And basically it'll calculate from there >> um what your pH and chlorine is. >> And this is the daily task. >> Yeah. This is what we do at the start of every day. >> Inside the control room, he fired up the valves that get the entire water park up and running. >> When we have everything going, the water
level will be back up. But since we're not running everything in the moment, it'll drop it down a couple inches. >> Next, he showed me the daily checklist for the part. >> Then we have our chemical data sheets. So basically just making sure like that our comp pool, lazy river, kids pool are
all where they need to be. Anywhere between two parts per million or 10 parts and then pH is somewhere between 7.2 and 7.8 for a healthy pool. >> There you go. Then came the back washing and wasting process. Flushing the
filters to keep the water flowing freely or removing excess water from the system to keep the water levels balanced. And then it'll start coming out in this pit. >> So this this whole pit will fill in about 3 minutes. >> Really? Over there? >> Yep. >> Next, we changed out one of the strainer
baskets which helped catch large debris before it can reach the pumps. >> I'll tra that one. Thank you. Then new one goes in just like that. And we usually let those dry out. I'll clean them later this week. Before joining the team in Northport, Matt worked as a
lifeguard in Charlotte County under Trish Sturgis, our assistant director of parks and recreation. >> So, I've known Trish a very long time. So, that definitely was one of the influences. >> Good afternoon. Today is Thursday, June 4th, 2026. It's 400 p.m. We're in the
city chambers and I call the city commission regular meeting to order. Commissioners present are Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Stokes, Mayor Emer, Vice Mayor Langden, and Commissioner Pro. There is a quorum present for this meeting. Also present are city manager
Fletcher, city attorney Fuino, deputy city clerk Powell, board specialist Linder, and we got ch police chief Garrison in the back, and deputy chief Hurley. I'm requesting that all commissioners, public participants, and staff maintain order and decorum
throughout this meeting. City Commission policy 2021-03 states that attendees shall refrain from engaging in personal attacks and boisterous, immaterial, inflammatory, obscene, profane, or disorderly conduct.
Additionally, meeting attendees must refrain from obscene, profane, or disorderly conduct, including hand clapping, yelling, and similar demonstrations, all of which disturbs the peace and good order of the meeting. Thank you. I'm going to call on Miss
White. Would you lead us in the pledge, please? >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> Thank you, ma'am. City clerk. Oh, wait a minute. I need a motion to approve the agenda. >> Second. >> Have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Stokes to approve the agenda. Seconded by Vice Mayor. If
there's nothing to that, please vote. And that passes five to zero. Okay. City clerk, we got any public comment? >> Yes, we do. Uh e comment Stephen Harrison. Hello, mayor, vice mayor, commissioner, city manager, and staff. My name is Steven Harrison. I am a member of the Charter
Review Advisory Board. However, I am speaking only in as an individual resident, not on behalf of the board. I respectfully ask the commission to direct staff to contact Venice in Charlotte County regarding charter language on communication between elected officials and staff. Both
jurisdictions allow elected officials to communicate directly with staff to obtain information, make inquiries, and in some cases conduct investigations while maintaining the commissioner manager form of government. Venice allows communication for inquiries and investigations, and Charlotte County
permits communication for inquiries and information while still prohibiting commissioners from directing, supervising, or interfering with staff. I have raised this topic before the commission multiple times and emailed all commissioners with the relevant charter language included. I received replies from two commissioners, an automatic reply from one and no reply
from the other two. I forwarded the email again to ensure all commissioners received it. the city should contact Venice and Charlotte County to learn how these provisions work. I am not approaching this in a biased manner, nor am I suggesting communication has been distorted or acted or anyone acted
improperly. I fully support our city commission, city manager, and all hired and appointed city staff. I simply believe there is room to improve communication and transparency. Allowing commissioners to communicate with staff for inquiries, information, and investigations could improve access to information and reduce bottlenecks
while still preventing commissioners from directing or interfering with staff. I respectfully ask the commission to consider whether Northport's charter should include similar language and direct staff to research this further. Thank you and God bless Stephen Harrison. And we have one in person from
Jill Luke. >> Jill Luke, uh, city of Northport. I'm here to congratulate the tree lady, uh, greenest citizen. I did discover that this is the second time that she's been named this, but to me, she's this
every single year, year after year. Uh, she's out there doing all sorts of stuff for the trees, for the schools, planting plantings. She even has classes to tell the residents how to go about natural um
foliage and stuff like that. So, uh she's involved in anything that you can come up with as far as turning our city green. And so I would like to know, Miss Tree Lady, I got two skanky trees at my
house. Can I trade it for one pretty one? All right. That is all, Mr. Mayor. >> All righty. Thank you. Now, we're all going to move downstairs for the proclamations. >> Absolutely.
