--------- Curiosity and conversation. It's a walk, a story, and an adventure all in one beautiful setting. The Garden of Five Senses, Boundless Adventures, and the story stroll where every visit is a story waiting to be
discovered. While you're watching me run away from this hurricane, you could be signing up for emergency alerts. Sign up at alertsacount.com today. Welcome to the brand new Northport Podcast Network. We're so excited to introduce you to our revamped lineup of
shows created to keep you connected, informed, and inspired about everything happening in our city. >> That's right. With three unique shows under one network, there's something for everyone. >> First up is Northport. Now, Madison and I will rotate hosting this fast-paced
news-driven podcast to bring you the latest city updates, event previews, and important information, all in one quick listen. >> Think of it as your weekly guide to staying in the know about what's happening in Northport. >> Next, we have Northport Stories. Laura and I will share heartfelt and inspiring
tales from around our community. Stories that showcase the people, places, and moments that make our city special. And don't worry, Voices of Northport isn't going anywhere. I'll continue bringing you even more personal stories and interviews with residents who shaped our city. And last but not least, Northport
Living. Cody and I will also rotate hosting this show, which is all about tips, events, and lifestyle ideas to help you make the most of life right here in Northport. Whether you're looking for familyfriendly activities, ways to get involved, or helpful home and garden tips, Northport Living has
you covered. >> With breaking news, heartfelt stories, or practical tips, the Northport Podcast Network is your go-to source for all things Northport. >> Make sure to subscribe to the Northport Podcast Network wherever you listen and join us as we celebrate and connect with
our amazing community. >> Northport Now will be released bi-weekly. >> Northport Stories and Living will be monthly. A schedule will be available on social media and our website. >> All right. Good afternoon. Today is Tuesday, March
24th, 2026. It's 4 p.m. We're in the city chambers, and I call the road and drainage district meeting to order. Commissioners present are Commissioner Dval, Commissioner Stokes, Mayor Emerich, Vice Mayor Langden, and Commissioner Pro. There is a quorum present for this meeting. Also present
are city manager Fletcher, city attorney Bino, city clerk Foss, board specialist Linder. We have Commander Guzman in the back and Chief Titus is present as well. And I'm going to call on Chief Titus to
lead us in the pledgece 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. >> Need a motion to approve the agenda.
>> Second. >> Have a motion on the floor made by the vice mayor to approve the agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Stokes. If there's nothing to that, please vote. And that passes five to zero. City clerk, any public comment? >> There is not.
>> I imagine that. Moving on to consent agenda. Um, city manager, anything get >> I'll request a motion. Still move. I have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Stokes to approve the items in the consent agenda. Do I have a
second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Vice Mayor. If nothing to that, please vote. And that passes 5 to zero. Moving on to public hearings. Resolution number 2026-R12. Miss Voss, can Fost, can you read just
by title only? Resolution number 2026-R12, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, as the governing body of the Northport Road and Drainage District, authorizing the purchase of real property located on Nimbus Drive, described as lot 19, block 391, 10th edition of Port Charlotte
subdivision, identified as parcel identification number 0980039119, incorporating recital, providing for filing of documents, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. Thank you, city manager. This is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The Department of
Public Works is seeking to purchase a property located along a retention ditch number 146. Acquisition of the parcel will provide permanent access to the ditch for ongoing maintenance, rehabilitation, and emergency operations. Although the city owns parcels on the north side of this
ditch, those parcels do not provide southernly access. So, this acquisition would establish the only available southern access point as the dish is currently inaccessible from that direction. The property was appraised at the market value of $50,000. It is being
offered to be sold to us for $55,000. We ask that you approve option one, which is approving resolution number 2026-R12 as presented, authorizing the purchase of your property located on Nimbus Drive, Northport, Florida 34287. We're happy to answer any questions you may
have, sir. Thank you. Any questions from the commissioners? Commissioner Pro. >> Thank you, Mayor. I'm not sure which resolution it is, but I think there's a back taxes. Uh, it's probably the second
one because I I left my notes in my office. Back tax is on this one. >> It's the next one. Okay. Is that a never mind then? >> Never mind. >> All right. >> Thanks, Jeff.
>> Thank you, sir. Uh, >> nothing else. I'm going to close this public hearing and request a motion. >> I'll make it. >> Go ahead. >> I move to adopt resolution number 2026-R12 as presented. >> Second. I have a motion on the floor
made by Commissioner Dval, seconded by Commissioner Stokes. Nothing to that. Please vote. That passes 5 to zero. My apologies. Was there any public comment? >> There was none. >> Okay. I didn't think so. All right. Moving on to res resolution number
2026-R13. >> Resolution number 2026-R13. A resolution of the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida as the governing body of the Northport Road and drainage district authorizing the purchase of real property located on North Yorksire Street and described as
park areas lining both sides of Shortleaf Drive and Yorkshshire Street and all private alleys in four 47th edition to Port Charlotte subdivision, Sarasota County property appraiser parcel identification number 112923
3724 incorporating recital, providing for filing of documents, providing for conflicts, providing forability, and providing an effective date. >> Thank you, city manager. This is your >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, so acquisition of this parcel we're discussing today
will provide the district with the nec necessary access to the right ofway areas to support the operation and maintenance of the drainage infrastructure. The property was listed and valued at $52,160. Following negotiations, um the seller
has agreed to sell the property to us for $6,000. Although the valuation was $52,000, the significantly reduced personal price reflects the parcel's limited marketability, and it is not a buildable lot. The owner acknowledges this and
agrees to convey the property in exchange for satisfaction of delinquent taxes and payment of $5,000 which the owner accepts as full consideration for the transfer and as a complete release from any further obligations, liabilities or interest in the property.
