Hannah, I see you. Send your girls down here. Okay, >> these girls were a lot tinier when I was uh elected and went into office and they
were with me in a circle when I was brought into office. I'm going to give you guys these. All right. Pardon? Can I give you a hug? Yeah. >> I love you. All
right. Some of you have been outside of an organization that I've worked with and the impact that you have made within my life, you have made me better. So, if you are an individual that you and I have connected and you are not affiliated with an organization, would
you please stand so that you can get your key to the city? Those two right there. How about that second row? Thank you. Your city, too. [laughter] >> Make sure you get those guys in the back. There's individuals that I've
worked with for projects or things that were circumstances in the city that I fought for the citizens for and I became close to them. So, thank you for reaching out. >> Thank you for joining us every year.
>> Did my pastor get a key? All right. That's my pastor over there. [laughter] Did everybody get a key? >> Firefighters, >> policemen, everybody got a key. >> We didn't get one to
[laughter] >> Chris Morales. Did you get a key? All right. Thank you. >> All right, guys. All I can do is say thank you so very much. This means so much to me to share with you. You're awesome. I love you.
[cheering] [applause] [applause] >> Get right in the middle. I'm going to hit the seal right in the middle. >> All right. Scoot down. One more. Three, two, one. >> Lance, you want to come back down?
Underneath my seat are some stickers. I've driven around this city for years with a sticker on my car that says Northport Proud. There are white stickers and black stickers that you can put on your car.
If you would like to have Northport Proud on your car, would you hand them out to them, please? Thank you. >> [laughter] >> So am I. I had mine out here earlier [clears throat] today.
>> No, it's too it's too tough. You got to [laughter] do the back road. Oh, awesome. Awesome. Good to see you. >> Yes. All right. >> Who do we have here from either public
works or um the EOC group? This is flood awareness week proclamation. >> Anybody out here? Come on down. Whereas the city of Northport has experienced severe weather in the past in the form of extreme rainfall tropical
system events resulting in flooding in coastal and river areas. And the and this flooding has caused damage and flood losses to homes and buildings in all areas whether they are high-risisk special flood hazard areas or low to moderate risk flood zones. And whereas
the city of Northport is a voluntary participant in the National Flood Insurance Program that provides residents with the opportunity to protect themselves against flood loss through the purchase of flood insurance at reduced insurance premium rates as well as setting higher regulatory
standards to reduce the flood risk and potential flood damage to their property. And whereas the reduction of loss of life and property damage can be achieved when appropriate flood preparedness control and mitigation measures are taken before a flood. And
whereas because public education and awareness of potential weather hazards and methods of protection are critical to the health, safety, and welfare of residents, the city of Northport has declared the week of March 9th through the 15th, 2026 as flood awareness week
to promote awareness and increased knowledge of flood risk, the availability of flood insurance, flood protection methods, and how to prepare for emergencies. Now therefore, we the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, in coordination with the Florida Flood Plane Managers
Association, do hereby proclaim March 9th through March 15, 2026 as Flood Awareness Week. [applause] >> Congratulations, Miss Jill. As we recognize flood awareness week, I want to take a moment to highlight why
this matters for our city. We've all seen how heavy rain and tropical systems can affect neighborhoods across this city and staying prepared truly makes a difference. Our participation in the National Flood Insurance Program helps
residents protect their homes, but it's the everyday work of city staff that really strengthens our community resilience. I want to recognize our flood plane coordinator, Matt Clemens, along with the many other city staff
members who support flood plane management, public outreach, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure improvements. Their hard work helps keep our residents informed and better protected. And of course, thank you to
our commission for their continuing support to these efforts. Thank you all so much. >> [applause] >> Two, one. One more. Three, two, one. Thank you. >> Thank you.
[applause] >> This one has your name all over it. [laughter] Oh, whereas the Gulf Coast Florida chapter has distinguished itself as the voice of
women in construction in the city of Northport. Do we have folks here from any of our building trades, maybe our building department? Whereas the work done by the Gulf Coast Florida chapter has benefited Northport through
community development and educational programs. And whereas the Gulf Coast Florida chapter has unceasingly promoted the employment and advancement of women in the construction industry. And whereas the construction community
represented by the Gulf Coast Florida chapter has been a driving force in fostering community development through renovation and beautifification projects, promotion of skilled trades centers and a positive vision of the
future. And whereas the Gulf Coast Florida chapter has sought to achieve successful re results for the city of Northport and surrounding areas in a cooperative spirit with other organizations. Now therefore, we, the city commission of the city of
Northport, Florida, do hereby com uh proclaim March 1st through March 7th, 2026 as Women in Construction Week and encourage our citizens to congratulate the organization on its many
accomplishments. ments. [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> I'll say a few words and then I'll give the other ladies here a chance to speak. So, we're representatives of the NEWA chapter 400 in GF Coast, Florida and
we're newly formed um this past year. Um myself personally, my name is Christy Alvaro. I am vice president of estimating for Ajax Paving Industries and I'm proud to say that I really built my career living here in Northport, raising my family here and doing business here through Ajax. So, thank
you very much. [applause] >> I just want to say hi, I'm Chrissy Schweight. Um, I'm actually a native. I was born here and I've actually known Chris since I was 5 years old. So, thank you and we appreciate it. >> [applause] >> Hi, I'm Jesse Wilson. I'm actually uh
new to Florida. It'll be two years tomorrow and I have to say how incredibly proud I am to be in a room full of people who obviously care so much about the community and congratulation uh to you Jill and just thank you for uh recognizing all of us.