>> The longest one. There's yours. >> Do we have a Phillip in the He could not be present today. >> Are you representing him? >> We are. >> Oh yeah.
>> I'll start reading your proclamation. Whereas Children First was founded in 1961 in Sarasota County and has spent 65 years strengthening children and families by improving the quality of
their lives through a comprehensive approach to development, education, health, and well-being. And whereas Children First serves as the exclusive Head Start and Early Head Start provider
for Sarasota County, delivering high quality early childhood education, healthc care, nutrition, and family strengthening strengthening services to children from birth to five and their families and is ranked in the
top 100% of more than 1600 Head Start programs nation. nationwide. And whereas Children First continues to be recognized for excellence and impact, including being named a fivetime national head start association program
of excellence and a 2026 top workplace. I hate it when that happens. I'm not going back. Um, Workplace USA by USA Today, reflecting its enduring commitment to
both the community it serves and the dedicated professionals who carry out this mission. Now, therefore, we, the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, do hereby proclaim May 2026
as children first 26th anniversary month. and encourages all residents to recognize and celebrate the organization's lasting impact on children, families, and the future of our community.
>> No, I think you said it all with the proclamation. >> I'm not much of a public speaker, but uh thank you so much uh for this proclamation. Um, we are celebrating our 60th anniversary. >> 65th, >> just like the city of North. >> I'm really going to be nervous. Um,
we're celebrating 65th anniversary this year. And, um, thank you very, very much for this honor. >> Yes. And it doesn't end there. There's more. And I'm also honored to present a certificate of recommendation to
Philillip and the whole organization in recognition of 30 years of exceptional leadership as chief executive officer of children first. So I'm going to give that to you to give to him. >> Thank you. >> Awesome. All ladies, thank you very
much. Hold the proclamation. You have to do the proclamation in one hand. >> Hold on. >> Perfect. >> Three, two, one. And we'll do one more. Two.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. It's folks like you that make me love. We do. >> Thank you. You're welcome. All right. >> Sorry, Phil. I'll get it. >> Mr. Piper Peeper, whichever way you
pronounce it. >> That is All right. Thanks for having me here today. This is in recognition of our 2026 Greenest Citizen Award recipient. Some of you might know her well. She finds herself
very comfortable in this setting. You are somewhat familiar with the digs here. Um, but everyone knows Alice. She's a Northport chief tree advocate. She has been the guiding force behind People for Trees since 1997.
Through this organization, hundred of trees have been planted at schools, public library, public gardens, and along streets for the purpose of creating tree canopies. Alice has instructed hundreds of children to plant butterfly gardens and more importantly
to get outside and learn, observe, appreciate, and protect our natural environment. Thank you, and congratulations for being the city of Northport's greenest citizen. Again, thank you SO MUCH, ALEX. YOU MIGHT WANT TO SAY A couple words
here. >> Well, yes, I Whoa, I didn't realize so many people were here. But, uh, yes, thank you so much. I want to thank everybody. Um, I congratulate all of of the nominees, not just this year, but in
years past, because that means that people were doing something worthy to be recognized, which is caring for our natural environment. And I, of course, I want to thank all those who actually voted for me, but but it validates the work that that that I've done through
People for Trees and getting the word out there about our natural environment. I tell people that today it's it's easier to be green, but it wasn't so easy when I first started People for Trees. I'll just leave it at that. Okay. Uh but we can all do something for the
environment. We can all plant our own tree and our own front yard, backyard. They don't have to always be in a public u setting. Um, and I always tell people that when we do plant trees, such as along the treewalk, and if you don't know what I'm talking about, it's that
area that runs between Northport Boulevard and by Ela's restaurant along the access road. We started that in 2003. That was a long time ago. And I figured yesterday it was 25 years ago that we did that. But we're still going up there watering trees during the
drought uh that we had. I had to bring up five gallon containers of water. Thankfully, not for them, but for me, when people need to do community service hours, I put them to work and tell them that yes, they can help me lug those
those 40 lb, you know, containers of water to to help those trees along that we planted. Um, but it's things like that that bring trees to an area. Now, they call that reing, reforesting, but we started that 25 years ago. So next
time you go down 41 by San Pedro Church, look at what is there because that is the result of the efforts of people that wanted to do something and uh now today we can enjoy it. So thank you for doing this too. All right. Okay.
Two. One. One more. Two. >> Okay. All right. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. >> Well deserved. >> Way to go, baby.