Uh today we ask that you approve option one which is approving res resolution number 2026-R13 as presented authorizing the purchase of real property located on North Yorkshire Street North Florida 34288. We're happy to answer any questions you may have sir.
>> Thank you sir. Do you still have a question? Commissioner Petro. >> Thank you mayor. So, from reading the backup material, I do see that there's a backup um taxes that are owed or used to be owed that the city is paying. Um just
for the record, how much of the back taxes on this property? >> Chuck speak public works director. Those taxes right now are estimated $1,000. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> That's it. >> I don't see anything else.
>> Is there any public comments? There is none. >> All righty then. Moving on. I'm going to close this hearing and request a motion. >> I'll make it. >> Go ahead. >> I move to adopt resolution number 2026-R13 as presented. >> Second. >> I have a motion on the floor made by
Vice Mayor to adopt resolution number 2026-R13 as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Stokes. There's nothing to that. Please vote. And that passes five to zero. Once again, city clerk, is there any public comment?
>> There is none. >> All righty then. All right. Part: 2
we could, but especially the mature oaks. Sure. >> They provide a lot of shade and they're beautiful and, you know, native to Florida. So, we worked with the contractor to design the parking lot in a way that we could really maximize the ability to keep these trees. So, a large amount of these uh more mature oaks that
you see that were standing under the nice shade canopy, we were able to keep a lot of these trees. some of the smaller oak trees and some of the older palm trees uh we won't be able to keep. But we worked with the city arborist to ensure that you know we we did the best we could with how that design can be and
found out that honestly some of the palm trees are at their end of life as is. >> Got it. Okay. Well, that's great. I know a lot of the residents are going to really appreciate that as well. So to cap it off, service is staying the same. Everyone's getting the the same level going forward. >> Yeah, Madison, you're right. So, the
crews that normally operate out of this fire station are just going to be a little ways down the road in the temp station with a temporary apparatus bay. And all of our administrative staff from Fire Rescue are moving into city hall, which is right down the street. And if you need anything from Fire Rescue, you can go in the front doors of City Hall,
turn to your left where Economic Development just moved into, and you'll see a friendly face from Fire Rescue ready to help you out. >> That's great. Continuing to provide that exceptional customer service. So, I really appreciate all the information, Chief. Thanks for joining us today. Thanks for having me. The city wakes before you do.
Quiet work already in motion. Work continues even after you've gone. The way forward kept ready. Every step, every turn, prepared long before you arrive. When your day ends, others begin theirs.
Every hour, every act quietly connected. Most of us don't think about how our city works. We drive on maintained roads. We call when there's an emergency. We assume someone's keeping it all running. And they are. Northport University gives residents a [music]
chance to step behind the scenes, to meet the people doing the work, to see how decisions are made, and to understand how we as being part. >> Good evening. Today is Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 at 6 p.m. We're in the city
chambers, and I call the city commission regular meeting to order. Commissioners present are Commissioner Dval, Commissioner Stokes, Mayor Emerich, Vice Mayor Langden, and Commissioner Pro. There is a quorum present for this meeting. Also present are city manager
Fletcher, city attorney Fuino, city clerk Foss, board specialist Linder, we have police chief Garrison, and fire chief Titus in the back. I'm going to [clears throat] call on Mr. Van Boskerk. Can you lead us in the pledge, sir?
To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you sir.
>> Need a motion to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> Have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Stoke, seconded by Vice Mayor Langden to approve the agenda as presented. There's nothing to that. Please vote. >> [clears throat] >> That passes five to zero. Moving on.
City clerk, any public comment? >> Yes, I have Joan Morgan followed by Valdi Olender, Alina Stla Solarski, and Tim Doyle. Good evening. Okay, what I'm spreading today is something easy. Okay, I just
want to invite everybody to uh April 7th at the Morgan Center. Holly's Hope is going to have the candidates for school board there and we need an audience. We want them there. This is going to be our chance to ask them questions. Um our own Elaine has been the one working to get
them there and uh we are going to uh present our best too. We're going to have our kids there, some kids there from Teen Court and our scholarship winners from there. And we're going to have our very own DeFi kids there that shine all the time. And uh we uh want to
show off our best and we want them to leave there saying Northport's great. Northport cares and the people care and we've got to if we're getting all those candidates down here, it's going to be a one-time shop deal. Okay? We can't be there with 10 15 people in the audience.
We really This is our time. Let's let's ask them any question and let's see where they stand on the issues and make sure that they understand that Northport counts that we're the biggest, we're the best, and we're the largest. Okay. Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Good evening. I am Vad Oliver. I come here in peace and I am not a criminal and I have a dignity. I am instructing you Amish to respect my dignity.
