Yes, >> that got passed down through a few co-workers and then now it's it's ended up in this truck. So, I was like, I want to keep it. So, >> well, maybe it's for the uh two-time driver of the year. How about that? >> Yeah. >> Oh, congratulations. >> I appreciate it.
>> Yeah. >> Good afternoon. >> Today is Tuesday, April 2nd, 2026. It's 400 p.m. We're in the city chambers and I call this city commission regular meeting to order. Commissioners present are Commissioner Duval, Commissioner
Stokes is sick today. Mayor Emerich is here, Vice Mayor Langden, Commissioner Pro. There is a quorum present for this meeting. Also present are city manager Fletcher, city attorney Fuino, city clerk Fost, uh board specialist Linder,
uh we have deputy chief in the back, and multiple representatives from the police department. I'm going to call on Mr. Doyle. Would you like to lead us in the pledge, sir? I aliance 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. >> Request a motion to approve the agenda. >> So moved. >> Have a motion on the floor made by Vice
Mayor to approve the agenda. Do I have a second? Seconded by Commissioner Pro. Please vote >> and passes 4 to zero. City clerk. Um, any public comment? I guess I want to start out today going
backwards a little bit on the pay increases and how you guys are going to divvy up the money and stuff. Again, for me to sit here to tell you what to pay someone or give them a raise is wrong cuz I don't know the pay scales. I don't know the people involved. I don't know
their worth echet. I don't know if they call out, stay late. I don't know all those things about not one of your employees, but the presentation I saw to me was not fair.
Now, today I went and did some shopping. So, there's definitely some price increases. I don't think every gas is what four and a quarter or better now for gas. So, again, I'd like you to be fair about the raises and look at it. I don't know
how you guys did them in the past. I ran a business. I had to do this stuff. Obviously, some of you had some other experiences with this stuff. I had a company car
for a lot of years. Boy, boy, did that help me. I don't know how many your employees have company cars and how many employees don't have company cars. And if you're going to give out cost of living increases,
the employees with company cars don't pay for their gas. They drive them back and forth to work. And the other employees drive their own vehicles back and forth to work. Have to pay for their own gas. A car could be what worth 15 20 grand a
year on your paycheck. You don't have to pay the insurance. And uh like I said, I again I can't sit here and tell you what to pay anybody. It's wrong of me. But the way the presentation was given, it didn't seem
like you were going to be very fair about the raises. You guys do this all the time a certain way and it's going to say that way. Maybe it's because of contracts or anything else. But this is what I will tell you.
Unions are really socialism. We don't live in democracy here. People might think we do. We live in a constitutional republic which means I vote for you and then you decide what happens.
It's not a true democracy, is it? So I don't know but the way that presentation was given I I think it needs to be re revisited and I think everybody should be tra treated fairly on the raises. And again, I'm not
telling you what to give out or not to give out. That's not up to me. My point is there's only so much point money in that pie and that pie should be divid divided up equally. That's my problem.
>> That's all there. >> Thank you. Moving on to welcoming the new employees. City manager, this is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. This is item number 26-0552. Welcome to employees and our director of human resources, Miss Christine McDade,
is coming down to lead the conversation. Thank you, sir. >> All righty. Hello everyone. Uh for the record, Christine McDade, human resources director. It's my honor to present to you and introduce some of our newest members of the team. When I call
your name, if you'll please stand. From the finance department, I have Jake Gob, BUDGET MANAGER. JAKE HAS SOME fans here today. Um, from public works, we have Anthony Ka, generator technician.
All right. From public works, we have another Anthony Fentino and equipment operator. One, we also have Lamar Garlington, our assistant public works director. And finally, we have EMTT me and equipment operator one.
All right, parks and recreation, Joseph Howard and Katie Meyer, A from development services, we have Tabitha Baldwin, who's a planning area. And finally, we have utilities. We have
Christopher Harris, a plant maintenance mechanic one, and Kobe Pillo, a collection distribution traininee. Welcome. Great. Well, we're thankful that you're all here today, and I wish you all much
success in your roles. Thank you. >> All righty, commissioners. Ready to go. the proclamations. Oh my god. Yeah. >> All right. We're not following the scripture well today.
batteries budget. Ma'am, >> I know you're very strict. >> Yeah, I know. I know you're very brutal here. There we go. the battery. >> Thank you.
Is there a Ning Tinsley here for the first proclamation for um sexual assault for the rape crisis center? >> Okay, come on down, please.