So, [applause] good afternoon, Karen Huff with Wharton Smith Construction Group. >> Thank you so much. Thank you for um acknowledging Women in Construction Week. I personally have lived in the
area working in construction for over 30 years. And I'm proud to say I oversee a construction office for Wharton Smith right here in Northport. And we're really proud to be part of the community, part of the chamber, and I'm
really pleased to say I have many women that work on my team. Uh you'll see them around town working on projects within the city. Uh so thank you very much. We really appreciate the acknowledgement. [applause] >> [applause] >> 3
2 1 ladies. [applause] We got one more special rec recognition today and I'm going to turn the microphone over to Miss Fost. She's in charge of this one. >> Yeah. Get over here. [laughter] >> This is not my thing.
>> Okay. So, I'm just going to do it from my heart. I wrote something up, but um >> Deputy City Clerk Matt, he's been promoted from assistant city clerk recently for obtaining his certified municipal clerk designation. And um [applause] I can honestly say that when Matt first
started in our department, he was a recording secretary, but it took no time for me to realize that he had potential and he will eventually be in my seat someday. So this was not a surprise to me. I knew that I would be doing this and I know from the bottom of my heart
that you will be doing this in the future as a city clerk as well. I know it, Matt. >> Not anytime soon. [laughter] >> So, congratulations. We are all so proud of you. [applause] [applause] >> Generally, I I hate being the center of attention, but I think I'd be remiss if
I didn't take this chance just to thank every single person here today. all everyone who supports the community. Every single commissioner up here is very supportive of me. City attorney, city manager, um former commissioners,
Miss McDow. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to work with you, but I've heard of your legendary status and congratulations today. Um, of course, the department and then Heather who gave me an opportunity. I've lived in Northport my whole life and I've always wanted to work here and uh Heather
finally gave me an opportunity and I I couldn't be more grateful or humble. She's an amazing leader, a trailblazer and uh you could see she directed me immediately. Come stand over here. So very good. So thank you everyone. [applause]
One. One more. Three, two, one. Thank you. [applause] >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. [cheering] We're good. >> All right.
All >> [laughter] >> right, back to work. City clerk comment. Uh, Tim Doyle, >> I am publicly asking you to keep every card in your files that I handed in today
cuz they may be used in the lawsuit. Now, you guys are the biggest shysters I ever met in my life. And I'm dead serious on it now. I kept my mouth shut. This agenda meant nothing today. You know that.
Miss Lagden, what did you say when I wanted to say something on something else when this person ran down there? I am not going to allow you to talk. It was done to me again in this room. And don't think I don't realize it. Even what this clerk told me doesn't stand up
why I wasn't called up to speak for number three. You said I couldn't speak under number four. You guys are pathetic. Yeah, you're laughing. I'm right. I'm not laughing. >> I'm not laughing either. Now, my first
question is, have you done anything to protect people's property in this town? >> [snorts] >> Have you had them change your law back that they need a permit to put up a fence? They need to build a fence on their property. Have you made it a crime for someone to steal someone's property
yet? Have you done anything on this or am I going to have to come to the meetings from now to the day I die and scream at you? Are you going to do anything? Are you going to do anything to protect this town from the foreigners?
I got a kid jumping into Korea. He's jumping into World War II next freaking week. Where are the roadblocks at 75 to get these 10 million people out of our society? Huh? Do [snorts] the police force have a
shot a shotgun in every in every car they have? I think the cops should have a shotgun in every car. You know why? To shoot down the drones. Cuz no one's going to kill me with a gun. It's going to be a drone. Have any of you guys watch me
going on around the world and our society? Our societyy's falling apart. I'm sorry. You trash this meeting. You trash my rights again. I am not going to forget any of this. This is pathetic. And keep
those cards. You know, I said enough. But I'm telling you, you guys aren't protecting me from anything. You're going to get me killed because you don't care about me. You don't care about personal property. and the president of the United States don't even care about personal property and any of the
politicians, Rick Scott, any of them because we got 10 million foreigners in this country and that's an army. I'm sorry, but you guys I'll be back next time. You guys really annoyed me. I apologize for this. >> That's all, Mr. Mayor.
>> On that note, it's 4:44 and we are done.