I am instructing you Amish to remove cap of my back please. I am ashamed to be American citizen in Northport, Florida. One more time. I am very ashamed to be American citizen in
Northport, Florida. You silence can only be equated with fraud where there is legal and moral duty to speak. Silence is not golden.
It is confession. Emir, are you ma mayor in the name only or in the name and substance? One more time on the public trust. People must benefit from it. You cannot
take people's civil rights away again. Where is this document? I will call it now fatwa is very catchy lately that I given up my civil rights produce it.
I did instructed you many times before to write authority to each agenda item under agenda. In the laws of the United States, there is such a doctrine like ultra varies
which means beyond powers which mean beyond authority. And second one is intra varies which is valid authority. None of it here neither ultra
or intra and this is not a duty of manager to post agenda. Who is it then? Ask your attorney please. In the end, I am considered to transition into a horse
since animals have more sympathy than people. However, I have a dilemma to be a Torell. Any suggestion? Yeeha Stellarski.
[clears throat] [sighs and gasps] >> Good evening. My name is Alina Stellarski. It's been couple of years since I've been here. I'm here about Mineral Springs. Some of you know me and some of you I don't know. I haven't seen you here. New people.
I have a couple of questions and few people that don't speak English that well asked me to represent them. Uh one question said is they would like to have extension on the tickets where we have it for 6 months no entry. They would
love to to go back to where it was one year that you could use it in one year. and some showing on Facebook that you are raising prices on entry which nothing's been done to
the lake. No improvements whatsoever. Uh we been paying in a residence especially went up $75 for this six months which is a lot for us.
I haven't been going like through the whole winter. Today was the first time I went and I haven't seen any improvement whatsoever. Nothing's changed. The fence is still there. The old one now. Nothing
improved. I I think if you could I know that you're having some issue and the sewers are supposed to be going in later on and you can't start the building but like couple of buildings where people can go and change the clothes cuz you really don't have a changing room. If
you go to the bathroom it's all wet and it's not comfortable but and it's something that can stay there. We're making money there. There's 600 people coming almost on a daily basis. It's one
of the parks that makes money for the city. So, we should be showing some improvement to the people. Other suggestions, a lot of people saying there should be designated area for children
and there is some problem with that. the younger kids like six or five hanging on the rails when you're trying to go out and walk. You can't grab in to it because there's two kids here, two kids there. So, you kind of waiting for the
parents or somebody to say, "Please get off of that." And nobody's saying because nobody has a right to say, which is not right. A lot of places you go, you have a designated area for adults to swim in the deep water, children where it's younger, so they feel safe and
adults feel safer. So if somebody can I mean how much money have we have now because it's been few years since we had so many amount put aside. We got them 230,000
grant I believe it was said to do some landscaping and things like that in there. So, if we could get some answers. >> Thank you. >> Okay. I appreciate if you could give us some answers on that. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Tim, >> one second, please. City manager, could you have staff um get with this lady and possibly set up a meeting time or whatever to where they can get some of those answers for her since she's representing a few people. I believe we've already given her the yes or she's
looking for via email and said that we were not extending the passes at this time and gave her the reason why if I'm not mistaken. Did do we not send you an email ma'am regarding those questions? >> I've seen it where there was going to be extension what I'm saying that there's
there was no reason and like I'm saying that nothing has been upgraded in the lakes for over two years or more >> the the upgrades that are happening in Warm Springs are still in the process and I believe that the we have a have information coming back in April if I'm
not mistaken that will allow those plans to go forward. those plans that you're referring to are not necessarily ti tied date for date for the increase that you're referring to. So, I don't want you to think that we promised that those upgrades would be tied to those
improvements. The improvements are happening and those passes were sold for a discounted rate, if I'm not mistaken, for a six-month period. And it was stated on those passes how long they will be valid when people bought them. And I do understand that people bought them in bulk thinking that they could
use them for longer than six months because that's why they bought them thinking we would extend the deadline. But we have explained via email why that deadline will not be extended. >> Okay. I did not see that email. >> We'll be happy to send to you. >> Okay. >> Thank you, sir. >> Yes, sir.
>> Go ahead, ma'am. I want to stay on the tax thing I was talking about, [snorts] especially after hearing that. Um, you know, I went to the water park with the kids a couple years back and it was a certain price and then I went back
again with some other kids and I thought it nearly doubled. I don't know how much these prices have gone up over the years. I understand stuff has to go up over the years. This is going to become a bigger issue down the road here
and uh you're going to have to make some decisions on the taxing to make it fair. This morning I mentioned something again. We have businesses ripping people off right now with the pennies.
To me that's thievery. When I first started in the business I ran, we made pennies on the dollar. Literally one or two pennies on every dollar. When you have a volume business, you
know how much money that adds up to. That's a lot of money, man. I retired early. I know how much money it is. So, first off, we need to fix that problem in town here. These merchants
can't be ripping people off like this. Again, this is Rick Scott's fault, Donald Trump's fault, Greg Stewie's fault. Taking away the penny. Now people are getting robbed. I don't want the taxes just to move to
the bottom. To me, that could be one of the best ways to make up some of the money. And it's divided over everybody. I would even rather see a penny gas tax. You know why?