I hope I said it correctly. Sorry. >> I didn't hear what you said. >> I called her name now. >> Spark. >> Spark. Yes. Whereas sexual assault awareness month is intended to draw attention to the
fact that sexual violence is widespread and has public health implications for every community member of the city of Northport. And rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment impact our community
as seen by statistics indicating that 41.8% of women and 20.4% 4% of men have been sexually assaulted and in one in six women will be raped in the state of Florida. And whereas we must work
together to educate our community about what can be done to prevent sexual assault and how to support survivors. And with leadership, dedication, and encouragement, there is compelling evidence that we can successfully reduce
sexual violence in Northport through prevention, education, increased awareness, and holding perpetrators who commit acts of violence responsible for their actions. And whereas Safe Place and Safe Crisis Center, more commonly
known as Spark, provides free services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children in both Sarasota and Dotto counties, seeks to stop the crime of sexual violence through awareness and education, and
encourages every citizen to actively engage in public and private efforts, including conversations about sexual violence. violence, how to prevent it, how to help survivors connect with services, and how every segment of our
society can work together to better address sexual violence. Now therefore, we, the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as sexual assault awareness month, and
urge all citizens to observe this month by becoming aware of the tragedy of sexual assault, supporting those who are who are working toward its end, and participating in community efforts. You want to say a few words?
>> Sure. >> Oh, you can do it. >> Hi, my name is Michelle. I am the victim advocate for Spark in Northport. My office is in the family service center on Pan-American. Um I do meet with
survivors, men and women, um and children also. It's pretty prevalent even though a lot of it's not reported. Uh so it's really important for us to provide resources. um to be there for emotional support, accompany them to,
you know, the police department, the hospital, um court, uh anything that they need that we're here to support them for that. So, thank you. >> I guess I have to do that. two. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. >> So much. >> Thank you for the work you do. >> Is there a Jack Moses for LifeLink Foundation? Whereas one of the most meaningful gifts that a human being can bestow on another
is the gift of life. And whereas over 105,000 men, women, and children are currently on the national waiting list for organ transplantation, of which over 6,000 reside in Florida, whereas 49,000
65. A historic number of organ transplants occurred in the calendar year of 2025 in the United States thanks to the generosity of 23,787 deceased and living donors of which
Lifelink of Florida honored more donors than ever before serving 360 organ donors who provided 995 life saving transplants to patients. in need. And whereas more than 2.5 million
people throughout the country and in Florida benefit annually from tissue transplantation thanks to thousands of tissue donors. And whereas the need for organ, eye, and tissue donation remains
critical as the new patient as a new patient is added to the national waiting list for an organ transplantation every eight minutes. And each day roughly 13 people die due to lack of available
organs. And whereas more than 10 million Flidians have already registered their decision to give the gift of life through organ and tissue donation at www.donatelife florida.org are on their driver's
license. And whereas LifeLink of Florida, the nonprofit organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplantation therapy in Florida with a mission to honor donors and save life
through organ and tissue don donation. Now therefore, we the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, do here pro who here hereby proclaim April 2026 as donate life month and encourage all residents to consider leaving an
infinite legacy through organ donation and to sign up at my storycontinues.com uh when renewing their driver's license or state identification card. >> Thank you. Can I say a few things or not? >> Absolutely. Please do.
>> I'll be short. I'll try to be short. Anyway, uh thank you very much. I was here to accept this last year, too. I've been a 30-year volunteer with the Oregon uh donation organization, but I also live here in Northport the last nine years seasonally. I'll give you your roads back soon.
