Every hour, every act quietly connected. >> Morning. >> Today is Tuesday, February 10th, 2026. It's 10:00 a.m. We're in the city chambers, and I call the city commission regular meeting to order. This meeting has been properly noticed and will be
conducted as a hybrid meeting requiring the use of communications media technology CMT. A physical quorum of voting members is present in the city commission chambers. A hybrid meeting allows voting members to attend and
participate without physically being present in the room where the quorum is convened. Commissioners present are Commissioner Dval, Commissioner Stokes, Mayor Emer, Vice Mayor Langden. virtually and Commissioner Pro, there is a quorum present for this meeting. Uh,
Commissioner Lang or Vice Mayor Langden, you've got something to read to us, I do believe. >> Uh, yes, I do. Now, I just have to find it. Here we go. Um, as authorized by city commission policy number 2021-10,
I am attending the hybrid meeting via communications media technology because I am experiencing a medical condition. >> Thank you. Um, and throughout this meeting, we will be taking voice votes.
So, anytime you wish to speak throughout the meeting, just buzz in and let me know that you would like to speak. Okay, vice mayor. >> Okay, thank you, mayor. I'll do that. >> I'm going to request a motion to approve the use of CMT for a hybrid meeting. So, move
>> I have a motion on the floor to accept the use of CMT for hybrid meeting made by Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Commissioner Pro. Anything to that? If not, please vote. Oh, Commissioner Prog.
>> Yes. >> Yes. Vice Mayor, >> I'm a yes. >> I'm a yes. >> I'm a yes. >> And Commissioner Dval, >> yes. >> All right, that is passed five to zero. Also present are city manager Fletcher,
city attorney Fino, city clerk FS, board specialist Linder, police chief Garrison, and fire chief Titus are in the back. I'm going to call on Mr. English if he would lead us in the pledge this morning. I pledge algiance to the flag
>> to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you sir. >> Thank you. >> Request a motion for approval of the
agenda. So move Second. >> Second. >> I have a motion on the floor to approve the agenda made by Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Commissioner Pro. >> All right. Please vote. Commissioner Petro, >> yes. >> Uh, Vice Mayor,
>> yes. >> I'm Yes. Commissioner Stokes, >> I'm yes. >> And Commissioner Dval. >> All right. That that is approved five to zero. Uh, city clerk, public eye. >> Yes. Kowanas Club. Good morning,
commissioners. Please give Jill Luke a key to the city that she loves. She earned the recognition as she is a model resident who loves all in Northport. Also, please rethink the way the logo is presented. Why not give the guidelines to the art center, the high school, and college and see what our residents come up with instead of something many don't
like it. It It's the opportunity to have community buyin and not the thought that we have to live with something that people don't like for 10 years. The supervisor of election allows students to create I voted stickers and they are amazing. Why not let the talented people of Nordport have a shot at the logo?
Explain what's needed and let them design it. Then let us pick the one we like. Then recognize them for their gift to the community. Thank you for your consideration. That is all that I have here. >> Okay. Announcements. 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, firefighters pension trust fund board of trustees, historic and cultural advisory board, joint management advisory board, parks and
recreation advisory board, planning and zoning advisory board, and veterans park advisory committee. Sarasota County Advisory Council vacancies include one resident in Northport to serve on the Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization Citizen Advisory Committee and one resident in Northport to serve on the citizens oversight committee for
school facility planning. If anyone would like more information, please see the city clerk's office. Thank you. >> Thank you. Moving on to the consent agenda. City manager, has any of the items been pulled on the consent agenda? >> No, service. >> Thank you. I will we have any public
comment? There's that. >> Okay. I'll request a motion to approve the items on a consent agenda. >> I have a motion on the floor to approve the items on the consent agenda. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Second.
>> Commissioner Pro. Um, anything to that? Commissioner Petro? >> Yes. >> Vice Mayor? I think you're mood muted. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. I'm Yes. Commissioner
Stokes. Yes. Mr. Dval. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Mr. >> Mayor. If we could go back to public comment, there was a card received the police officer to receive in time. >> Sure. Absolutely. We'll go back to public comment. >> Juan Alexander. I would speak on the matter of phone the
block cameras. I believe they're invasion of privacy. They shouldn't be allowed. Anybody wants somebody to live outside your house and take pictures of you all day, not me. So that um I think that property rights are being violated. I don't believe that in uh inspectors
can come on your property and tell you how you are or to landscape your property. I just don't believe it's proper. It's against the constitution as far as I'm concerned and I don't believe in a residential neighborhood that you should have a business running 24/7.
Good day. You should answer my emails. Thank you. Moving on to public hearings. Uh this is quasi judicial hearing and city clerk can read by title only.
Sign up for that. Where you from? >> Resolution number 2026-R25, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, approving a preliminary subdivision plat for Breitmore East, a 290 unit multifamily residential subdivision on
approximately 108.8 acres located generally west of South River Road and north of Manatee Beach Road. Providing for findings, providing for preliminary subdivision plat approval, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. There have been no agreved party requests
received and can everyone wishing to provide testimony please stand and raise your right hand. You swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to provide is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge. So help you got >> I do. >> Thank you. >> Okay. We have expparte communications.
Commissioner Petro >> vice mayor >> none. >> I have none. Commissioner Stokes for me >> and commissioner. Thank you. Presentation by applicant.
>> You're up, John. >> Well, waiting on you, John. No rush. >> Oh my god. I was waiting on the agenda to get this early. >> Yeah. >> So, thank you. >> More importantly, welcome back. >> Thank you. And remember, that's my
presentation. >> It's okay. You're normally waiting on us, so we give you a pass, sir. You got to be sworn there. >> Is that the Pete Emmer that I know? >> No. >> Making a comment.
>> I need to swear on. >> Do you swear affirm that the testimony you're about to provide is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge to help me with that? >> Uh, I do. Sorry for being late. I Wow, you guys move fast today. Uh
this is a preliminary plat for Brightmore East which is east of the north south Slooh that connects Maninnesota Beach Road to Playmore. We are adding it into it's part of the village GV VDP which is approved for 1,800 units.
We're adding it into Brightmore. Uh madame just Brightmore is our only 55 and older community today. deed restricted. Madam completed a $22 million amenity.
So part of it was to add some more units into Brightmore which was originally approved for 649 units. It's currently shown. This concept shows a town home product
which we needed to do partly to just plan for the property as well as provide for a conduit for a trail that we are completing. We'll open to the public here in the next 30 days that will connect Claymore to the high school site
and then also go down through ever through the school property all the way down to the current city county boundary. Uh if uh we go ahead with the multif family units here, we will max out in village G at
1293 units or about 29% less than the approved 1,800 units. I suspect uh this section of Brightmore will actually be a mix of single family and the town home. So we're going to be
probably about a third less than we are currently allowed. But this is just the standard process now with the uld update of creating a preliminary plat. This was previously approved vdpp when we
wouldn't come with a preliminary plat but other than that we are consistent with uh everything else in uh ball park. >> Thank you sir staff. Yes. Good morning. Okay. >> Thank you. Good morning, commissioners.
For the record, Sherry Wlette Grandon, Planning Zoning Division. I have been sworn. The petition before you is Wellen Park, Brightmore East, Preliminary Subdivision Plat. Petition number PSP25-03579 via resolution number 2026R05.
Uh the applicant is Ty Grimo of Kimley Horn. The owners are Maninnesota Beach Ranchlands LLP. As previously stated, the location is approximately north of Maninnesota Beach Road and east of Southwest Villages Parkway. The request before you is
consideration of the preliminary subdivision plat for Brightmore East. Uh Brightmore East is a continuation of the subdivisions. I know that the previous five were brought before the con uh commission. So this is part of a subdivision within that whole Brightmore
East area. The impacted area for this project is approximately 108.8 acres. So the applicant is requesting, as you could see on the screen, it will be uh 290 units divided into 37 six-unit
buildings and 17 four unit buildings. So this will um supply two building types. uh residential building types. The proposed density for the site is 2.67 dwelling units per acre per the village
GVDP. They are allowed because this is the mixeduse residential neighborhood of 16 dwelling units per acre. So they are well under that density. In addition, they have 67% for open space as you can
see. approximately 580 parking spaces to accommodate those residents and the maximum building height would be 35 ft which is consistent with the village G pattern plan in addition to what you see on site and this will include the
installation of infrastructure water sanitary lines roadways drainage systems storm water management areas and also including those individual lots Again, this is located in village G, mixeduse residential neighborhood 2. I
had put a um star on the screen so you could see in relation to the overall village G where this component is located the proposed floor area ratio. There are some um non-residential components
within this whole village G. So their floor area ratios about that they had about 0.5% and 65.2 allocated as open space. The subject property is zone village which a future land use designation of village
and the number of uh promote uh permitted residential units is about 1218. So this is well under the 1,800 cap for those residential units. Consistency with Florida statutes. The
preliminary plat was reviewed and it meets the definition of the subdivision plan according to the Florida statutes chapter 177. In addition, the final plat which is inhouse under review must be consistent with the approved preliminary
plat. So this is the first step before the final plat is approved. This is consistent with policy the comprehensive plan policy FLU 1.8.1 the preliminary PL application was
submitted in accordance with the ULDC as well as the provisions of the comprehensive plan which regulates the subdivision of land. The uh application also meets policy FLU2.1 site and subdivision plan. So the
subdivision plan before you shows the designated roadways uh storm water management ponds other features also the wetlands that you see will be preserved and uh they will be incorporating a 25- ft buffer around them to ensure their
protection. This meets the transportation element policy 5.5. There is a uh there are trails included for that multimodal network as well as the roadways and sidewalks for connectivity.
It does meet the conservation element policy 1.8 as I previously stated those wetlands will be preserved. The public school facility element objective 1.6 6 has been met has been reviewed for school concurrency and has met this
Sarasota County School Board requirements for school concurrency. In addition, it does meet the comprehensive plan for the uh the housing element which is to provide multiple uh types of dwelling units that has been met with this project because
it's providing two separate and distinct dwelling types. compliance with the unified land development code. Chapter 4 of the newc article 12. It says no subdivision shall be platted or recorded and no lot shall
be sold. No building or development permit shall be issued unless the subdivision uh meets all of the applicable laws including Florida statutes in the DC. This has been reviewed and it has been met.