1973. You guys brought up 1973 in this room smoking in the boys' room. I remember 1973. I was selling stuff to people sitting in cars who couldn't get gas. Odd and even days. You guys have no idea what's going
to happen to this country. Who cares what gas costs? You can still pull up to the pump and get it. When I was a kid, people would sit in their car for 12 hours and the gas station would have run out of gas when they were sitting in the second car back and they had to wait
another two days to get gas. You think I'm making this up? Some of you up there should be old enough to know we got idiot politicians all over this country, [clears throat] not just in this room.
This is ridiculous. And if we vote in something and you just circumcise the law, you're the biggest shysters I ever saw in my life. And look up the definition because it fits. >> That's all.
>> Thank you. Moving on to announcements. City clerk. The current vacancies for the following boards and committees include art advisory board, auditor selection committee, charter review advisory board, citizen tax oversight committee, community economic development advisory
board, debt management committee, environmental advisory board, historic and cultural advisory board, joint management advisory board, police officers pension trust fund, board of trustees, parks and recreation advisory board, and planning and zoning advisory board. Sarasota County Advisory Council
vacancies include one resident of Northport to serve on the Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organizations Citizen Advisory Committee and one resident of Northport to serve on the Citizens Oversight Committee for School Facility Planning. If anyone would like [snorts] more information, please see the city clerk's office. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Moving on to consent agenda. City manager, have any items been pulled? >> No, Mr. Mayor. >> All right. Um, any public comment? Tim Doyle. >> [clears throat] >> I guess an A would be a yes by me. And I
would hope the police would take shotguns there and practice with the shotguns, please. As I think they might need to use them in the future here. So that's a definite yes. >> [snorts] >> I don't really care about the power.
I think it's a good thing. See, training is always good. I didn't read up on the FBI thing, but I hope you're not selling my information to the FBI. They already steal it. E [snorts] now
approve three updated templates for code enforcement hearing officer orders include order of compliance order of assessment administration fine and ordinance assessment fine for treatable
without authorization. Why do you think you guys might want to think I might want to talk about this one? Some guy came on my property and cut down a tree without authorization to put up a fence few years back.
You know what I was told? I would be arrested if I took down the fence for destruction of private property even though it was on my property. But someone came on to my property cut down the tree that because of your landscape scan standards when
the house was built was planted up north. If you take someone's tree, it's three times damages. So if that tree costs what,000 bucks to buy and another,000 bucks to put in the ground, where was my $6,000?
Trees are worth money, man. I love how you can do fines, but you don't protect the people's property. If someone went to Home Depot and took that tree, they'd be arrested. Grand lararseny. It's over a,000 bucks, right? They steal it from my house. It's not a
big deal. So, I disapprove with that. Is if I own the property, I should be able to cut down any tree on my own property. I shouldn't have to go beg you guys to cut down a tree on my property that I pay
property taxes for and giving them a fine on top of it. Are you finding the illegal aliens who are in town or you only following against the American citizens who cut down trees on their property?
>> Incredible. >> That's wonderful. Thank you. Request a motion. >> Go ahead. >> I move to approve the items in the consent agenda. >> Second. >> Have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Dval to approve the items
in the consent agenda as presented. Seconded by [clears throat] Vice Mayor. There's nothing to that. Please vote. [clears throat] That passes 5 to zero. Moving on to the presentations. Item number 260371.
City manager, this is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This item is presentation of the Northport and Nonprofits United or NP squared committee 2025 annual report by the Northport and Nonprofits United committee members. I will turn it over to our social services manager, Miss
Janet Curio, to lead us through the presentation. >> Thank you. >> Discussion. Thank you. >> Uh good evening everyone. Janet Crio, social services manager for the record. Uh today I have the privilege of introducing members of the Northport and Nonprofits United Committee, also known as MPsquare.
Uh this presentation is MPsquare's annual report to the city commission highlighting the committee's work over the past year. MPsquare brings together representatives from education, nonprofits, local businesses, and the community to strengthen collaboration and support services that benefit
Northport residents. The committee reviews and approves mission support requests from local nonprofits, helping them expand their impact in areas like education, food security, youth development, and services for older adults. Joining us today are Miss
Terresa Kericholo, a chair of the committee and Sarasota County Schools representative, as well as Miss Joan Morgan, member of the committee and citizen at large representative. They will share a brief overview of the committee's past accomplishments and goals for the upcoming year. As always,
it's a pleasure to be here with you and visit and share a little of our world with you. Uh my staff will be available my staff and I will be available for questions after the presentation and we thank you for your time. Great Teresa Joe. Thank you. And here's the mouse. Are you going to
see it up? Yes, there it is. Perfect. Thank you so much, Janet. You're so fabulous and your whole team supports us so much. Theresa Keratrella for the record. And I'm here standing with Joan Morgan for the record. >> I am the chair for the Northport Nonprofit uh United Committee, also
known as MP Squared. We're very excited to be here and it's nice to see all of you today. Thank you so much for listening to us. Northport Squared is a collaborative effort um between the city of Northport and our local nonprofits. The program is intended to offer any nonprofit serving the Northport
community an opportunity to apply for a mission support item that will enhance and expand the AY's programming needs. A mission support item is a tangible object that enhances a nonprofit's level of service to the Northport community. To request a mission support item,
Northport nonprofits must submit an application requesting their needs. The application will entail and describe the intended community need and impact by the agency. The committee then reviews the applications and confirms the agencies are in good financial standing
and that all required documents are submitted for the agency's eligibility. Eligible expenditures are mission support items only. for example, a freezer or refrigerator to keep items cold for an agency that distributes meals serving Northport residents.