>> We appreciate that. >> Yes, I know. It was the traffic was awful coming down here. So, anyway, um so I'm singing to the choir here about organ donation. As you just read, half of all flidians already registered as organ donors. And uh and that's tremendous. I always tell people if
you're registered, let your family knows because a lot of the people that donate organs are they're on life support. They can't say, "Hey, I'm a donor." You know, when I go, let the family know. A lot of times the family um can uh agree to it if they know or potentially stop it if they don't know. Don't know how mom felt
about it. Let people know. Dinner tonight, you heard somebody mention this. And uh anyway, it works. People die every day waiting for organs. And every time I work an event uh here in Northport, I'm always meeting people that are alive because they got organs. Uh and one event I was at Monday,
somebody somebody had given a kidney to a stranger 20 years ago. Almost almost all the organs we get are from people uh you know from the dying process. Um I was just astounded. Most we don't expect that. Most people don't do that. But it is amazing. And thank you all very much
for this. >> Thank you. two. Let's do >> three two one. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Rosalyn Mendoza
from on behalf of the child protection center. >> Welcome ladies. >> Whereas child abuse and neglect is a complex and continuing problem in our society affecting over three million children annually nationwide. And
whereas there is no test of a society more important than the status and treatment of its children. And whereas the Child Protection Center works to prevent child abuse and to protect and treat children affected by child abuse
with the hope of creating a community in which every child is free and safe from abuse and urge all citizens to be aware of and involved with the local and national programs which provide ongoing protection of our children. Now
therefore, we the city of the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as child abuse prevention month. Um, on behalf of the Child Protection
Center, our staff, our board of directors, um, and the clients that we serve, thank you guys for proclaiming April as child abuse prevention month. Um, if you would like to learn more about the Child Protection Center, you can visit our website, www.cpccscerasota.org.
Thank you. 3 2 1 2 >> Thank you. >> Thank you for all the great work you do. >> Don Jones. The mayor always leaves this a little too high for me,
which is not difficult to do. Anyway, whereas Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodeenerative disease affecting more than 1 million Americans, which includes many residents of the city of Northport with symptoms
ranging from tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement as well as non-motor symptoms including depression, sleep disorders, and cognitive decline. Parkinson's disease is expected to
nearly double by 2037. And whereas there is no treatment or cure to slow or stop the disease. Research suggests the disease results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Its exact cause
remains unknown. The economic burden is staggering, exceeding 58 billion dollars annually with nearly half borne by the federal government, health care systems, and the rest by American families. And whereas the health and well-being of the
residents of Northport are enhanced by increased awareness of Parkinson's disease and by the services provided by organizations dedicated to advancing research, prevention, education, improved care, and the development of
new therapies for those living with the disease. Whereas planned activities include the global spark the night, a lighting campaign on April 11th, world parking Park Parkinson's day where we encourage local businesses, health care
professionals and facilities, assisted and nursing homes, organizations, homeowners associations, and residents to participate in awareness by illuminating your outside lighting on buildings and landmarks in vibrant blue
to raise awareness by a visible s symbol of hope and unity showing support for individuals and families impacted by Parkinson's disease. Now therefore, we, the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, do hereby proclaim
April 2026 as Parkinson's disease awareness month and urge all citizens to join me in supporting activities that raise awareness about Parkinson's throughout the month of April and to light up landmarks in vibrant blue on
April 11th, 2026, World Parkinson's Days Day to raise awareness awareness and inspire action on prevention, early diagnosis, better treatment, expanded community support, and most importantly,
hope for a cure. >> Hi, Don Jones. Um, I'd like to first thank the city commission for reading this proclamation to bring awareness toward Parkinson disease and to encourage and challenge everybody on
April 11th, which is a Saturday night, to change your light bulbs on your businesses, homes, wherever. Um, and also raise awareness within, you know, your block so that they other
people may ask you what the blue lights are about and you can let them know. Um, if you can't do blue lights, we're also, you know, a blue ribbon around a mailbox or a tree, whatever you can do. Thank you very much. I'll
>> two one. >> Thank you. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. Thank you. >> You have crime victim. Yes. Okay. Laura Rose Connley, is she in the house? Sarasota County Victim Advisory Council.