A formal environmental survey has been completed on the site. All permits for development will be issued in accordance with state and federal regulations. The site is in a FEMA flood zone AE which is a 1% chance of flood.
Um staff review. This underwent the review through the development review committee which comprises of uh other departments including planning and zoning, utilities, public works, storm, water,
fire, police. There were no issues raised as well as our natural resources division has reviewed that there were no issues or concerns raised. So it indicates that this proposal meets all the regulatory guidelines and regulations for moving forward in the
development process. Public hearings were mailed appropriately to the property owners. The petition was also advertised in a newspaper of general circulation. The accompany resolution 2026-R05 has been reviewed by our city attorney's
office and it is legally correct as to form The planning and zoning advisory board heard this item uh January 15, 2026. They voted unanimously to recommend that the city commission would approve uh
this petition PSP 25-03579 via resolution 2026R05. Um city staff is requesting respectfully that the city commission approve this as well. And that concludes staff's
presentation. Thank you. >> Thank you. We do not have any agreed parties. >> We do not. >> All right. >> Rebuttal from applicant. >> I have no rebuttal.
>> Thank you, sir. Rebuttal from staff. >> Good morning. And staff has no rebuttal. >> We have any public comment on this item? Thank you. Commissioner questions. >> Commissioner Dval,
>> I don't have any questions. I just have a comment. Um, I wish the rest of our city had been developed the way these are being developed. You know, there seems to be a good plan. All the eyes have been dotted, the tees have been
crossed. Um staff, thank you for an excellent presentation. Um and I recommend we go forward with this. That's all. >> Thank you. Anyone else? If not, moving on.
Closing arguments by staff. >> Good morning. Uh staff is just recommending approval of the petition before you based on the information in the presentation. Thank you commissioners.
>> Thank you. >> Applicant closing earnings. >> Just thank you for your consideration. Thank you Commissioner Duval for the kind words. And the one thing I do want to add is this site is immediately north of Maninnesota Beach Road by the new
high school that opens in August of this year. >> Thank you, sir. 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-R5 as presented.
>> I have a motion on the floor to adopt resolution number 2026-R5 as presented. That was made by Commissioner Dval and seconded by Commissioner Stokes. Uh Commissioner Petro. Yes,
>> I'm a yes. Vice Mayor, you're still muted. >> Sorry about that. I'm a yes. >> Okay. Commissioner Stokes. >> Oh, yes. >> And Commissioner Dval, >> yes. >> That passes 5 to zero. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. >> Moving on to resolution 2026-R7. This is also a quasi judicial hearing. City clerk can read by title only. >> Resolution number 2026-R07, a resolution of the city commission of
the city of Northport, Florida, vacating utility and drainage easements for lots 12, 13, and track J, lot 1492 of the 30th edition to the Port Charlotte subdivision, providing for findings, providing for reporting, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. There
were no agreed party requests received. And can everyone wishing to provide testimony please stand and raise your right hand? Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to provide is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge to help you God? >> I do. >> Thank you. >> Exparte communications. Commissioner
Petro. >> Vice Mayor? >> None. >> I have none. Commissioner Stokes for me. >> And Commissioner Dval? >> None. >> Thank you. Uh presentation uh by I believe staff
because I'm not seeing an applicant. So go ahead, ma'am. Good afternoon, commissioners. Adriana Silva, planning and zoning division. I have been sworn. Today, we'll be discussing a vacation of easement at Rester A through resolution number 2026-R7
for petition number PVAC-25-02530. The owner and applicant is Paul Manod. His request is to vacate 1380 square ft of the platted rear 10-ft utility and drainage easements located between lots 12 13 and track J of block 1492 of the
30th addition to the Port Charlotte subdivision. This is a vacant parcel. Paul Manoto is requesting this vacation of easement to bring his property into compliance with the ULDC. It is under common ownership of the through a
declaration of the unity of title. The total area to be vacated is 4,860 square feet with a total property area of 74,96 square feet. For context on the review process, the plats typically contain automatic
language enabling that the outside boundary of the property carry the side easements when two or more lots are considered a building site through the unity of title. As the 30th edition of the PLA book omits such language, the rear for the rear easements, a vacation of easement is required.
The following agencies have reviewed the request to vacate the platted 10-ft side utility drainage easements per the ULDC section 2.2.17b and through written response have granted their approval when a utility agent has not provided their response
within 10 days. It is deemed uncontested. Staff has reviewed and approved the proposed vacation of easement, finding that the petition conforms with Florida statute chapter 177 and complies with chapter
2.2.17. Staff recommends approval of petition number PVAC-25-02530 through resolution number 2026-R7. and the city attorney's office has reviewed the accompanying resolution 2026-R7
as to form and correctness. Thank you. >> Okay. Since we don't have an applicant, would you like to rebut yourself? >> No, thank you. >> Okay. >> Do we have any public comment? >> We do not. >> All right. Commission questions,
discussions, anything? Okay. Closing arguments from staff. >> None. >> Going to close this public hearing and request a motion. >> I'll make it. >> Go ahead. >> I move to adopt resolution 2026-R7
as presented. >> Second. >> I have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Stokes to adopt resolution number 2026-R7 as presented. That was seconded by Commissioner Duval. Anything to that?
All right, we're going to take a vote. Commissioner Petro. >> Uh, Vice Mayor, >> I'm a I'm a yes. >> I'm a yes. >> Commissioner Stoops, >> I am a yes. And Commissioner Dval, >> yes. >> And that passes 5 to zero.
Thank you, ma'am. All right, moving on to second readings. Ordinance number 2026-03. City clerk, can you read by title only? >> Ordinance number 2026-03, an ordinance of the city of Northport, Florida regarding golf carts and
low-speed vehicles, amending the code of the city of Northport, Florida by removing subsection B of section 74-152 providing for findings, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, providing for codification, and providing an effective date. >> Thank you, Mr. Pletcher. This is your
item, sir. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. At the January 20th, 2026 regular meeting, ordinance number 2026-03 was continued as presented to second reading on a 50- vote. We ask you today to choose option one, which is approved ordinance number 2026-3
as presented. We're happy to answer any questions you may have, sir. >> Thank you, sir. Commissioners, any questions, discussion? Commissioner Dval. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, this is one of those items that I'm really glad we have
two readings for things. That two week break gives me a chance to listen to public comments, uh, to reflect, to do a little, uh, background. And what I came up with on this was
my concerns are on Panacea. Panacea goes between Toledo Glade on north on the northwest end and down on the southeast side it ends on East Price.
There are a lot of people that use I I'll use the term pass through traffic. People that come off 75 and are headed towards the southeast corner of our city, maybe into Port Charlotte, they'll be skipping the stop lightss on
Toledo Blade. I have a concern that because of the communities that are going to be there and the school, the Woodland Middle School are there is there. I think we'll end up having
people that live in the community letting their children use those golf carts to go pick up their brothers and sisters at the school. and they're going to be crossing with that pass through traffic.
And as everybody knows, all of our speed laws are not followed. Um, I worry about, you know, the fact that there is the school there. I know the
police have looked at that and I'd like to it's it's going to be in enforcement and safety are my concerns here. Thank you. >> Deputy Chief, did you want to say a few words? >> Sure. >> Thank you, Mayor.
>> Sorry about that. So, uh Chris Morales, Deputy Chief, Chief Todd Garrison is well with me. Uh just to be uh clear uh commissioner, we're this is for low LSVs, low speed vehicles. They're not the golf carts. I know everyone looks in
their golf carts, but there is a actual definition um and or uh ordinance that covers section u 741-151 for golf carts in the city. And they are prohibited only in certain areas of the city such as Holiday Park. Um obviously
your golf courses in the city can have them. um on private property, HOAs that are not don't have traffic enforcement agreements with the city and there are private roads, golf carts can be accessed on, but any roadways in the city um the city has allowed low-speed vehicles, which you have to be a valid
driver's license. They have to be registered through the state. They have to be insured and they have to meet all the qualifications basically as a motor vehicle, headlights, tail lights, turn signals, windshield, seat belts, so on and so forth. So, I just want to make sure you're clear that when you say kids
operating golf, no, that's that is a violation uh in in any city roadway uh public roadways. >> Thank you for that clarification. >> Yes, sir. It's been a very common people. Yeah. Yeah. Yes, sir. But there is a clear uh ordinance in in this section of the city that specifically
talks about golf carts. Sir, >> thank you very much. >> You're welcome. >> Is that all you had? >> That's all I had. >> Commissioner Stokes. Uh my only question is I know there's a piece of legislation kicking around at the state with regard
to ebikes. Does this will this ordinance we're looking at impact that at all? >> No. LSVs, low- speed vehicles are defined definitions as exactly what we're talking about. They're modified golf carts that have to meet the statutory requirements of everything I just uh talked about. Their speed as
well under a posted speed limit in a municipality under 35 miles per hour. Um, yes, there is some legislation on ebike regulations because that's been a hot topic across the state. Um, and actually, um, our traffic unit, um, is planning on doing a presentation for
education, um, to the commission and future dates on eB. >> Yep. Anybody else? Vice Mayor, did you have anything? >> Uh, no, sir. I'm all set. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh, city clerk, public
comment. >> Yes. Angela the clerk. This comment is on is in opposition to ordinance number 2026-03 which proposes allowing golf carts on Panacea Boulevard. Panacea Boulevard is a major roadway with traffic speeds that
are too high for safe mixeduse with golf carts. The roadway was not designed for this purpose and introducing golf carts creates foreseeable safety risks for motorists, pedestrians, and golf cart operators. A significant concern is that golf carts will divert onto sidewalks to avoid fast-moving traffic, placing
pedestrians at risk and increasing the city's exposure to preventable liability. Golf carts are currently prohibited in Cedar Grove 1A, allowing them on Panacea Boulevard, while prohibiting them in adjacent neighborhoods creates inconsistent rules that are difficult to enforce and will
inev inevitably lead to confusion, non-compliance, and increased demands on law enforcement. Only street legal low-speed vehicles, LSBs, are permitted in Cedar Grove 1A. If any consideration is given under ordinance number 2026-03, it should be limited strictly to LSBs,
which required licensed drivers, registration, insurance, and compliance with traffic laws. Even then, Panacea Boulevard has no designated bike lane, golf cart lane, or shared use lane, making safe operation enforcement problematic. Traffic near Woodland Middle School is already severely congested during pickup
and dismissal despite posted non-school pickup signage. Violations are routine and police are frequency frequently called to unblock Martin Oak Boulevard, the community's only egress. This shows that signage does not change behavior and that enforcement costs are already
high. Before approving ordinance 2026-03, the commission should state what traffic and safety studies have been conducted to determine that allowing golf carts on Panacea Boulevard is feasible or safe. Without documented studies, I respectfully request the commission deny ordinance number 2026-03
in the interest of public safety, enforcement, pra practicality, and liability reduction. Greg Falner. Dear city commissioners and staff, I am writing to submit public comment in opposition to declaring Panacea Boulevard golf cart and low-speed vehicle friendly. I understand the
intent behind the proposal and the desire to improve connectivity for residents. However, Panacea Boulevard functions as a higher traffic corridor rather than a neighborhood street and I believe the designation introduces both safety concerns and unequal access issues. My concerns are as follows.