Please note the program is not intended to support the administrative costs of the applicant. Board members, Terresa Caratella, chair, Sarasota County Representative Schools. My vice chair is Lisa Row, licensed mental
health professional representative. Amy Stevens, member, local business financing community representative. Joan Morgan, member, citizen at large representative. And currently, we're looking for a representative of the older community. Uh, city manager will
appoint a person for this position. [laughter] >> Bill, >> 2025 committee accomplishments. Stop it at any time, please. I'm enjoying you all today. Thank you so much. [snorts] Completed Sunshine Law training. Gave
direction on amending uh Northport Square documents for program efficiency. Reviewed the six and 12-month impact statements for the fiscal year 2324, the very first funding cycle. Reviewed the sixth and 12month impact statements for the fiscal year 2425 second funding
cycle. approved nine agency applications totaling $14,2575 for the fiscal year 2526 the third funding cycle and reviewed non-compliant agencies and provided directions for the next steps
Northport Meals on so the following are highlights to some of the agencies that received funding so starting with Northport Meal on wheels they requested item was a can opener. This is not your 50 cent can opener. This is a
commercialized industrial $753.82 can opener. It was approved by the committee and fully funded. And Northport Meals on Wheels served 12,35 meals and opened 802 cans after
receiving their mission support item. Friends of Shannon Stav public library requested item large print books. The majority of us are all wearing glasses right now, so I know you can appreciate this large print requested item for
$2,000 and approved by the committee and fully funded uh and received $2,000. The the 65 new large print books have been circulated 402 times since the introduction in March. Each book has been borrowed an average of 6.18 times
in six months. The books have been out of the library 4.5 of the six months. Boys and Girls Club requested item. Portable speaker system with microphone in the amount of
$1,713.3. Approved by the committee and fully funded. The portable speaker and microphone improve staff communication throughout the facility, enhancing coordination during programs and events. Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Requested
item: Seven Lenovo notebooks, $1,980. Approved by the committee and amount received, $1,88363. Seven Northport students that received a Lenovo laptop achieved timely grade level promotion or high school
graduation. That one strikes my heart as I'm a school teacher and I love seeing that support. Thank you guys. 2026 committee goals. Complete Sunshine Law Training for new committee members. Appoint a new chair and vice chair as
terms expire. Follow up with non-compliant agencies regarding their impact statements. Review the six-month agency impact reports for the fiscal year 2526, the third funding cycle. Review and approve agency applications for the fiscal year 2627, fourth funding
cycle. And review the 12-month agency impact reports for the fiscal year 2526 third funding cycle. For a final statement, excuse me, pardon me, excuse me. Um, we would like to express our sincere thanks
to the city manager and the social services staff for their dedicated administration of the program. Um, and to this commissioners and to the commissioners for their continued support and leadership with the city's partnership and investment, we are able to create a meaningful impact for local
nonprofit organizations and help further their vital emissions within our community. Thank you so much. Do you have any questions? Commissioner, >> any questions? No questions. Thank you all. >> Thank you.
>> City clerk, public comment. >> I guess I would like to say thank you guys for all your work. If you I saw a lot of kids stuff up there and I'd like to see that especially with the parks what's going on and uh with the funding and everything that might going on might
be getting harder. But I appreciate all the work you did and especially taking care of those organizations. I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Thank you all. Great presentation. >> Moving on to public hearings. Ordinance
number 2026-05. City clerk, can you read by title one, please? >> Ordinance number 2026-05. An ordinance the city of Northport, Florida, amending the city charter of Northport, Florida to create section 1.05 05 corporate boundaries providing for findings providing for filing of
documents providing for conflicts providing for severability providing for codification and providing an effective date. >> Thank you city manager this is your item. >> Thank you Mr. Mayor. Uh so for this item the information for second reading during the comm city commission meeting
held on March 10th 2026 ordinance number 2025 2026-05 was forwarded to second reading on a 50 vote. Uh today we recommend that you approve it on second reading of ordinance number 2026-05 as presented. Happy to answer any
questions for the matter. Thank you. Commissioners, any questions? >> City clerk. Any public comment? as you're already passed this and as I read this we have to do this is the way
I was educated and bought up your police department other departments can only go within your city boundaries so I think this is quite important for the well-being of everybody so everybody knows where everybody is cuz not too long ago there was a
situation where I don't think they could get involved because of where it was. So, but I think it needs to be passed and I'll leave it at that. >> Thank you. I'm going to close this public hearing and request a motion. >> I'll make it. >> Go ahead.