>> Yes. That's >> anybody from code enforcement officers >> department. Whereas code enforcement officers provide for the safety, health and welfare of the citizens in this community through the enforcement of
buildings, zoning, housing, animal control, fire safety, environmental and other codes and ordinances. And whereas code enforcement officers are responsible for improving neighborhood and the quality of lives of the
residents in and and community and whereas every day assisted by support and program staff. They attempt to provide quality customer service to the public for the betterment of the community. And whereas too many times
their efforts go unnoticed even after code compliance has been accomplished due to their efforts and expertise. And whereas code enforcement officers are dedicated, well-trained and highly responsible individuals who take their
jobs seriously and are proud of their department and the local government within which they serve. And whereas the Florida Association of Code Enforcement has declared the first week of June be set aside by local government to honor
and recognize their code enforcement officers. Now therefore, we, the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, do hereby proclaim June 1st through June 5th, 2026 as code enforcement officers
appreciation week and encourage citizens of Northport to join the city commission in expressing appreciation for the dedication and outstanding service provided by the individuals who serve as our code enforcement officers.
and witness whereof we have heard to un to set our hands and seal of the city of Northport, Florida to be affixed this fourth day of June 2026. Thank you. >> Who gets this? Is there a checklist
for that part? >> So, thank you very much. Like to thank all the commissioners, the city manager's office. Um, obviously Elena and Lori who we work directly for, all the other directors as well, the entire city. You probably mostly know me
probably because I've been here for over 10 years and I'm obviously pretty loud. But I don't really mean this much. But everybody here, uh, there's a different variety of people here and different backgrounds, which I think is going to play well going forward. We have our newest member who's 23. Yeah.
>> He's also a veteran. He was here before he came back. He didn't get enough punishment the first time. Uh, our longest tenure inspector has two years. Everyone else has less than that. And our other new guy, Kevin, since there's two Kevins, we call him Kate, too. Um,
I'll just introduce him really quick because you're going to get to see him because it's grass season. So, get ready. It's Kevin, Trista, Anthony, Michelle, Woody, GW, George, JP, and Gavin. So, we'll see you out there. We're going to Elena and I are meeting
with Lori. We got some things on the horizon. Things are going to change a little bit. We're going to ramp it up a little bit in the coming weeks. So, get ready for some phone calls and uh we'll do our best to help people get to where they need to be to make the city look better and continue to uh instill pride
in the city of North. Thank you. Do one more. Three, two, one. >> In the mail, right? Yeah, >> it's done. It's over. >> Global warming. We've already replaced that.
>> It's gone. Yeah, >> let's hope it goes through. >> If not, we don't care. >> Hurry up. >> Okay. Um, hello. Hello, though. Okay. Before it dies again, but I can also be loud, so it's okay. So, I'm really
excited to be able to take this time to talk about Cody and an recent award our division one. Um we are highlighting our Hermes creative awards we won in the gold category. So the Hermes awards not Hermes Hermes.
He's the messenger god in Greek mythol meth meth mythology >> mythology. I was trying I kept want to say methodology in Greek mythology which is pretty fitting for our division. That's what we do is spread the city's message. So we won in the government
video category with other countries like Saudi Arabia, Canada and then even instate California um and alongside other large companies like PepsiCo, Fidelity Investments, um Yamaha Sports,
all these guys won awards in there and we're right there in the mix. So, I just want to shout out first before I get into it and before I forget, can Sarah Alisa give a wave? Give a wave. She was the narrator of this video and she needs
to get shouted out for it. She needs that recognition. Yeah, she did a great job. as well as our as well as >> you >> as well as our um I know uh our communications intern Laura Guaska who
was here for last summer. She was the star. So um great for her to many members helped with with the filming. So really really quick I'm going to um brag on Cody for a second his favorite thing and then he has a few things to say. So, um, many of you have
seen Cody around, right, taking photo and video. Um, so, you know, he's many things. He's first an excellent photographer and videographer. He's a mentor to many of the other people on our team, and he's dedicated to getting our message out in creative and, you
know, noteworthy and also oftentimes heartfelt ways that people will pay attention to. So, his vision, what stands out to me for him is his vision and creativity. he stands by it. When he has an idea and he runs with it and this is one of those
things. We put this out in honor of Florida City Week at the end of last year that's put on by Florida League of Cities. And this was not a required thing. This was not a thing he was directed to do. This was an idea that Cody had to be able to highlight the employees in the city that work around the clock for us that you may not see
out front. There's a lot of people behind the scenes doing really important work and that was a goal of Cody's to be able to get that out in front. So, I know that I can say and a lot of our te I not all of our team and a lot of employees that Cody's worked with um you
know are in awe of his drive to share the message and the impact he's made with his videos and photos so far. We're really lucky to have him here. So, um we're really excited and proud of him for getting this honor. It's a big deal. International award winner Cody Dinarki
is going to say a couple things now. THANK YOU. UM, this video was built around a simple idea and that every moment a resident enjoys in this city, whether it's your morning coffee or tea if you're Kazia, uh, a walk in the park
or a working traffic light. There is someone who made that possible before anyone arrived. uh someone who showed up early, they did the work, and they moved on to the next thing without ever being seen. That's who this video is for, and that's this moment is for. The truth is,
so much of what this city does happens before anyone else is awake or after everyone has gone home. The grass in the park is always cut. The water always comes out of the faucet. The solid waste is picked up on time. And that happens because everyone's reliable. And most
people never have to think about the work that goes into it. And that's the point. That consistency, that reliability, it's not an accident. It's a result of the people who show up every single day and take pride in doing the job right. We're living in a time when
public servants are under enormous scrutiny. The discourse around government at every level can be loud and it can be discouraging and I know there are employees that feel that and I can see that. And I want to say directly to the men and women who work for this city, we see you. We know what it takes
to keep Northport running. We know the hours, the heat, the calls, and the thankless days. We want you to know even when it feels like the work goes unnoticed, it does not go unnoticed here. This award belongs to every one of you. Thank you.