There we go. Now, just watch your step though. Laura can't be here today. >> Whereas crime in America has a devastating impact on victims and survivors and tears at the social fabric of our society as a whole. And whereas
the community of crime victims and survivors, those who serve them, and countless allies work together to ensure that victims needs are identified and met with quality, collaborative and comprehensive services. And whereas
there are more than 12,000 system and community- based victim services programs across the nation that help crime survivors and promote community safety. and over 32,000 laws that define and
protect victim's rights. And whereas during 2026 National Crime Victim's Rights Week, April 19th to April 25th, we recommmit our efforts to promote and strengthen the extensive community that
supports and serves victims and survivors of crime. Now therefore, we, the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, do hereby proclaim April 19th through April 25th, 2026 as
National Crime Victim's Rights Week. Hello, I'm Detective Robas. This is my partner, Detective Woodmore. Um, we're honored to accept this on behalf of Sarasota County's victim advocates and the criminal investigations unit. Every case has a person that is behind it that
deserves to be honored, um, supported and heard. So, thank you. >> Three, two, one. One more. Three, two, one. >> Thank you. >> Alamanda Garden. And this one you don't
give away. I got to take that to their to their uh lunchon. >> Okay. >> Any members of the Alamanda Garden Club here today? >> All right. And I'll be reading this proclamation at their uh um lunchon
later on in the month. But let's recognize them. >> Sure. >> Where's the Element Garden Club of Northport was formed on September 24, 1965 and has been designated 501c3
charitable organization since 2018 with 76 members. And whereas the mission for the element garden club of Northport is to promote and participate in the beautifification and improvement of Northport. Encourage the planting, growing and
showing of Florida friendly and native plant materials. Cooperate in the conservation of natural resources. Study individual plant families. floral arranging plant sculpturing such as bonsai trees
promote good horicultural practices and whereas over the last 60 years the element garden club has taken on ambitious projects such as yard of the month flower shows sponsored Christmas decoration competitions purchasing
litter containers to help be beautify Northport planting at the scout house spray heading the Blue Star Memorial which now stands at US 41 and Panama American Boulevard Arbor Day Tree
Planting assisted with anti-litter week and whereas the Alamanda Garden Club of Northport continues to raise funds through events such as the 2026 Garden Party which raised over $7,000 to award grants and scholarship
to Northport support high school students and college students in the field of urban forestry, environmental, horicultural and agricultural and life sciences. The Alamanda Garden Club spends time, energy, materials in furnishing
centerpiece arrangements for meals on wheels events as well as to other local groups and collects and donates donates products to backpack angels and wears the element garden club of Northport has
many dual environmental organization members, a flower show judge, distinguished master gardeners note to residents of Northboard for the vast knowledge of friendly landscaping and design while contributing to the health
of our environment and water conservation. And whereas the Element Garden Club of Northport holds educational meetings for nine months of the year, creative hands-on workshops which give members and non-members an
opportunity to learn exciting and cutting edge floral and plant techniques and processes while often designing pieces of art for their own home, office or gardens. Now therefore, we the city commission of the city of Northport,
Florida, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as 60th anniversary of Alamander Garden Club. National Harbor Day. Northport Development Services for National Arbor Day. Anybody in the
house? >> Here they come. Whereas in 1872, the Nebraska Board of Agriculture established a special day to be a set aside for the planting of trees. And whereas this holiday called
Arbor Day was first observed with plant with the planting of more than million trees in Nebraska. And whereas Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world. And whereas the trees can be a solution to combining climate
change by reducing the erosion of our precious top soil by wind and water, cutting heating and cooling costs, moderating the temperature, cleaning the air, producing lifegiving oxygen, and providing habitat for wildlife. And
whereas the trees are renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products. And whereas trees in our city increase property values, enhance
the economic vitality of business areas and beautify our community. And whereas trees wherever they are planted are a source of joy and spiritual renewal. Now therefore, we, the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, do
hereby proclaim April 24th, 2026 as National Arbor Day. As we recognize our birthday today, I want to thank the city commission and city manager for your continued leadership. Trees do so much for our
city. They protect our environment, support wildlife, help cool our neighborhoods during the hot summer months, and bring a sense of purpose and joy. I'm also proud to share that Northport has been recently
recognized as a Tree City USA for the 26th year and we've earned our fifth growth award. These achievements reflect the hard work of our residents, partners, and volunteers who help care
for our urban forest. On behalf of the natural resources division and the development services department, thank you for helping keep Northport thriving and resilient. One more two
Thank you. >> Yes. >> Wow. 26 years. Well, I'm getting old because I was the one that put in the first application for Tree City USA. Um,
Ms. Shelby and volunteers and police, parks and wreck. I was warned you were coming. Whereas Florida Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Week was established in April as the official time to
recognize and celebrate the efforts of volunteers at the local, state, and national levels. And whereas volunteerism strengthens communities, improves social problems, and enhances the overall quality of life
of for all citizens, including children, seniors, those who are disabled, impoverished, imprisoned, homeless, physically or mentally ill or otherwise in need of assistance. And whereas volunteering changes the lives of
volunteers in a positive way, increasing self-confidence, self-esteem, and physical well-being, offering the enhance offering the chance to meet new friends and providing opportunities to learn new skills and abilities. And
whereas volunteerism is proven to have a positive influence on businesses that are socially responsible, increasing employee morale, loyalty, and teamwork, and building goodwill toward the company. And whereas nonprofits,
charities, community and faith-based groups, schools, and national service programs in the city of Northport have joined together with state and local governments in celebration and praise of volunteers who have given tirelessly and
selflessly to the service of others. Now therefore, we, the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, do hereby proclaim April 2026 as Florida Volunteer Month.