>> I move to adopt ordinance number 2026-05 as presented. >> Second. Have a motion on the floor made by the vice mayor to adopt ordinance number 2026-05 as presented, [snorts] seconded by Commissioner Stokes. There's nothing to
that. Please vote. That passes 5 to zero. Moving on to ordinance number 2026-06. City clerk, can you read by title only? Ordinance number 2026-06, an ordinance of the city of Northport, Florida, amending the non-district budget and capital improvement budget
for fiscal year 2025-2026 for purchase of replacement fire engine 85 and associated equipment. Additional costs for the utilities administrative administration building and field operations center project U18UAB for a total sum of $3,795,000
providing for findings, providing for posting, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. >> Thank you, city manager. This is your >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh during the city commission regular meeting held on March 10th, 2026 um ordinance number 2026-06
was continued as presented to second reading on a 50 vote. Today we ask that you adopt ordinance number 2026-06 as presented. We're happy to answer any questions you might have as mayor. >> Thank you commissioners. Any questions?
If not, city clerk public comment Again, I don't know what the right price is. Uh it was nice for the fire chiefs to come talk to me afterwards. You know, he told me what I brought up in the meeting of how when you go
through a contract years ago, they didn't deliver on time. Like I said, we should get some money back. He was saying they don't do that anymore. I don't know. But when we're the people buying stuff, maybe we should start dictating some of the terms.
Um, no, I'm not against this cuz I don't know, but I'm just saying in the future and there's been a lot in the news about not be able to get this stuff and this stuff doesn't show up. It shows up late. Again, maybe you guys can get together
and write a letter to Ford or maybe GM and say, "Look, you know, these small fire companies can't make these trucks anymore. Can you start making fire trucks? You know, people are looking for work." The worst they can say is no.
A big company like that get a letter from you, maybe they'll get involved. It's business. I don't know. You have to vote for it. But I think we need to do something to make sure this stuff doesn't take 10 years to get here. >> Right. I'm going to close this public
hearing and request a motion. I'll make it. Go ahead. >> I move to adopt ordinance number 2026-06 is presented. >> I have a motion on the floor to adopt ordinance number 2026-06 as [clears throat] presented. Made by Commissioner Stoke, seconded by
Commissioner Dubal. Please vote. And that passes five to zero. Moving on to resolution number 2026-R9. City clerk, can you read by title only? Resolution number 2026-R9, a resolution of the city of Northport,
Florida, accepting the transfer of water and wastewater infrastructure and improvements and associated warranties for Central Park phases 1, two, and three. Providing for incorporation of recital, providing for filings of documents, providing for complex, providing for severability, and providing an effective date.
>> Thank you, city manager. This is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. For [clears throat] central park phases 1, two, and three, the developer has constructed the required water and wastewater infrastructure, dedicated the necessary easements, and provided warranties to the city. The improvements have been inspected and approved by the
utilities department. Under the executed developer agreement, the city is required to accept ownership of the completed infrastructure. Per section 5.10 of the developer agreement, the installations have a minimum one-year warranty for the date of acceptance by
the city. Resolution number 2026-R09 formalizes this transfer and authorizes recordation into public records for a clear identification of legal ownership. We ask you today to approve resolution number 2026-R09 as presented. Happy to answer any
questions. Mr. Mayor >> sir commission any questions? City clerk public comment. Obviously uh they are building something that they built and handing over. I guess the
question after what the town manager had to say is if there's a one-year warranty on this, but if there's a pump station, or did I mishar you? If I say something wrong, tell me I'm wrong. when they hand
it over to us, they're going to, you know, guarantee it per year. But if they are handing over any pumps, are there any pumps on this system? Are there any how long are the pumps warranty for? And things like that. They could be longer than a year.
So, I would look into things like that. Just something I'm bringing up because you never know. Obviously, you're adding this to your city and source system. So, this actually brings the value up on your city or more system because you're
expanding it and if down the road here we have any problems and we have to sell it to me this would make it more valuable. [snorts] So, I would say definitely vote to put it in there because down the road it might help us with getting more money.
>> Thank you. I'm going to close this public hearing and request a motion. >> I'll make it. >> Go ahead. I move to adopt resolution number 2026-R9 as presented. >> Have a motion on the floor made by the vice mayor to adopt resolution number
2026-R9 as presented. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Commissioner Stokes. There's nothing to that. Please vote. That passes 5 to zero. Moving on to
resolution number 2026-R17. City clerk, can you read by title only, please? >> Resolution number 2026-R17. A resolution of the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, amending and restating the design designation of dog friendly areas in specific city
parks, providing for incorporation of recital, providing for ratification, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. >> Thank you, city manager. This is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh on July 25th of 2017, the city commission approved
resolution number 2017- R18 designating dog friendly areas within 16 specified city parks. These areas allow on leash dog access excluding locations containing playgrounds, courts, batting cages, or sports fields. Signage identifying designated areas include
guidelines, littering pines, and contact information. To further enhance dog friendly recreational access, staff recommends adding Bokeh Chica Park in the Maya Akahhatchee Creek Greenway Trail to the list of designated dog friendly areas. Both locations are well
suited for on leash dog activity and are frequently used by residents seeking passive outdoor recreation. Today, we ask that you approve resolution number 2026-R17 as presented. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, sir.