speed and traffic. Mix Panacea Boulevard carries regular vehicular traffic at speeds that are not well matched with golf carts or low- speeded vehicles, increasing the risk of serious accidents. Unequal access for Cedar Grove residents and Cedar Grove phase 1A does not permit golf carts, which
effectively blocks direct golf cart access to Panacea Boulevard for residents of Cedar Grove 1B and phase 2. As a result, as a result, these residents would only be able to access Panacea Boulevard by purchasing a gate access pass to enter and exit through the strand, creating a payto access
workaround rather than true community connectivity. False sense of safety and enforcement challenges formal designations may unintentionally signal that Panacea Boulevard is safe for all golf carts in all conditions despite traffic volume, visibility, and enforcement limitations that suggest
otherwise. I support golf cart use where road design, speed limits, and access are appropriate. In this case, the designation would increase risk while benefiting only a subset of residents, leaving others with limited or costly alternatives. For these reasons, I respectfully ask the commission to
reconsider this proposal and prioritize safety, consistency, and equitable access. Thank you for your time and consider consideration. Respectfully, Greg Fulner, president Cedar Grove at the Woodlands 1A. Art Bilski. I'm writing in opposition to
the city's golf cart and low-speed vehicle ordinance. The terms golf cart and LSV are erroneously used interchangeably. Cedar Grove connects directly to Panacea. And while parts of Cedar Grove section 2 are publicly dedicated, are recorded deed restrictions section 1A and 1B prohibit
the operation of golf carts anywhere within the community. LSBs are allowed. I am concerned how golf carts may enter or travel through Cedar Grove solely to access Panacea, creating confusion for residents. Enforcement challenges for this confusion and potential safety and liability concerns.
Cedar Grove 1A does not permit golf carts under its governing documents and bylaw. Cedar Grove 1B does allow golf carts within 1B only if registered within the HOA, but they may not travel through 1A. Golf carts operating within the community are a violation of private
deed restrictions. In order for anyone in section two to operate a golf cart on Panacea, the owners must exit the community through the Strand or be in violation of the law. We ask the city to consider the following options. State that golf carts may not enter residential communities where they are
prohibited. Clarifying that it is LSVs that will be permitted on panacea and not golf carts. This approach would align city policy with existing private land use controls. Reduce enforce enforcement confusion and support public safety without expanding or restricting LSB access. beyond what state law
already provides. City staff has stated no businesses will be impacted. This is incorrect as the Cedar Grove HOAs are affected by this ordinance. I am also concerned about the use of golf carts near the Woodlands Middle School. Traffic already backs up from the school's pickup circle drive onto Panacea. Golf carts do not have the
safety features needed on such highly trafficked roadways. Take a drive down Panacea and look at all the tire burnouts on the road where speeding has occurred. Michael Schul Schuli. No. And that's all
that I have. Mayor, >> thank you. Close this public hearing and request a motion. >> I'll make it. >> Go ahead. >> I move to adopt ordinance 2026-3 as presented. >> Second. >> I have a motion on the floor made by
Commissioner Stokes to adopt ordinance number 2026-03 is presented. Seconded by Commissioner Dval. anything to that? If not, let's vote. Commissioner Pro, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor,
>> I'm I'm a yes. >> I'm a yes. Commissioner Stokes, I'm a yes. And Commissioner Dval, >> yes. >> That passes five to zero. Moving on to ordinance number 2026-04. Um, city clerk, can you read by title
only, please? Ordinance number 2026-04, an ordinance of the city of Northport, Florida, amending the Unified Land Development Code regarding authorized hours for business activities and deliveries in quarter transitional and corridor zoning districts by amending section 3.2.4
providing for findings, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, providing for codification, and providing an effective date. >> Thank you, Mr. Fletcher. This is your item, sir. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh during this city commission regular meeting held on
January 13th of 2026, ordinance number 2026 as 4 was continued second reading on a 5 to zero vote. We ask today that you adopt ordinance number 2026 as group 4 as presented and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.
>> Thank you sir. Commission questions. Commissioner Petro. >> Thank you mayor. I just want to say to be short. I think it's and I'm so also glad that we have the second reading and first reading so we can have
some time to think about it and talk to our residents. Uh to be short I think it is a direct attack on our residents residential areas neighborhoods. Um and I just want to clarify few
things. what is allowed to be built in Ct and uh transitional um and those uh areas. Can we have uh the answer on CO and CT? What can be built there?
Uh good morning. Lorie Barnes, Deputy Director of Development Services. Uh, in your agenda packet, there is a document that lists all of the allowed, prohibited, and special exception uses in CT and corridor. Um, it would take
some time to go through the full list. I can bring it up on the screen or if you have specific use questions, I'd be happy to answer those. >> If you can. Yes. >> Sorry. If you can. Yes. So I would like to have it for the record what what can
be built on CT and C Uh for residential uses, accessory dwelling units are allowed as accessory and CT corridor. Assisted living facilities are prohibited in both districts. Assisted living facilities
uh 50 plus beds are permitted in CT prohibited in corridor cluster housing is permitted in CT provided it is meets the special requirements of the district. Uh prohibited in corridor
manufactured homes are prohibited. Multifamily is per is permitted in both districts. Um if it is vertically integrated, if it's horizontally integrated, it requires a master concept plan approval by the city commission. Single family detached is prohibited in
both districts. Single family attached is permitted in CT um and special exception in corridor. Adult arcades are prohibited. Agriculture is prohibited. Agriculture
or industrial is prohibited. Agro tourism and ecoourism is prohibited. Animal boarding is prohibited in CT allowed in corridor provided it meets the special use standards. Animal daycare is permitted in both districts.
Animal hospitals and veterinary offices subject to compliance with the special use conditions are permitted. Annual animal sanctuaries and rescues are prohibited. Automobile junkyards prohibited.
Automobile repair shops major prohibited in CT special exception and corridor. Would you like me to continue commissioner reading through the whole list or is it is it adequate to keep these up on the screen for a moment so
they can be absorbed by all viewers? Oh yeah, if you can. I mean this is a a big topic for discussion and uh I know that this this ordinance specifically eliminates um
the activity of business activity between hours of 10 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. So this is like a last stronghold that prevents businesses to come into those areas and uh operate. And uh I guess my
understanding when the ULDC was passed and it was before my election um and I would do it much differently than it was. But I think um this was the reasoning and the condition if you will that it
was passed and the residents reluctantly some of them not so much that they this was a pitch if you will for the ULC to be passed that we will limit those areas
uh the residential areas by this provision. vision, which is the hours of operation between 1000 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Um, and this is greatly concerning. I guess you just can
uh scroll up so people can read. But uh I want to show a map in city clerk I if you can as one example of what it's going to be done as a um as a consequences if we leave these hours of
operation. And this is just one example of what I chose. Um so this is the highlighted area. If you can see on the left um the parcel which is um
a house built on three lots uh highlighted in green area and where the sumpter area is. You see how deep it is into the residential area. And um so this house specifically that
is highlighted was sold last year for $699,000. It's a very luxurious if you will like on average it's a big house, a very nice house. The house next to it was built
just recently. So the lot next to it or the lot across can have a dry cleaning or animal daycare. I mean would you want this to be in your neighborhoods commissioners or any
present here? Um I guess it's we as a commission either ignorant or show complete disregard uh to the residents and I certainly don't want to be in either of those categories.
This is the proof how deep in the residential area the change is coming if we lift those hours. Um, and I can show if you can scroll uh to show the pictures of those two houses. They're not the best quality, but I just drove
by and took the picture. Um, this is a very nice lot with the garden. Um, as a matter of fact, the owners sold that house and I don't know, probably with the intention to move away from this neighborhood
because they knew the change is coming. And um, this is another house right on Abiscow and Alpha Alpha Street. And this house, I don't know how much it was sold. I didn't check. But this is I just took this picture to see for the
public to see that across that house can be a dry cleaning animal daycare. I mean would you want this is another house that is next to that highlight map house that I showed before. Um
so this is where I'm coming from. I I guess I don't want to show ignorance and I represent the the residents. Um I do understand the commercial is commercial. We resoneed it as a city. I was not part
of that reszoning process, but we resoneed a lot of residential areas that is now commercial. Um, and I keep hearing this, you know, 8% commercial base and and I don't know if it includes just the land. Does it include the land
that is classified as commercial or is it just commercial buildings that are built out? But nevertheless, this is another topic and that's not the purpose of my uh discussion on this ordinance. I
just don't do not believe that we should live those hours. At the very minimum, I would propose to have only permit businesses activities inside inside between the hours of 10 pm and 5 pm. Which means like uh if you open up an
office, accounting office, the accountant can come and be in the house with the lights on, which means we permit businesses to operate inside of those buildings that are there or that will be built for future use. Uh, and
this would be my very very at least we but I'm I'm reluctant to lift the hours and uh I I do know that people pay attention to this meeting and this meeting is a
pivotal point for people to look at the commission and who represent those constituents. I've had numerous feedback on this item. Um, I did express my concern on this
elimination of business hours limiting businesses between 10 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at my first reading at my agenda briefing saying this goes well deep into the residential areas. I understand one
block over into from Sumpter maybe two blocks but you saw that map that's like 10 blocks if I I didn't count but it's like way far into the residential area and um
office no uh I mean we can go on the list it's it's leather rather big but Mont dry cleaning permitted permitted and that street
is one of the CT areas. So I do understand the need for the businesses to come into the town. I do understand that they and they're more than welcome to come but they are hours of operation. let them be till 1000 p.m. Um, I know a lot
of people that moved into the community to retire, to live here and have a peaceful life, build a houses in those areas and suddenly across the street or a lot next to it will be a a business
operating 24/7. I just it doesn't sit well with me. I just I I I can't comprehend why would we why would we do this and the whole idea that was passed with the we limit the hours of operation
in those transitional zones and uh co and CT and now we're taking that away. It's like we slowly cooking the fry you know um I do not think that it's appropriate.