I had to follow that up, but then I realized that I never said the name of the video or how you can find the video. I was so excited to talk about Cody. I'm really sorry. So, the video is called The Work That Moves Us. You can find it on our YouTube channel. Just scroll down just a little bit. Um, that's where you can find it if you haven't seen it yet.
Just on the outskirts. >> Okay. Don't walk near this, Madison. You'll break it. >> This thing's about ready to fall over. All right, Miss Madison's going to stay here, but it does say uh Miss Britney
Cameraer and Jason and the city of Northport Community Communications Division and Police Department. Would you all come on up here? >> The police department. >> Well, just the chief is okay. No, I'm just kidding. >> Yeah, wait. We're
>> Yeah, come on down, chief. Let's go see. >> It includes the police department as well. Apparently, you all communicate well. >> No rush, sir. We're not waiting on anything. >> I had to get the approval from my boss. >> I wasn't directing you. Actually, I was
making a mad suggestion. So, >> all right. We proudly recognize the outstanding achievements of the city's communications division and the Northport Police Department, both of which earned the certificate of excellence from the Florida Municipal
Communicators Association for the fourth straight year. The certificate recognizes local governments that maintain the highest professional standards and follow best practices in the field. Three city employees, public
information manager Madison Les, police PIO Brittney Cameraer. Is that correct? Am I close? Okay. And communications manager PIO Jason Bartalone also earned the certificate, the certified local government communicator designation, the
first ever statewide professional accreditation for municipal communicators. Please join me in congratulating these exceptional communicators for their commitment to professional development in the city's strategic strategic
communications efforts. Thank you all very much and congratulations. Uh thank you mayor. Thank you commissioners for recognizing us. Um this is a tremendous honor uh for the three individuals who earned the CLGC d um designation. This is the first
accreditation of its kind. we get to have some fancy letters at the end of our name if we want. Um, but it really means that we're achieving the highest standards in communications and it was a very extensive process that um, these ladies went through to earn this certificate and um, had to do a project, a capstone project. So, it was really a
time- inensive um, project that they took on. So, it's a great honor. Um, I also want to invite the rest of the communications team to come up because this certificate of excellence uh, recognizes all of us. Everybody on the team contributes to um this recognition.
Um the city and both the city and the police department earned the certificate of excellence and they are two of only 19 cities and counties in the entire state that earned this certificate of excellence. So it means we're operating at the highest standards um and performing excellence in all of our
communications. So um congratulations to everybody on the team for contributing to this uh recognition. Thank you. Okay, congratulations. >> Do another handshake. I told you I would take the opportunity so I can get it. Thank you.