>> Thank you, Commission. Any questions? City clerk, any public comment? >> Oh, I see it just popped up. Go ahead, Commissioner Dval. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, with this, you know, I looked at the background material and in the
background material, you know, it was stated, you know, concerns of of in increased interreaction, you know, with other park users, you know, with people that have have their animals
and u and it may require monitoring and it may require u education. Um, and you know, my only question is who's going to do that monitoring? Um, but it is a concern. Um,
you know, anytime you have, you know, like a dog park, um, some people take better care of their charges than others. So, we just have to kind of watch watch out for that. But that's all.
>> All right. Thank you. [clears throat] Do >> thank you. >> You know, we've been talking about different things in the room the past few meetings about the parks. So, you're making more space available
at the parks for the dogs. Have you made any spots at the parks for the kids on the bikes? I guess I'll bring that up to you. We don't want them at the Cocoa Plum Plaza and in the roads.
I don't have a problem with the, you know, dogs walking here. It's not a big deal to me. But when you're starting to look at the parks and making, you know, different things in different areas. Maybe we tried to make something for the bikes. So maybe there could be a bike trail for these kids or something cuz I
don't think the bike should be on the trail with the dogs. My two cents. That's >> Thank you. I'm going to close this public hearing and request a motion. >> I'll make it.
>> Go ahead. >> I move to adopt resolution number 2026-R17 as presented. >> Second. >> I have a motion on the floor to adopt resolution number 2026-R17 as presented. Made by Commissioner Stokes, [clears throat] seconded by Vice
Mayor Langden. Nothing to that. Please vote. Still want my goats. No goats for you, sir. And that passes 5 to zero. Moving on to general business. Item number 26-0383.
City manager, this is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh item 26-0383 is discussion and possible action regarding proposed changes to the city key schedule for Phoenix A to the code of the city of Milport, Florida, including but not limited to development
services, fire rescue, parks and recreation, facility rentals, solid waste, road and drainage, and utility fees. Uh so in connection with the city's budget development process for the fiscal year of 2627, staff reviewed the fees charged to services provided by
the city. the fiscal year appendix A proposed fees are and were attached to the item and it outlines the proposed changes to various department fees. Concurrently, the development services staff are still conducting a comprehensive user fee [clears throat] study for their department and the
results of that study will be presented to the commission um at a later date this year. Upon direction from the city commission, the proposed fees will be incorporated into the citywide fee ordinance and the ordinance will be presented to the city commission for first reading on June 23rd and for
adoption at a second reading on June 21st. Today, we ask that you have a discussion and possible action of any proposed changes to the city schedule of appendix A for the city of Northport, but not limited to the prior departments I mentioned earlier. We're happy to answer any questions to help you reach
us reach your decision. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Commissioners, questions. Commissioner Dval, it's not a question. Um earlier in this
meeting we had you know a speaker ask or talk about you know increasing fees in Warm Mineral Springs and statement was made that uh Warm Mineral Springs makes money for the city. Well War Mineral
Springs also costs money for the city. uh if we put together all the cost and you know and those rep those improvements that are coming um it all costs money um and you know in a meeting we can't address
you know a speak a citizen speaker uh but I just want to get it out there that there are two sides to this um and I feel that uh the fee increases you know that we have to put in place for things like
warm mineral springs. Um the rest of the city taxpayers whether they use it or not they pay into those funds. Um so I support this. >> Thank you. Commissioner Pro.
Uh, same topic, but I just want to ask why are we increasing some of the fees for the warm mineral springs um up to 20%. And what my question is what was the rate increase last year for the same
fees for the warm mineral springs as a percentage value? [snorts] Good evening. Sandy Funheller, parks and recreation director. Uh on July 8th of 2025, parks and recreation had a presentation to commission um with a
phased um decrease in the discount that is given to multi-visit passes. Um we showed that to commission. We did the first year um this past October 1st. Um and these fees that are in here now is that second year of that plan. It is not
an increase to the daily admission fee. It is actually a reduction in the discount that we are giving um for multi- visit passes. So those are sold um 10 visits or 30 visits. uh it's a convenience to sell those visits bundled
together and they at the time of purchase it's communicated that there is six months to use those visits. So that's that's what you see in here is us following the plan that we presented. >> And the second question I had was the
Northport Aquatic Center um rental and some of the increases 26% hike 20% hike is and justification is just um a slight I think it's 11
And that says that you know in alignment with wilden feal's recommendation offset increased personal cost. Um and I assume that's the consulting firm. Correct. >> That was the study that was done the
wilden fee schedule study. And um uh we raised some of the prices this past year but we didn't do the full increase on all of them. So this is bringing it to what was recommended by the consultant as the proper fee to charge.
>> And as far as the personnel presence or personnel expense that has to be present there um how many people would be required to monitor the the rental activity?