I'm against it. Um, and I'm sure this is the election year that people will be paying very good attention to who is representing the representative uh who is representing the constituents and our residents and who is not. So
that's my pitch and that's my that's my opinion and I'm being very sincere. Um I'm not against development but should be sensible to the residents and
just to mention the Ailla project which is known by um Chamberlain apartment project which is well over 200 units three stories and that small sliver of land uh of land
that is on Chamberlain, but then it goes into residential and is surrounded by single family residential houses that will be looking at the that apartment complex from the backyards and there's no transition uh between
commercial and single family residential. Um so I don't want to go on and on, but this is where I stand. I just think it's not appropriate. I don't think it's a true
representation as a commission to our constituents. >> Thank you, ma'am. >> Thank you, uh, Commissioner Develop. >> Thank you, Mayor. I have to agree with Commissioner Petrol
on his concerns. At the beginning of this meeting, we all stood up and we all recited the pledge of allegiance. The last section of that pledge of allegiance,
it kind of ends with justice for all. And if you look up the meanings of justice, one of the meanings, there's a a number of different categories you can go into, but one of
them is fairness in the distribution of goods, resources, opportunities, and burdens within a society. We all pledge that. I don't believe any citizen
should suffer a loss of quality of life. And with 24-hour operations, some businesses, some of our residents will suffer a loss of quality of life. And it seems that
this is a recurring theme. As Commissioner Petro stated, um there are apartment complexes. They're going to be surrounded by
residential houses and it all comes down, you know, to be very blunt, it all comes down to money. Okay? And I don't believe any of our citizens, any individual citizen should be penalized
for someone else's profit. Uh, I think these hours of operation should stay the way they are. The U thec was passed with them in it and
I just post those comments. I've had those comments from citizens about this and we have sections of our city that are undeveloped. There's plenty of room for businesses
there. We have another section of our city that is very well to do and you're not going to see this affecting them. But the people that I represent, okay, live in the section that will be affected
and I have to stand for them. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Uh, Commissioner Stokes. >> Yeah. Um, uh, I can appreciate that change in progress, you know, affects people in a variety of ways. Some good,
some bad. The ULDC rewrite was approved after oh somewhere near 10 years worth of work and certainly the last two years of intense focus. And the uses in these two corridors um are what they are. And
if you really take the time to go business by business, type by type, um I found, at least my perception is that virtually all of them are not going to create an issue because
they don't operate at at from 10 till 7 in the morning. uh you know restaurants yeah might be a potential bars potentially where they're allowed but if you go down I I mean the reality is that
the concerns on virtually all the uses don't have really anything to do with these hours because these businesses just don't operate within those hours. Um, you know, I I appreciate,
you know, the passion that goes into, you know, an issue like this because it is a continuation and and this ULDC is a living document that old time will be tweaked and modified and adjusted. But but um you know the reality is that um
this city is growing and it desperately needs commercial revenue. years of work went into this uldc rewrite and um you know it is political season so I get the
political theater that goes into you know the world is watching for those people who vote this way that way the other way but you know from a practical standpoint um the businesses we're talking about that have permitted use in
these corridors are not going to be affected by this hours and we have within okay our ULDC standards that help control and regulate this and that as
long as they are enforced properly will make sure that there isn't problems. So, uh, you know, I do appreciate that, you know, people have the feelings they do. Um, but, uh, you know, I find that this is not an unreasonable thing to do and
it will solve some of the problems for those businesses that need that little extra time, whether it's to clean up afterwards or take the garbage out or to do business within the confines of their building and at, you know, that doesn't disturb the neighbors. So, I I I don't see this as a big issue. I think this is
uh political football. So, thank you, >> Mr. Mayor. >> Yes. >> May I respond and answer some of the questions that were asked? >> Sure. >> Thank you, sir.
>> Um, Commissioner Petrov, um, to your question about the percentages, the city was about 8% land area available for non-residential development before the new zoning map was adopted. we were able to achieve approximately 16%
land area available for non-residential. Um the Lady Slipper area, the area north sumpter shown in the aerial map that you depicted was intentionally changed to a corridor zoning. That is because that area floods
horribly. It is not an area that um we would encourage residential development in the future. And so the zoning was changed intentionally to encourage assembly of land and development of a unified development project that needs
to meet um Southwest Florida Water Management District standards and address those flooding issues in that area. Um as to the um hours of operation imple implementation um that was a vote that
occurred at a very late stage um of the uldc um after the workshops. I can't recall if it was at first reading or second reading. Commissioner Commissioner McDow uh made a motion to include those hours of operation restrictions that were
incorporated for our former neighborhood commercial zoning district. That neighborhood's commercial zoning district in 10 years had one project develop and that was the Dollar General on price. Uh we have a number of
economic development projects where our developers are struggling to get commitments from retail anchors because of these hours of operation restrictions. Uh think of a
grocery store. Publix opens at 7:00 a.m. They're still putting up carts at 1000 p.m. They're in the bakery prepping. They're taking out trash. Um, we have a number of commercial zoning districts in
the city that directly abut commercial districts. Think about US Highway 41. Those hours of operation restrictions are not applied there. Um, and I know that city attorney has communicated with all with you all regarding the
constitutionality of these types of regulations. If we limit only certain areas, businesses only in certain areas um and not others that even deepens the risk for uh a
challenge under litigation. Um as far as the multifamily is concerned, also many areas in the city were multifamily abuts existing single family residential before the reszone before the new zoning map was adopted.
And so, um, we did though incorporate those transitional design standards in the new code where we can enforce them to, um, minimize impacts when we have these adjacencies. I believe I addressed all of the
questions. If there are more, I'm happy to answer them. >> Thank you. >> Vice Mayor, did you have anything to add before I go to uh, Commissioner Pro for a second round? And no, sir. >> Thank you, Commissioner Pro.
>> Thank you, Mayor. I appreciate your feedback, uh, Miss Lori. Um, also appreciate Commissioners, uh, Stokes comments. I strongly believe it has nothing to do with political uh, at least for me because I I didn't gain
anything at this point. But what I'm trying to relate is the quality of life. And uh I moved to the city of Northport specifically because it was and it is the way it is.
Um I did not move to Sarasota or Port Charlotte for that matter. The quality of life is so important for me and for quite frankly for all of us. Um but this item that we are discussing has
nothing to do with the and I touched upon it this for sure but uh it has nothing to do with the uh the use or classification what we are talking about here now is the hours of operation and uh if someone wants to
move to Venice for the quality of life uh I'm sure the reason to be in that area specifically speifically the quality of no hours of business after 7 or 5 whatever the neighborhood they are in because they appreciate that that they
wanted to be part of that community. Um so when we leave those hours it opens up floodgates of any businesses that are listed on that. I also want to touch upon constitutionality
issue. This is a local um ordinance. We we can in institute whatever hours we want because this is our city. Um I was at the conference at FLC this past
weekend and we drove by uh we I took the other route and stopped by at St. Augustine and took a tour um on a trolley and the the the guide was speaking and
then he said I'm going to turn off the speaker because it's a quiet neighborhood and in a few minutes we'll resume our speech if you will. So we drove through a nice neighborhood and it was business hours and this was for the respect of
that community. um that even the tourist shows uh would would not be speaking loudly in a speaker. Why are we doing this? I think we doing
this for uh benefiting of one side than the actual residents of our city. I I just I I I'll be very honest and uh firm on this because I do believe businesses can still operate, let them
operate uh but with this with that limitation which I don't see any problems because it's a local we can we can say no business we can list the business that shouldn't that we did list the business what we think shouldn't be there and
when you bring up constit constitutionality issue I don't think it's really justified. We we as a commission, that's why we are elected to make our own local laws. But um if we vote to live those hours, we just in my opinion don't
represent the the residents um uh and disregard for the quality of life. I do believe that the city is special and we should not be growing just to grow to mimic other cities. We're all unique. Um
but um I do believe that we should take appropriate action and not lift those hours. >> Um Mr. Mayor, I I would like to make a comment. Now >> go right ahead. Yeah,
>> having lived through the resoning, I can tell you that the areas reszoned were carefully selected. The types of businesses that would go in
different zoning areas were carefully considered. And it I always find it interesting when quality of life is defined solely
as single family homes on quarter acre lots or maybe someone has assembled two or three lots and and it's a little bigger. Look at the popularity. You mentioned Venice. Venice has a lot of retail, a lot of restaurants, a lot of
little shops. And that is what attracts a lot of people to those areas. Quality of life is not just quiet. It's the convenience of having easy ready access to the types
of businesses that you'd like to be able to walk to or to drive to in five or 10 minutes and not have to drive for a half an hour to Panagora to to get a decent restaurant.
So um I look at it as bringing benefit to the entire city. There is a financial aspect to it.
If if we don't share more of our tax burden with commercial development and off the backs of our homeowners, this city is is going to be and I've said this a million times. One, or some
combination of the following three things will happen. one, our property taxes or other taxes will go through the roof. We have to provide services for our
residents. Vitally, vitally important and those costs are not going to go down. So, um, we can anticipate if if we don't embrace the very limited expansion of commercial in this city of having
taxes go through the roof and or having cuts in service that conceivably jeopardize life and limb of our residents.
or three, having to surrender park land and open space and sell that land in order to balance our bud budget. Now, when when I first ran six years ago, I thought when I talked about that it was
20, 25 years in the future. But I think we're quickly, this city is quickly approaching the time when anything will not be possible. We'll be so locked in to single family
homes on quarter acre lots. Um and if we retreat now from the very hard, careful, painful work that was done um two and three years ago, then we're doing the
city as a whole a terrible disservice. So, um, I agree with Commissioner Stokes that the types of businesses
that are permitted in different areas preclude. I mean, we're not talking about a carnival business going 24 hours um, a day in an area of single family homes. It has been carefully
mapped out and planned out that most of that expansion um of the corridor and um transitional corridor are in those areas that abut um boulevards
which at some point in our future are going to be full lanes. And when that happens and and we'll see it start to transition price when you have single family homes buted up against a fourlane highway, five lanes
in the case of Price, you you really don't want to have single family homes there. And most people would prefer not to live on a four, five, six lane major thorough affair in a city.