So again, Good job. I'm ready. >> They're a great team. >> Come on, city manager. You're You're up now. >> HR. Let's go. >> It's right there. >> No, they're not supplied to you, sir. You better talk to your staff about
that. >> I'm sorry. >> No, your staff does. >> That's not true. >> It is. department in preparation. >> Yeah. Okay. Y'all got to come over on this side. >> This side. So have you come on this
side. Come on. This side. Other side. >> There you go. Thank you. Yes. Other side. Other side. There you go. >> We knew you would, Sam. >> Yes. >> Oh. All right. Good afternoon everyone. Uh I
will be presenting the 2026 platinum award for workplace mental health to uh the city of Northport human resource department. Thank you sir. Uh what I will say is that we are all very glad that they are exceeding expectations and winning this award for human uh mental
health from the human resources department. It's important that mental health is recognized in our city. I think it's something that we don't recognize uh it until it's too late when something goes wrong. We don't remember and think about all the countless hours that goes into it when it goes well. Um
they are exceeding the standard by making sure that our workplace culture recognizes mental health by keeping a strong um work life balance, making sure that they have competitive benefits and resources and making sure that they are there when our staff needs them. We have
a staff of a nearly a thousand people in this city. That means that's a thousand different personalities with a thousand different challenges. So, we are grateful that they have a commitment to our workplace um mental health by providing a culture and an environment for us all to survive and thrive in. So,
we want to thank them with everything for this award. And I will turn it over now for our team to speak and say a few words. Well, thank you everyone. On behalf on behalf of our entire team, I'm proud to accept the 2026 Platinum Bell seal
for workplace mental health. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to creating a workplace where people feel supported, respected, empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are especially honored to
be one out of 410 Bell recipients nationwide and one out of 13 platinum recipients in the state of Florida to receive this award. Being recognized among the selective group makes this achievement
even more meaningful and reinforces the importance and prioritizes that of prioritizing mental health in the workplace. Mental health is not just a program or initiative. It is part of our culture. We believe that when people are
cared for, they can do best the their best work, support one another, and thrive both personally and professionally. I want to thank our leadership, our managers, Etna, our employees for making
this achievement possible. Your openness, compassion, dedication have helped build workplace where well-being truly matters. We are honored to be recognized. Thank you. Three, two, one.
Do one more. Three, two, one. >> Thank you. >> Great talking. >> Very well done. >> He was talking about Thank you. Good job, sir.
We'll make sure we incorporate more next time. Do >> we have any waste and recycling workers in the audience? >> Oh, solid waste. >> It's all right. Frankie is not wearing purple. All right.
>> And they're coming around now. Whereas the nation celebrates the week of June 17th as National Garbage Man Day. And whereas according to the Center for Disease Control, the eradication of many
diseases in the Western world is due in large part to higher public sanitation standards resulting from effective garbage disposal. And whereas the men and women employed by the city and private refuge collection and hauling
industry in the community make significant contributions to the safety, health, and welfare of citizens. And whereas the proper collection and disposal of waste and recyclables is vital to preventing disease, litter, and
dump heaps. And whereas refuge haulers contribute to a tidy and clean community. And whereas the city of Northport values and celebrates hundreds of trash collectors, dumpster haulers, sewage workers, street cleaners, and all
others employed in the sanitation industry to serve residents and local businesses. And whereas the city of Northport will have programs to formally and publicly thank these employees that serve the community. Now, therefore, we,
the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, do hereby proclaim June 15th through June 19th, 2026 as National Waste and Recycling Workers Week.
He's a little taller than me. So, uh, first of all, commissioners, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for this proclamation, of course. Solid waste has a saying, there is no tomorrow. There's no tomorrow for us. Everything has to be
done that day and done correctly. So let's talk about the waste men and women that are out there collecting, okay? They pick up between 800 and 1,200 homes each day. They they face challenges. Mailboxes, basketball hoops, totes,
cars, adults, children, right? Think about it. And the adults, they really love the arm. They come running over. You think the children would, but the adults are more in than amaze about it. But after they're all done with that, they get on 75, deal with aggressive
driving traffic, get to the landfill, you got to deal with the landfill traffic, and then you're driving on garbage. They come all the way back home. The next day, they wake up and guess what? They're still smiling and still waving each and every day.
So, our customer service reps, 32,000 customer requests a year, 615 on call. Uh, they do online or or else it's calling. Those people there, they are so friendly. 615 a day. Friendly as can be.
Smiling all the time. Just got to love them. So, but I have to share this with you and then I'll let you go. I think we're last. But uh I received this a couple of weeks ago in an email and it pretty much states about you know it speaks volumes
of what this team does here. So I have to share it. So we have lived here for a good while now and for the first day of service I've seen how hard your staff works. To me that shows a high level of pride for
their job and professionalism and while working. I just wanted to say that we appreciate what they do and that's them every day. Appreciate what these people do here in this city. But it was a man man named Derek and Derek if you're listening
thank you for the kind words. We love it. So if you happen to see him or speak to him that week or any time during the year say hello. Thank you. Three, two, one.
One more. Three, TWO, >> CONGRATULATIONS. What a great job. >> Back upstairs. City clerk, any public comment? >> No public comment, sir. >> 4:39 I adjourn this meeting.