>> That's going to depend on how many spaces are rented and which spaces are rented. So for example, if I'm looking at this um the first one which is 26% hike pavilion, splash pad, lazy river, not
including slides. So how many staff would be required to be present for? >> Sure. I I will let our assistant director Trish Stur just respond to that. >> Hi Trish, just for the record. Um, so what happens is with each body of water, it has an approved emergency action
plan. Each one of those carries a significant number of staff. If we open just the competition pool, we're talking three staff with a rotation on for a fourth one. If we open the kids play area in addition to that, that's two more staff with a third person that rotates through that rotation. The lazy
river is where we hear hit a big abundance of people because that body of water alone takes 11 staff to manage. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Is that it? Thank you. >> See nothing else. City clerk public
comment. This is a hard one because you don't know anything about your funding next year. The one thing I'll say on all this is as you go up, people aren't going to come.
And if the taxpayers vote something in and you go around it and you raise all the fees [snorts] and their tax bills really don't go down, you're going to have a revolution on
your hand. I don't know what the right price to to [clears throat] charge, but I did hear something here that really annoys me and I'm going to say it when I they started this stuff before I retired and
I told them off then. I'm going to say it now. We pay you guys to make decisions, not consulting firms. You guys can't figure out the price of your pool. You have to call someone and pay them money.
to tell you what to charge. I'm sorry. That's where all our tax money goes now. It's like the highways and the easy path. I mean, we're just paying outside services all this money and it's
soaking up all the money. Maybe you need to really look at all the budgets in all these places and take out the stuff that we really don't need. like some of these consultant firms. I trust the lady who knows 11 people
need to be in that pool. I trust the lifeguard, not the consultant firms. Consulting firms can get in trouble and all these computer programs and stuff. We need to cut a lot of that stuff out.
Not just go up on rates. You need to look where all the money's going. And we can't get rid of the parks. I'm sorry. No way you can get rid of the parks. Everybody in the community from a newborn to an older person goes to parks
in some way, shape, or form. I mean, I don't know what to tell you on this, but if you go up and we get some new funding or you guys put some new taxes in there, are you going to be going down? It's just like with the cost of living
increases. When the cost of living goes down, do you ever get those back? Will these prices drop when the things go down? I want you to think about that. >> Thank you, city manager. What did you want on this? >> If there were no changes from the board
as proposed, we will continue on to include this in our budget process and bring it back to motion on that. Um, >> do I need a motion on that, Madam Clerk? >> You want one? >> I want one. >> All right, you're good. Done. >> Thank you. >> Just wanted to make sure you were
covered. Thank you. >> City clerify public comment, please. So, I come to these meetings to put my two cents in. If you see me here, you know I'm not happy. We need to change a couple of the laws
in town. We really do all over the state here. I mean, the document I was taught in school says we the people doesn't say we the corporation.
Do you know I could make a legal argument to have Walmart kicked out of Florida as being a nuisance to our society? People get killed in their parking lots, run over by cars. They create theft in town, bring
undesirabs in just like a bar would. Would you put up with a bar if people were being killed in their parking lot? People were robbing them 10 times a day.
Would you put up with a bar who had a special parking spot for a cop? We do that for Walmart, though, don't we? All the laws around here are to protect corporations and not the people.
And we need to change some of this. I want an ordinance. If someone puts up a fence, it has to be built on their property. I will not leave this room or stop coming to the meetings until that is done. This is despicable.
You allow people to steal from people down here and it's despicable. You know, we had the whole thing with the police department and and they had the different tickets and stuff up there. It makes me sick that they spend
more than half their time on traffic cuz that's what I took out of that. And the one thing I know, the police can spend all day long on traffic. People are still going to die.
They always get there afterwards. I grew up above a funeral home. I know that for a fact. Happened to my brother. So, I look at things a lot different than you guys.
And I talk about things because I know what really happens in life. And come Friday, you wait to see how many body guys are going to start to come home. So, I'd like to see some changes. You know what I'm looking for. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Moving on to commission communications. Commissioner Devon. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I went out and helped uh the weekend church members uh park cars Saturday
night at a baseball game out at Cool Today Park. I also spent an afternoon distributing food with the awakened church people. Um, and I also felt very honored
to attend a retirement ceremony for one of our police motor officers, Officer Dupra, and also attended the giveaway of a home from Tunnels to
Towers organization to a parapolgic Army serviceman uh who's a parapolgic as a result of his service to this country. Um
I feel honored that I was able to attend those things. Those people uh are police officers on a local level. They support us. They they actually put their lives on the line every time they
come to work for us and service members. Um you know to volunteer your service to this country and to have to spend the rest of your life in a
wheelchair because of it. Uh you deserve appreciation and recognition. That's all. >> Thank you, Commissioner Stokes. Um, I'd just like to echo what Mr. Duval said and thank him for representing us.
I know I try to get to as many things as I possibly can. I miss both these events, much to my sugar and and I have to say I appreciate you being there representing us. So, thank you, sir. >> So, I'll uh that's all I got. Um, Vice Mayor,
>> yes. I submitted a written report to city clerk's office to attach to tonight's agenda >> for anyone who's interested >> and Commissioner Pedro. >> None for me. >> Nothing. Okay. I I couldn't hear you.
I'm sorry. City clerk. >> Really? >> Okay. City attorney >> and city manager. >> Yes, Mr. Mayor. >> All righty. Thank you. And it's 6:56 and uh we're a journey.