So to retreat at this point is is simply it's it's not in my DNA. Um and I can't support it. And it's not that I don't care about residents and the impact on
residents. It's that I know that this work was done very carefully. If you look beyond chapter 3 which is the reasoning and the zoning maps and the permitted uses etc etc and look at
chapter 4 there is all the detail of the type of buffers and landscaping and and all of those things that go into um making a property attractive. And in
all honesty, when we go up, people have a real concern about building up three floors. What that allows us to do is save land. The type of development that is the most
destructive here in the city is the building of single family homes on quarter acre lots. There's virtually no way the city can really protect or direct or limit what happens there, but we can in higher
density projects and we certainly can and have on commercial property. So again, I agree a a a reconsideration of the ULDC is not on today's agenda.
Um, and the expansion of ours issue, I think we're seeing a lot of overly emotional reaction to it when in fact it will have minimal or any impact
on people in in the adjoining or abiding neighborhoods and properties. >> So that's it, Mr. Mayor. I'm done. Thank you, city clerk. Public comment. >> I would love to, but I didn't sign up.
>> You can still sign up, sir. >> Tamara Rang, commissioners and city manager, the change in zoning to make some areas that were single family resident areas to business zones was a great impact on many areas of Northport. I remember virtually attending meetings
where the discussion of having quiet hours between 1000 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. indicated strong support to have this requirement because these new businesses would be near single family homes. We purchased our home in Northport was a bedroom community. That was a huge factor in moving here. I understand that
the city is setting up for growth and adding businesses will help with keeping residents taxes lower. However, this change proposed by 2026-04 will negatively impact people living near these businesses. We live off of South Chamberlain and could be subjected to noises between 10 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
from potential businesses going on to South Chamberlain. Businesses such as the following will most definitely negatively impact the quality of life for those single family homes near these types of businesses. Animal boarding, archery ranges if they are open during those hours. Automobile repair shops,
bar or nightclub. Neighbors in Port Charlotte near Twisted Forth will strong Twisted Fork will strongly agree that it is an issue with their quality of life. Earth moving if they decide to do this at night. Performance halls, vehicle fueling station. I strongly encourage you to consider the quality of life of
people living near these types of businesses if they are allowed to make noise when their neighbors are trying to sleep. There are enough areas around Northport that single family homes are not nearby to be impacted by the night noise noises from these types of businesses. Thank you for your
consideration, Maria Leslie. To even propose this is despicable to the residents who live in this transitional corridor. Living on price in general is quite noisy. To have that type of volume of noise allowed well into the night is cruel. Please put yourself in our shoes and ask, "If you
lived in this corridor, would you appreciate this? Why does this benefit? Who does this benefit? Certainly not anyone unfortunate enough to live in it. It's bad enough that the zoning was zoning for most of the residential areas were reszoned without many knowing to
also make it noisy late into the evening and early morning diminishes quality and happiness of life here in Northport. Debbie McDow. If a commission approved policy isn't going to be followed, then why have a policy? Policy states whenever possible one reading during a day meeting and the other at an evening
meeting. This item is not time-sensitive, but it has is being held on two daytime meetings. It is important to consider the consequences of amending the ULDC to permit business operations 24/7 in the corridor transitional and corridor zoning districts. These two
zoning districts share property lot lines with residential homes. Commercial and residential are in incompatible with 247 operations. Yes, these two zoning districts mainly have 1/4 parcel parcels, but the zoning map also shows
many large parcels in the residential neighborhoods. It was mentioned to the city has noise ordinance. True, but the noise ordinance is ineffective and useless. Ask staff how many decibel meters there are and how often they're used. It would be interesting to see the data comparing the numbers of noise
complaints versus the number of infractions issued. It is important to recognize restaurants, bars, nightclubs, recreational facilities, and commercial recreation land uses are also permitted in these zoning districts. These establishments usually have outdoor activities, live music, outdoor seating,
and or PA systems. These activities generate considerable noise, which lead to neighborhood complaints. During first reading, I suggested a compromise. Limit outdoor activities to existing quiet hours 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., but allow indoor operations to continue around the clock. This suggestion offers a balance
between protecting the residents and expanding the commercial tax base. Policy changes should prioritize current residents qual quality of life first. No future commercial development. As the legislators, you have the ability. Amend the language today in order to find that
balance. By changing the language now, you are protecting staff and future commissions from the fallout of allowing 247 operations. Michael Schul Schuli. No. In person, I have Robin Same followed by Mark Hansen.
>> Good morning everybody. I'm Sande for the record. Um I'm going to ditto what McDonald said and I'm going to add to that because it's totally out of control as far as a lot of residents are concerned and especially myself. We've
already been shoved down the throats of economic development, going into places where you shouldn't be going into. You You put together a ULDC. It passed. Fine. We're living with it. Now you want to amend the hours of operation. No. Where do we come into play? Where does
our quality of life issues come into play? It's not fair what you're doing. And as far as if I'm reading the uh the article, unnecessary interferences with the enjoyment of life or property, including
outdoor recreation, another area which unreasonably annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort or repose of others within the corporate limits of the city of Northport in addition to the general prohibition set forth in 46-41.
Then you look at the Florida statute under nuisances and penalties and all nuisances that tend to annoy the community. What you're going to wind up with because the community is already angry. And I guess you can tell by my tongue I'm pretty disturbed as well. you're going to wind up with with civil
lawsuits and and that's just going to wind up deterring the business that's going to come to the city of Northport anyway because they don't want to deal with all the nuisance complaints and possible civil actions brought forth because of quality of life issues. And it's not just about the the noise level.
First of all, how's that going to be monitored? You know, seriously, how is that going to be monitored and taken care of? You also have the light pollution. So you have big street lights and parking lights and everything coming in into play into the backyards of our homes.
When do you actually consider the citizens point of view and quality of life issues? It can't always be about the dollar. Yes, we need economic development, but we don't need the hours being changed to make our quality of life issues unbearable.
Nobody wants in your backyard a a bar with entertainment going into 1 2 in the morning. What McDow had recommended is if you got to do it, make it at least go inside so we're not dealing with the outside. We won't be
able to sit in our backyards. We won't even be able to sit in our homes because we'll still hear the music and we'll still be subject to the light pollution. It goes far beyond what you guys want. It's what the citizens re need and what we want and what we've been begging for
is to please consider our quality of life issues because right now everything you're doing is in the name of economic development and that's all you're considering and the citizens are are just getting left behind by the Florida legislature and now by local
municipalities and you too are getting left behind with your voice in the legislation. You can't keep doing it to us. >> Mark. >> Hi, I'm Mark Hansen and I strongly
oppose this. Uh, I oppose the reszoning on one of the new houses that the pitcher came up there. So, I want to take my half million dollar house. Let's make it worth $200,000. Now, thanks. I really appreciate that. You know, I spent my whole life working. I grew up
in Venice, Florida. When I moved back here to Florida, I wanted to go to Northport because I wanted this small community. If I wanted to live in Sarasota in a bunch of industrial area, that's where I would have bought. But 5 years ago, I buy the property. Takes me 3 years to build a
house and now I get reszone commercial. Now we're talking 24/7 hours. I mean, come on. That I mean, you guys, this is, you know, this was my dream. And now I'm I'm sitting here and I'm going to be I could have a body shop next to me or or
I could have a a bar or anything. This is utterly ridiculous. I mean, this there's a 100 homes in this place. It It's not like there's three homes. There's a bunch of homes here and all of us are just totally disgusted with it. I
mean, it is just appalling. Uh, think of think of the residents. I mean, I don't know. It's just totally ruined me where I literally think I want to just sell and get out of Northport cuz
it obviously it's coming down to it's all about the buck. Let's make the dollar. Let's make this a city. If we wanted a city, we'd live in Sarasota. We don't want a city. We want the nice, quiet town that we have. Thank you much. I appreciate it.
That's >> Thank you. I have a question for Miss Barnes. If she could come down and answer a question for me, please. With the hours being the quiet hours are between 10 and 5. Correct. Now with this
ordinance, does it remove them entirely from 10 to 5? >> Yes. >> Okay. So what if we made an adjustment from 12 to 5? How would that work on a lot of these businesses? >> Um there
those limitations might be acceptable to some businesses, but there are a number of uses that are allowed in CT and corridor that are desirable that are by virtue 247. Um, we allow hotels, we allow bed and breakfasts,
um, animal boarding. Those are all by virtue 247. >> Um, and beyond that, you'll still be facing the potential challenge due to the constitutionality issues for treating businesses and corridor
um, and corridor transitional different than any other zoning district. Good morning, Elena Ray, director of development services. I will also add that we also still have the noise ordinance that businesses would be um
subject to and I will respectfully disagree that it is not effective. It is effective when it is something that we can actually enforce. For instance, our noise ordinance already prohibits playing of musical instruments
after 10 p.m. So out outside. So that's already applicable citywide. uh it already prohibits loading and unloading of boxes, crates, and other items within 50 yards of a residential
um lot line after 700 p.m. So just because these hours are removed from the ULDC, every property in the city is subject to the provisions of the noise ordinance that has very specific uh regulations
related to the playing of musical instruments, loudspeakers, PAS, um loading and unloading, those are already built in and they will apply citywide, which makes it fair to all of the property. properties within the city.
>> Thank you for that clarification. >> All 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 2026-04 with the following changes. only permit
business activities inside between the hours of 1000 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. >> I have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Pro. >> I'll second that. >> Seconded by Commissioner Duval. Uh, city
clerk, would you read back the motion, please? One second. to adopt ordinance number 2026-04 as amended to only permit business activities indoors from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
>> Thank you. >> Let's vote. Commissioner Petro, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor, you're muted. Still muted. >> I apologize. I apologize. Um, I'm a no.