So, I'd first like to thank the city commission and city leadership for recognizing all of our volunteers and all of the hard work they bring to the city. Our volunteers support us in so many meaningful ways through our adopt a park initiatives, event support, program coordination, and community service
projects. Their time, talent, and energy help us maintain and improve our parks, facilities, programs, and landscaped areas. And of course, all of our public spaces for everyone to enjoy. Over the past fiscal year alone, parks and recreation volunteers contributed an
incredible 695 hours of service. That's valued at more than $22,000. That impact goes far beyond numbers. It represents a deep commitment to making Northport a better place to live, play, and connect. As we celebrate National
Volunteer Week, we take this opportunity to recognize and thank those who generously share their time, talents, voices, and resources to meet the evolving needs of our community. and two of to our volunteers, some of which were able to join us today, Joan and Ed Morgan, our event program volunteers,
Heather George and Florida Power and Light with our Adopt Park program, and Debbie Blackwell with Friends of War Mineral Springs Park. Thank you all. Your dedication truly makes a difference. Scooch. >> Three, two, one.
>> Thank you. Thank you as always. >> You're up next. Okay, that one. >> We'll do that one. Telephone. >> Northport's Police Department. Telecommunications week. I can start.
Whereas emergencies can occur at any time that requires police services. And whereas when an emergency occurs, the prompt response of police officers is critical to the protection of life
and preservation of property. And whereas the safety of our police officers is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained from citizens who telephone the Northport Police Communication Center.
And whereas public safety telecommunicators are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services. And whereas public safety telecommunicators are the single vital
link for our police officers by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information and ensuring safety their safety. And whereas public safety telecommunicators of the Northport Police Department have
contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals. And whereas each dispatcher has exhibited compassion, understanding, and professionalism during the performance of their job in the past year. Now therefore, we the city commission of the
city of Northport, Florida, do hereby proclaim April 12th through April 18th, 2026 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. I'll move this down a little bit for you.
>> Thank you. Appreciate it. Uh, good afternoon. Uh, my name is Mandy Lorenz. I'm one of the telecom supervisors over at the police department. Um, I just have a few words here. Uh, good afternoon commissioners, city staff, friends, and family. On behalf of our communication center, I would like to
sincerely thank you for this proclamation recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. It is truly an honor to stand here representing a group of professionals who are often unseen but never absent when they are needed most. Every day our
dispatchers are the calm voice in the chaos. They are the first first responders, the ones who answer the call when someone is experiencing excuse me what may be the worst moment in their life excuse me. Uh in these in those moments
there is no script that can fully prepare you. It takes training, experience, and more importantly, compassion. Our team manages critical information, coordinates resources, supports officers and field personnel, and ensures that help gets where it
needs to go quickly and safely. They do this while making rapid decisions, maintaining composure under pressure, and carrying the weight of every call long after it ends. As a supervisor, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand the level of dedication, professionalism, and resilience that
each member of our center brings to this job. They are not only highly skilled, but deeply committed to each other, to this agency, and to the community we serve. This recognition means a great deal because the work of a telecommunicator often happens behind the scenes. But
make no mistake, their impact is felt in every successful response, every life helped, and every officer who goes home safely at the end of their shift. To the dispatchers, thank you. Thank you for the steady voices, your quick thinking, your teamwork, and your
unwavering commitment to public safety. And to our community and leadership, thank you for taking the time to recognize the critical role of emergency communications. We are proud of the work we do and we are grateful to serve. Thank you. THREE,
TWO, ONE. >> THREE, TWO, ONE. >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> Thank you for the great work you did. We're going to go back to the parks and we'll end with water parks and
>> gonna backtrack here. Parks and wreck. I got one more for you. They put it all in one paragraph. So, we can get some representatives from park and wreck up here. No, >> I think they're You got two.