>> I'm a no. Commissioner Stokes, >> I'm a no. >> And Commissioner Dval, >> I'm a yes. >> And that motion fails. Three to two. Do we need another motion, city clerk? >> If you want to approve it. Yes. >> Okay. Just putting it out there on the
record. Anybody want to make a motion? Yep. I'll make it. Okay. I move to adopt ordinance 2026-04 as presented. >> I have a >> second. >> Okay. I have a motion on the floor to
adopt ordinance number 2026-04 as presented. Made by Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Vice Mayor Langden. Commissioner Produ, >> I'm a no. >> I'm a yes. Commissioner Stokes, I'm a yes. Vice Mayor, >> I'm a yes.
>> And Commissioner Dval, >> no. >> All right, that passes 3 to two. It's >> 11:35. City Manager, would you like to take lunch this time, sir? >> Yes, sir.
>> Half hour, 45 minutes. Half hour is good. Yes, sir. >> All right. We'll meet back. What time is it? 11:28. Meet back at noon. 12:00 >> tained roads. We call when there's an emergency. We assume someone's keeping it all running. And they are. Northport
University gives residents a 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 a community can be part of it. It's not just about learning the facts. It's about learning where you fit in and
how you could shape the city we call home. Uh the most surprising thing would probably be the opportunity to get tased, which is really cool. Understanding how that feels. Would recommend for everyone unless they have a heart condition. I think another thing would probably be how many people it
takes to run everything >> is how well all the departments work together and how well each of the departments know about other departments. So in the case of a big emergency, they already know what all their departments are already supposed
to do and they all work together. >> This is always a dance. There's always moving parts. There's always things that are that can impact a decision whether it's state, local, federal, revenue. All these things come into play and it and
it's just amazing all these things that of how the city is impacted for the variety of things that can occur. I feel more confident in the city in the way it operates. I don't see wasteful spending. I see a lot of uh proactive thinking way
outside the box of what I thought a city does. >> Well, I was already in love with Northport. Um I think everyone knows that I got to meet the people who work here. their love for the community, how hard it is to run a whole city, um the
intricacies of it and the why. It answers so many questions about the why things are done the way they're done. So, it does it empowers you to love where you live more and to get more involved. And I think the important message here is the confidence that I've
really feel now of the people running each each of these departments. You know, they are running multi-million dollar businesses all separately but coming together with tax dollars that that come through and that is by far not an easy task.
>> Departments that we've been to seem to have improved with the growth in the city. So the mere fact that we've grown such a major amount, department has have grown, the staff has grown, the offerings have grown, and the um need for involvement from the residents has
also grown. >> I think parks and wreck really showed up and did an amazing job. They had a bunch of staff people. They kind of brought us around, had different speakers. I think they take the prize for the best uh overall display. >> Places that I didn't think I would enjoy
as much. like I didn't think I'd enjoy public works as much as I did. I loved it and it seemed to me that there were the more questions that were asked. >> The economic development council I think that is just a again it all points to uh live, work and play within our community.
>> I think there's a lot of misunderstanding out there about really how these departments work, how the city really works. And I think by offering a class like this, you get such an exposure to so many different departments and meet so many different people. you can't help but want to be a
part of it. >> If you plan on living here and living amongst the community and understanding the growth and understanding what we need, definitely join the Northport University. You're going to be pleasantly surprised. >> I would absolutely say do it because you
don't know until you know. And you can go online and you can read all these things, but a lot of it is the experience and sitting across from from whether it's the the chief of police, the the chief of fire, rescue, utilities, all these, you know,
administration, all these departments are absolutely you want you meet the leaders. You can look into their eye and ask pertinent questions that are important to you. to understand of where they're at, where they're going, what are their constraints, and how we can be
as residents, try and give them the resources they need to provide the services that we're asking them to provide. >> I'm more in love with Northport than I've ever been. >> Hey, Brandon, what are you listening to? >> Just listen to my CPR playlist. What's on that?
>> Staying alive. >> I'm Zach. And this is Travis from Northport Fire Rescue. And I'm Brandon. And this is Brett from the Northport Aquatic Center. >> Did you know a lot of the songs that you listen to on a daily basis follow the beats of CPR? 100 to 120 beats per
minute. >> CPR saves lives. >> Hey, Northport. I'm here with Ryan from our engineering division in public works and we're in an area that is experiencing some drainage concerns that were brought to us by some residents. So
Ryan, what are some things you do when you get onto a scene like this to see what the issue may be? >> First thing we do is we start at the bottom of the system, the outfall, how it connects into the uh canal. Then we start working our way up. We go through the cross drains, the culverts, the under drains, and we look at every way the water flows downward. And we look
for blockages uh sumped uh dirt pile up and even sometimes could potentially collapsed uh culverts underneath. And you got to remember, you can't report your uh water being an issue until we have 72 hours of no rainfall. And let's say it rains on Tuesday and a couple
days go by and that second day it rains again, you got to restart your 72 hours. We have to spend time of our water inside the system in order to clean it and in order to slow it down. Otherwise, we're going to end up washing out our neighbors below us. >> Absolutely. So, tell us about what's happening here.
>> Right here, we have a rather large uh blockage inside the system. This is clearly a um illegal dump of some sort uh a tree obviously, and this will slow down the water. If we could see on the north side of it, or north as in the upper part of the uh drainage way, it's
full of water. But when we look at our footage from down below, it's dry. So this is a huge point of collab collecting water. These systems really fail sometimes with like a a death by a thousand cuts. You get a um a sump here, a collapsed uh culvert pipe, a blockage
like this, and it slowly adds up. That makes sense. So if anybody out there is seeing issues like this or experiencing it in your neighborhood, you're welcome to report it um through our Northreport system, which is at northportfl.govnorthports, /northreports or you can give the public works
customer service a call. In Northport, families are finding more and more places built just for them. We opened um this past June. We are an indoor play center for children ages 0 to 7. We do open play sessions, birthday
parties, special events, and classes here at the play center. for me. Um, you know, being a Northport resident, there was really not a whole lot in Northport for children. Um, besides the local parks, so it was super important for me to have something in the community to be
able to offer to families with young children. You want to have that option to be able to still get out of the house with the kids, get their energy out, and not have to hike all the way up somewhere with traffic. and you can just go to a spot near you and just make
those special memories that are close to home. >> Playtime Paradise isn't the only new spot making Playtime local. Do the Beach is a immersive indoor adventure park. We are primarily an inflatable based attraction. We have over 14 different ride attractions scattered throughout
the park. with growing young families pouring into Northport and growing the city, we just knew there was such a need for families to have an outlet and some some good entertainment, active entertainment for children. One of our core beliefs as a as a company is encouraging kids to get involved in
active and social play, getting them away from their screens and using their imaginations. From slides to inflatables, dance classes, birthday parties, Northport is growing and so are the options for young families right here at home. The community has welcomed us with open arms.
>> We are thrilled to be here. >> It shows families that there's a place for them um to grow as a young family in Northport. There's a place in Northport that invites you to slow down to see, hear, and feel the world around you.
Inside the Garden of Five Senses is Boundless Adventures, a playground where every child can play, no matter their abilities. Just beyond the playground, the story stroll turns a simple walk into an interactive adventure. Each step reveals a new page or
activity. sparking imagination, 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. Hello everyone, Devon Pulis here, aquatics manager. Welcome to my crib. We have fun here at the crib. Programs included. Become a pass member. Play all year long. Payer at the crib. We do have
rules. We take all payments here at the crib. Apple Pay, Mastercard, Visa, cash. You pay right here to enjoy the crib. So, enter through the gate. Childproof, most adult proof.
Shade. What's that? Our newly installed sun shade available for rent all season long. Here at my crib, you don't have to worry about a place to find a seat. We've added more chairs than ever here at the crib. You're coming to enjoy the cribs
and you got little ones. We got the perfect area for them. Our Pelican playground, newly painted, fresh floor, fresh palm tree. It's looking clean. Looking for a place to work your upper body? Take a shot at here at our
Stingray shuffle. Looking to relax? I got you covered here with our lazy river. Living more on the adventurous side. Check out the slides right behind me. Newly painted. All offer something
individual and unique. Check it out. Check out the main pool kept at a wonderful 84° all year long. I just want you to have a good time. We have safety covered. Lifeguards here,
staff all day, every day when we're open for you to enjoy. Concession is open. Pizza, pretzels, nachos, ice cream. We got it all. My crib is your crib. Looking forward to
seeing you here. >> Duty calls. Hello, my name is Jerome Fletcher, city manager of the city of Northport. I'm at the Northport Aquatic Center. I'm on the job today. Let's go. Morning.
Commander, sir. >> Nice to see you. Thanks for having me today. >> Of course. Hey, we're going to go through our opening checklist for this morning to make sure that the facility is safe and operational. >> All right, sounds good. Let me do it. Before anything else, the team walks the entire area to make sure everything is
clean and in good shape. >> Our next part of our task is to make sure that our body of water is one clear. The water must remain clean. We must identify any possible materials that shouldn't be in the water. >> Then it was time to check the surge tanks. >> You can see the glistening of the water down there.
>> If the water is too deep and you hear a rushing of water, that means that this needs to be filled before we can begin operations for this. >> Okay, >> it's part science, part intuition. At the relax river, Jesse showed me the digital checklist system, the hydro app. As soon as I click yes on this checklist
that let's say the water is clear and I do not identify that the water is cloudy or any sense that yes goes directly to my manager and lets them know that at this exact time I checked that water to make sure it was safe and clear. >> This technology being used at its best job.
>> Now our rotations we have evolved to having our lifeguards into a more of a roving position. >> With the competition pool we still maintain the chairs for the height eligibility. Um, but here we have to have a minimum of five lifeguards just to run this body of water.