>> It's a surprise. >> I love the host. >> Actually, we're just making David read it twice. That's all. Whereas the month of April is recognized nationally as volunteer appreciation
month, honoring the dedication, passion, and service of volunteers and national service members throughout our nation. And whereas the city of Northport is committed to pro promoting volunteerism and national service among its
employees, residents, partners, businesses, and organizations and extends its sincere gratitude to all volunteers who generously serve our community. And whereas the parks and recreation department recognizes that
local government cannot meet all community needs alone and relies on valued partnerships with businesses, faith-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, and individual volunteers to strengthen and
enhance our city. And whereas volunteers serving through adopt a park, event support, program coordination, and community service initiatives generously contribute their time, talent, and energy to support and improve the city's
parks, facilities, programs, landscaped areas, nature trails, and public spaces. And whereas during the last fiscal year, parks and recreation volunteers contributed 704 hours of service valued
at more than $24,000, demonstrating their commitment to transforming passion into meaningful impact for the city of Northport. And whereas National Volunteer Week provides a meaningful opportunity to
recognize and thank the individuals who generously share their time, talents, voices, and resources to help meet the evolving needs of our community. Now therefore, we the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, do hereby
proclaim April 19th through April 25th, 2026 as Parks and Recreation Volunteer Week. >> I might say this is a little bit like Groundhog Day, but I'm not going to argue with recognizing Parks and Recreation
volunteers twice. It's an awesome thing. Thank you. made. >> Sure. Two. One more. Three, two, one. >> Thanks. Thank you. >> Thank you, M. >> Good job.
All right, with parks and wreck out of the way, uh, Northport Utilities, please. And I promise this is the last one. Whereas clean, safe, and sustainable water resources and supplies are vital
to the city of Northport's economy, environment, and the health and well-being of its people. And whereas Florida has experienced drought conditions characterized by below average rainfall and increasing water
shortage concerns, prompting local and regional water managers to issue water shortage warnings and implement conservation measures to protect public water supplies and natural resources. And whereas the state of Florida, the
water management districts, and the city of Northport are working together to raise awareness of the importance of water conservation and stewardship. And whereas the city of Northport and the state of Florida recognize April, a
time when water demands often peak and drought impacts can be most acute. as Florida's water conservation month to educate citizens about how they can help sgard the state's precious water resources.
And whereas the city of Northport is committed to setting a good example for its citizens by promoting responsible water use and conservation practices. And whereas every business, industry, school, and resident can make a
measurable difference in conserving water and helping ensure long-term water supply resilience for future generations. Now, therefore, we, the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida,
do hereby proclaim April 2026 as water conservation month. Thank you very much. >> The right for you. >> This is a very timely proclamation as we are experiencing drought conditions.
Starting tomorrow, we go to level three with the water management district restrictions for watering. So, we encourage everyone to go to the website so that you can see exactly what those restrictions are to make sure that we're all conserving web water appropriately.
Also, I want to take a minute to recognize the team that works so hard to provide clean, portable water and to clean waste water in an environmentally friendly way to make sure that we are providing water in the best possible way
and conserving water. Thank you. Two. >> One more. Three, two, one. Thank you. Awesome. >> Thank you for what you do. Thank you for your good work.
All right. Now we're on to economic development division's quarterly gem award. >> Some of the big happenings this afternoon is yours. >> Microphones up too. Have to wear these
older I get. Uh welcome everyone. Thank you for the city to the city commission to the city manager's office and all the staff. Good good afternoon. I'd like to take a moment to recognize the Northport Gem Award presented each quarter to an outstanding local business to presented
each quarter to outstanding local businesses. This award celebrates growth, excellence, and momentum and businesses that are truly part of the city's DNA. Tonight's recipient, King Plastic Corporation, reflects that in every way. Founded in 1968 and privately
owned, King Plastic moved from Venice to Northport in 2001, which is awesome. Given giving them space to build a campus and support initi innovation, efficiency, and continued growth. One of Northport's largest private employers,
they create opportunities for families and invest in the community like their support of the YMCA early learning coalition. This is an example of Jeff's King's resolve where instead of just sitting around idly, he rolled up his sleeves and is actually building an
early learning academy for his employees which helps meet the employees care child care needs. Their commitment to innovation and local impact makes a difference both here and globally. They're also a great contributor to our tax base. So, thank you for that, too. It's my pleasure to announce this
quarter's gem award recipient, King Plastic Corporation. I'd like to invite the owner of King Plastic, Jeff King, to say a couple words. You guys got me past my overtime here for Christ sake. Now, I want to say
thank you to the commission and the city of Northport and the EDC certainly for this quite this honor. Um, I like to always joke that melting plastic in Florida is kind of a dumb thing to be doing, but if you're going to do it, do it in a wonderful place like Northport. So, we do appreciate that. on behalf of the staff, I certainly want to recognize
that or appreciate the recognization that you've given with all the hard work that they've had and that we are really blessed to be part of this community and we look forward to continued growth over the years and giving back to Northport even further. Thank you. 3 2 1 >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it.
>> Thank you. Appreciate each other. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, guys. All right, that's it. Now, um, now what you've all been waiting for, the graduating class of Northport
University. >> Miss Jean will handle the honors here. >> All right. Thank you to all the students that have been able to stay for this whole meeting. I appreciate you. I will never say in an email again that we are first in line.
Um so I'm happy to recognize you class 4 of NPU. If anybody would like to know more about it, I'm not going to speak a lot. My name is Jane Akens. I will be in the lobby. You can Google Northport University and it will come up and I would love for you to join. Okay. So
let's recognize you. David Abrahamson and thank you for coming. David has not gone to any other of his graduations but is coming here. So, thank you David. >> Somebody want to want to give it to him.
>> Whichever way you want Steven B >> is our employer of the year still here. RISA RISE OF EDWARD. SORRY, I didn't say your last name. >> Tom Bisnet, >> Jeff Burns.
Led Miller Dunek, >> Darilyn Dut, Jim and Laura, I'm calling you up together. Thank you. Jim's the man or the lady. >> Deanna Frankowski.
>> I think she might have had to leave. >> Celeste Goodart. Celeste. She's still there. John Cresbot. John, I do. I still see you. There you are.
Ole Glisterson is Nathan Long here. >> I don't see him. Miss Sharon Matthews, >> Desire Negro, Mr. David Parish. >> He might have stepped out. >> Got her poster.
Adriana Silva. There she is. Dr. Manuel Torres. Woohoo. SARAH WINTER and Garrett Woods. >> Thank you to all the departments. Um, this program is not possible without
you. So, thank you. before you go. >> A thank YOU for all her hard work and efforts and her emails. Um we are truly the Northport is truly fortunate to have you and they should have a Jane Deacons
proclamation. All right, let's all let's all scooch together here if we need to put two rows so we can get the whole graduating class in. >> Okay, >> everybody get closer.
>> Cody could do anything. 3 2 1 >> 3 2 1 >> Too big of a three, two, one. >> Right. >> Awesome. AGAIN.
>> CONGRATULATIONS. >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> All right, back to our top commissioners. >> Great job. >> Come on, Mom. Let me not stand. All right, city clerk. Any final public
comment? Do >> you know I looked on the agenda today and I didn't see any readings. I'm looking for a reading. Just letting you know. Um, I'm going back to national news here and
I'm going back to the uh sirens we should have in town. I'm not going to let this go. Yesterday, someone gave a speech, but I don't believe anything that was said yesterday. Yesterday was April Fool's Day. You're fooled to believe anything
these politicians tell you. I'm sorry. There's thousands of cities in this country with what I'm asking for. Thousands. They've had this installed in their city since the 1940s. This is nothing new. This is nothing
that's out of the realm. Rick Scott, Stewie, Trump, they want this war. They're spending billions upon billions. We should have an air raid siren. That air siren could be used for a whole
host of things. I've explained it to you. You have a tsunami, you could tell somebody, right? A tornado, you could tell somebody. Not everybody has a cell phone. You know why
else we need that? I think I put my boat in the water one time over here in town. I think it's called the Coastal Station. What are we blowing up now in their country? Anything that says federal government on
it, every police station, every everything, you earn it up for yourself. It's only a matter of time before we start to get blown up. You have one of the most important highways in this country
right out here. And it's not 75. It's the international coastal waterway. That's why the Coast Guard station is where it is to protect that waterway. You should get on the horn. You should write letters to these people and ask
them for money for Northport. They spend trillions of dollars all the time. I got a cable company. Do you know my house in New Hampshire? That same cable company ran a line across the my street from my house in New Hampshire,
too. So that means I wired this entire country for internet when there's already providers on my street down here and a provider up in New Hampshire and my taxpayer money paid for that.
I'm sorry. This is out of control on every level of government. Like I've been telling you, we need that system in this town. I need that more than I need a water department or a store department. Read the news. The thrones are already
in this country. Thank you. All right, it's 5:04 and I adjourn this meeting. Thank you all for coming.