>> Wow. >> And we actually have a lifeguard positioned in our catch pool over there to help our guests that are coming out of the slides at a bar tarp and twister. >> I've seen that person there. Then Jesse brought up something that most people might not think about. Pool skimming. >> Pool skimming is the sounds of the water
being properly flowed. So with those drains, all the water has to constantly filter throughout our pool at least three to four times a day. So not only is the water continuously being pumped in, continuously flowing out, being cleansed through our sand filters, then
being pumped back into the pool. It's a very long process, but it makes sure that the water stays to clear as possible. >> Then Jesse taught me about the zones. >> It helps maintain that their body of water is theirs to protect anybody that's in their zone. So lifeguard Brandon right now is actually scanning
red one zone. So red one zone is here. Any part of this body of water that reaches let's say all the way from those stairs to the bulkhead and to the side of the corner. This entire zone is his right now to make sure that they are staying healthy and hydrated. We do have
a 30 minute a rotation here for all of our lifeguards. And lifeguards are not meant to bypass more than one hour of continuous lifeguarding. So after every hour, the lifeguards must take either a visual break or an actual break. After
Jesse's walkthrough, I met up with Matt, one of the pool technicians responsible for keeping the water clean and safe every single day. He started by showing me how they test the water across the park. We got comp pool, lazy river, kids pool. >> Each sample is dropped into small disc and loaded into a device and in just
seconds it gives a full readout on the pool's chemistry. And before this little machine was created, this was a more of a manual model. >> Yeah, we um a lot of people will use tailored tests. So, it involves like a little different chemicals. You would fill up a container and drop them in
like a certain amount 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 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 help 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 of wanting to come work at the aquatic center. Had me go out for an AFO course recently, which is aquatic facility operator course. basically
anything and everything relating to a facility like water chemistry, safety rules, that this and that. So, I went there. I just passed that class. So, that's a little little bit of knowledge under my belt. It was definitely useful. >> Well, Matt, we're we're grateful for
your time and your experience and all you put into your career here and congratulations on your certification and you do amazing job, sir. >> Thank you for joining me today at the Northport Aquatic Center. It's a great facility. I want to thank director Sandy Funheler, assistant director Trish Sturgis. I have learned so much amazing
things today. I would like to say that the technical expertise that goes to keep the water safe as well as the people safe is an amazing combination. See you on the next job. Thanks for being here. Hey, city of Northport. My name is Sandra Budro. I am with AECOM and I'm
representing the city of Northport on this glorious Price Boulevard project. We are here on Price Boulevard at the Blue Ridge Waterway in which we are building the box culvert. Um, as we've talked in the past, we're doing a double barrel box culvert here and we are
currently pouring the second wall of the structure. That wall's got to cure. The concrete has to cure and then we can strip form. So, it does take some time for the walls to cure and then for us to start building the top. After that, we're going to build uh the earthwork
and then the roadway. So, at this point, we are currently early on in the process. If you want further updates, you're going to go to the Price Boulevard web page. Hello, I'm Jerome Fletcher, city manager of Northport. I'm on the job with the solid waste division of public works.
Let's go. make yourself at home. >> Oh, I love the duck. Look at that. 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. You You only been here for two years, right? >> Two and a half now. So, >> right. Recognition is nice, but what he really values is the simplicity of the work. Meet Cole Sigley, a solid waste
driver for the city of Northport. >> You can put me on the same truck and same route, leave me alone for 30 years, and I'll it'll be done. You don't have to worry. You don't have to worry about it, >> right? It's very low stress. Let me do my job. Yep. >> I'll do it right. Come back tomorrow. >> Yep. And then you go on to your next
route. And then you just keep doing that. And then eventually the weekend comes. You enjoy the weekend right back to it. >> Right. That's that's how life should be. >> It's a career he planned for early on right after high school. >> I went and got my CDL after I graduated high school and my goal is to get here
eventually. So >> All right. >> So I sound like a man with a plan. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Well, we appreciate it. We appreciate everything you guys do. He even shared a little bit about where he grew up. Far from the Florida heat >> because we we're from West Virginia. >> Okay. What what part of West Virginia?
>> Uh so it's north central so like Clarksburg. It's about 40 minutes from Morgantown which is where the university and the schools are and all that stuff. >> I've been to Wheeling West Virginia a couple times up in the mountains. >> Yeah. >> I I I'm going to tell you driving up those streets when the streets are like
really narrow >> and you got to wind up those I was like oh my And I was young. I was like 23. >> Yeah. >> And I was like, man, this is going to be a problem. >> There are some of those mountain roads where it's just we like to call them kiss your butt turns where you're
sneaking through >> and then you got to do that in the winter when it's icy on the road. >> I don't want to think about it. I don't even want to think about it. >> No, I'll take this over that up there >> any day. >> And when the talk turns to hobbies, the trucks don't stop at work. In his spare time, it's all about monster trucks and RC cars.
>> Nice little basketball court right there. My son would like that outside of our house. >> Oh, yeah. >> That's nice. >> Your place to run your little RC trucks, too, >> right? Oh, yeah. >> I got a bunch of those. I like >> Do you? >> Yeah. >> Oh, man. Do you have the gas powered ones? >> I have the electric. I don't have the
gas. I've seen them. >> I I just want like the ones that go fast. I mean, it can be electric or gas, but >> how fast can yours go? >> I have So, I have a couple that can go 40 plus. >> Oh, yeah. >> So, they're the brushless motors. So, >> you go race them somewhere like on the track? No, I just race around my yard.
They're monster trucks, so they you just take those things anywhere. >> They can jump over anything. >> Oh, yeah. Right. >> I rip them through the sand and the grass and hit big jumps with them. I break them more than I do. >> You take a big jump, you're like, "All right, let's do this." And then you land it and it's like boom, it's done. You just broke the wheel off. Or
>> But when the work day starts, the focus shifts to keeping the city running smoothly. Every collection has a plan. And behind the scenes, people like Mario Vaniti, planner and scheduler for the city, help make sure it all runs like clockwork. >> So basically, I'll and I will check them one by one.
>> Right. Do you really? >> Oh, yeah. I'll get out at every one and I'll check I might take a section and do like three or four streets, >> right? >> For the entire city. >> Yeah. So, here we have contamination, our first tote, >> right? >> We have yard waste which does not belong in there,
>> right? and we're going to end up tagging this and they're not going to collect it because of that. >> Okay. But but as I'm familiar with, you write on there exactly what the problem is. >> I can check off. There's a spot for yard waste on there that doesn't belong in there and I'll show you that. >> The goal isn't punishment. It's
education. Making sure residents know what belongs in the bin and what doesn't. >> So, here we have these are um it's a recycling notice. It's not a violation. It's not it's just a warning. is just saying that, you know, oops, you had something in here that didn't belong, >> right?
>> So, I'll date this. Today's the 24th, and there's a spot on here. We noticed your recycle container that had something that didn't belong. And there's a spot for yard waste, >> right? >> Any kind of branches, trees, plants, anything like that does not belong in there. It's not recyclable. The
collection center won't take it. So, basically, I just leave this notice on top of the lid like this. >> Leave it closed. like that yard waste and that's it. And the driver knows not to collect this. >> And if there's ever confusion, there's
even an app that takes out the guesswork. >> So the Recycle Coach app, it's easy. You just put in your street, your zip code, and it will it will notify you the day before on your phone. You get a notification say, "Hey, tomorrow's your trash day." And you put the tan lid out.
It'll give you notifications so you can't mess it up. >> I like that. From drivers to planters, each role shows the same thing. Pride in their work and pride in serving the community. >> I do the best I can for y'all. >> Learned a lot today. Had a great experience with the gentleman from Solid
Waste Division of Public Works. What I learned today was that we have a lot of programs I don't think citizens are aware of to take advantage of. Whether it's cardboard collection, whether it's tote cleaning, or also just the fact that we have one gentleman, Mr. Mario who goes out through the entire city making sure that we recycle properly.
Please make sure that we recycle properly so that we can get the best most efficient use of our solid waste throughout the entire city. It was great to be here today and thank you for tuning in. See you on the next job. Residents may begin to see some changes taking place here at Fire Station 81 on
Sumpter Boulevard. And here to tell us more about it is Deputy Chief Nick Hurley. Thank you for being here. >> Thank you for having me, Madison. >> So, tell us about what's going to be going on at station 81 in the coming months. >> So, in a few weeks, uh, we will see the station being torn down and the crews
that normally respond out of this station are moving into the temporary fire station, which you can see in the background, and our fire admin will be moving into city hall. >> So, it's being torn down completely and being built back up, right? Not being retrofitted. >> That's correct. The project started out
as a remodel and our design was more to just add a little bit of square footage. The the building's not that old. It was built in '98, but after the hurricanes, we had to bring the building up to current code. Different codes existed in 1998. So, that process led to a cheaper
option, which was to tear down and rebuild. >> Sure. So, is there a general timeline for how long this project is going to take? >> Yeah. So, the tearown should start in December. So by the end of the year it should be all flat ground and then we're
being told anywhere between 12 and 14 months before the new station is complete and ready for our crews to move back in. >> Gotcha. Okay. So with a project like this, what does the cost look like and where are those funds coming from? >> So the majority of the funding is through Cirax. Uh the total project is
around 17.5 million. >> So since a brand new building is being built, what kind of improvements can be made by taking that route? So, one of the biggest is we are a critical infrastructure building. So, our crews are expected to respond as soon as the storm clears. The new building will be
rated up to a category 5 hurricane. And that meets the code for our wind load this far inland because we we get a little bit less intense winds as we get away from the coast. >> Sure, that makes sense. So, we're coming up here on some beautiful trees.
>> So, tell me about the plan for these. Are some of them sticking around? What is your plan? >> Yeah, absolutely. So, one of the things we did very early in the project is we recognized that to the best that we could, we wanted to save as many trees as 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. >> All right, it's 12:00 and we're back. I see that vice mayor is on the screen, so everybody's back.
Moving on to item A26-0259. Um discussion and possible action regarding bestowing a key to the city to Jill Luke at a future commission meeting. This has been requested by Commissioner Pro. Miss Files, this is your item.
>> This item has been by Commissioner Petro. >> Thank youelcome, >> Commissioner Pro. >> Thank you, ma'am. Well, I don't know if we have to have a long discussion and possible action. We do have to have a possible action. But
uh I think Miss Jill Book is well deserved to be presented with a key to the city and um she has done so much and um at her own expense and at her own
uh time voluntarily and I would like to meet anybody who would say otherwise. Uh, with that I don't have much to say except nominate her to be the recipient of this award. >> All right, commission questions.
Commissioner Stokes. Yeah, does seem like we're giving away the key to the city every other month. But uh but I I I got to I got to concur with Commissioner uh Pro here. I couldn't think of a more deserving individual than Jill Luke for
this. She has given of herself to this city in so many different ways. She is always there for everybody and she is she has proven what I believe to be the real essence of a great commissioner. A person who immerses him or herself in
the community all the time. When representatives talk about I speak for the people, man, she spoke for the people because she was part of the people all the time. She went everywhere, involved herself in everything. She spared nothing. She made
sure that her only and entire focus was this city. And that's what she did. I think she's a great living example of a person who deserves this key to the city and she should stand as an example for every elected official. That's what it takes to do this job. A,000% commitment.
So, I'm all in on this one. Thank you. Yeah. Um, even before she was a commissioner, she always represented the city 100%. Rep, you know, with the storage units that she worked at, she helped the nonprofits. I mean, she
really dug deep and helped this community quite a bit. Um, as a commissioner, she was an outstanding person, always a great reflection of what this city had to offer. And then even after her commission, she's out there. If you ever want to know anything on what's going on in the city, just go
to her post cuz she probably done did 12 things in the day. And uh, you know, and and she puts it out there. So, very informative and yeah, definitely deserving. Commissioner Dubal.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I confirm with my fellow commissioners, um, Jill Luke has put herself out there. Um, and I also, as Commissioner Spoke Stokes just said, um, seems like we're giving
away a key to this city every other week now. Uh, I've been going to city commission meetings for years and it seems like years went by and we didn't give any away. And added to the fact is that uh we have another former
commissioner and commissioner what is quite who's also uh kind of retiring from things now. Um for many years in the city
we've had the tour of Northport and that's something to put Northport on the map. Um we've had the tree bearer in city. Those things are going away. Um and
Commissioner White through her organization has planted over 11,000 trees in this city. Um, so it's just kind of a, you know, not to take anything away from former commissioner a little bit. Um,
I just wonder if we're are we in any way diminishing, you know, the value of the key to the city. Um, it's just something to consider. But if anybody was going to get one, you know, I I would think those two uh would
definitely be high on my list. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> commissioner or vice mayor. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, yeah. uh you know we have given a number of keys
out in the past year or two and uh I know what has motivated me to be a a little more liberal with that is that we've also given some out postumously
and why do we wait until someone passes to recognize their many accomplishments. So for me, I I'd much rather um give the key to the city to the person who has earned it. Um not that their family
hasn't, but you know what I'm saying. and and Jill, I I I support giving her the key, not because of what she accomplished as a commissioner, as as Commissioner Stokes
said, you know, we're sort of expected to immerse ourselves and be available and be engaged and know what's going on. It's the time she has spent and the giving of herself
um that she has made in the years when she wasn't a commissioner and she has long been such an advocate of this city. I think she is deserving uh and I I support giving her the key.
>> Yeah. and back to it's like you know it looks like we're giving them away and I agree wholeheartedly with you uh Vice Mayor and it was also brought up to my attention by Ms. Morgan that we are playing catchup and we would much rather give them to them while the recipients
are still alive rather than presenting the families because we did miss the bar on a few of those and >> I don't mind giving them to people that are deserving. So, do we have any public comment? >> Yes, we do.
>> Debbie McDow. I agree 100% former Commissioner Luke deserves a key to the city. In person, I have Joan Morgan and Chuck English. Good morning. And yes, I'm playing catchup. And and uh hey, Barb, you do a
good job up there. It's kind of cool. Anyway, yeah, I agree. Uh she did a lot as mayor. She did a lot as a city commissioner, Jill, but also uh all what she's done for nonprofits, what she's done for the chamber because our chamber is certainly
another achieve anything's thing and Jill certainly proved the Achieve Anything because there's nothing that she hasn't done or wouldn't do. Um and also Meals on Wheels, her current thing. Oh my gosh. I mean, she is just kind of like electrifying that program which
started at Trinity United Methodist Church in the 19 uh60s. I mean, she is just bringing it to light in front of the public so they understand all that's going on there. Um, and uh we've got to give Jill credit for that. Besides which, guys, can you imagine what her
wardrobe's like? I mean, can you imagine? We should take a field trip just to see her wardrobe. I mean, she is amazing. and her calendar. She must have four or five of them because I've got to be loaded, you know, because Jill is Jill, you know, and u uh yeah, you're
just playing catchup, but that's not going to happen forever. There's not that many left, you know. So, um you know, so I I'm glad you're doing this. Thank you. >> Thank you. Good afternoon. Um, I'm going to be brief because I'm
probably going to give you an earful later. So, uh, as for supporting Jill, uh, I've known Jill for decades, right? She's one of the most sincere, caring,
outgoing person within our community. and I fully support and agree she deserves it. Alice White was mentioned that is another consideration for her dedication to our community especially as it
relates to uh restoration of the environment. And I also support the last speaker who should be nominated to this position, Miss Morgan. Thank you. >> Thank you, sir.
>> Thank you. I'll request a motion. Uh, Mr. Commissioner Pro, would you like to make this motion since this is your item? >> Yes. I move to direct the city clerk to create an agenda item for the next ceremonial commission meeting to present
Jill Look with a key to the city. >> Second. I have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Pro to direct the city clerk to create an agenda item for the next ceremonial commission meeting to present Jill Luke with the key to the city. And that was seconded by
Commissioner Stokes. If there's nothing to that, we're ready to vote. Commissioner Petro, >> yes. >> Vice Mayor, >> I'm a yes. >> I'm a yes. Commissioner Stokes, >> I'm a yes. >> And Commissioner Dval, >> yes.
>> That passes 5 to zero. Thank you. Moving on to item B 26-0293. Um discussion and possible action regarding development of a hometown heroes workforce housing impact fee incentive program. Mr. Fletcher, this is
your item, sir. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um this is an item that I actually brought up to bring to your attention for some conversation based on some prior direction that we have gotten as a staff from the commission. As a reminder, in May of last year, the during the commission
regular meeting May 27th, the city commission uh directed myself and staff to return with an item for discussion regarding affordable and workforce housing incentive programs. Um, and during that meeting, that was the first time that we actually discussed the hometown heroes program. And it was intended to incentivize workforce
housing for individuals employed in certain sectors of our community, such as healthcare, education, first responders, and state or local government. Following that discussion, there was a discussion in November of last year where the commission declined to move
forward with impact fee waiverss uh for affordable housing. However, the commission directed myself and my team to proceed with the development of an ordinance to update eligibility criteria for the existing incentive deferral program and refine program requirements and implement certain process
improvements. uh if directed to pursue development of a home hometown heroes program, we anticipate uh the need to incorporate safeguards into the program effectively so that it advances workforce housing objectives. And some of them would be requiring homeowner to
uh be owner occupied as the primary residence rather than us as a vacation home or a rental home. Uh verifying that home purchasers are employed in an eligible employment sector. and also considering resale restrictions or recapture provisions if a home is sold
within a defined period of time. Uh we do I do believe that this is a valuable program for us to continue to explore. So today we're not asking you to vote on a program just to give us direction if we're still to keep going in uh what we're doing. Workforce housing is one of
the missing middle markets of our community and we do need it as we're growing and we do have more health care and other uh officials that would fit into the category for this program. The program would be a citywide program that would not just benefit one particular
developer or one particular group. So there would be sort of a fair and consistent application of it across the city. Uh I do believe as a city we have mentioned and said publicly that we need workforce housing and this is a way for the city to actually make sure that we
participate in the solution which again we would bring back to you in a very um very short time. So, we're asking that you direct the city manager to work with the uh initiating developer to draft a hometown hero program to provide impact fee waiverss for workforce housing and
bring it back to you at a future city commission regular meeting for consideration. Um, I do believe some of the benefits are that this would encourage the development of workforce housing uh and it may support home ownership opportunities for individuals in certain eligible sectors such as
healthcare, education, and public service. um we would out we would have to find the offsetting funding sources for those revenues and that would be a product of the conversation we would have. So that is the um that is the ask Mr. Mayor, we're happy to answer any
questions you may have. >> Commissioners, any questions, >> sir? I have some questions and comments. >> You go right ahead, Vice Mayor. >> Uh, thank you, Mayor. Um, just a a couple thoughts on that. Um,
it might be interesting to see if we can get employer involvement in this topic. I know in other areas in the county, some employers are actually building housing
for their workforce. So, I'd like to see us get creative in terms of a program that might involve them in some way. Um, one of the hurdles I I trip over when I think about this
topic is we haven't done a housing study in a very very long time. And so given the growth in the city, given the number of
medical institutions locating here and the number of jobs that they're opening, um I think we we need to think about or what would be helpful for me in making
these decisions is having a sense of um how much of various types of housing do we believe we need? And I think we're talking workforce and affordable when um I say that, but how much do we need and
what does the picture look like in 10 years and where are we at? There's also the consideration, I don't know about the rest of you, um but in the past couple of years, my house has gotten a lot more affordable. So I don't
know how much of this issue is simply or can be simply driven by market forces and and market needs. So um again I struggle with this a little bit because I don't know what targets we're shooting
for. How deficient are we in those two different types of housing? So, it makes it really difficult for me to think about how much should we consider investing
given what our goals are. That's it for me. >> Thank you, ma'am. Um, Commissioner Stokes. >> Yeah. Um, you know, I think it's undeniable that we have a need for workforce housing as well as affordable housing in our city. And um you know,
while I'm not sure that I have the particular skill set to figure all that out, there are certainly a lot of subject matter experts both inside and outside our government who can. And for that reason, I'm I'm supportive of continuing this dialogue to try to come
up with some ideas here. Um it it it takes some in the box and out of the box thinking to to to deal with this the you know workforce housing and affordable are are not issues you know that are only Northport issues.
They're issues we experience everywhere. And I think that, you know, we have to find ways somehow to work with with builders and developers and and businesses to try to create affordable type housing for our workforce as as well as folks who really need real deep
cut affordable housing. So, um, I'd like to see this process move forward and conversation continue and see what you all can come up with. Thanks, Mayor. Commissioner Duval. >> Thank you, Mayor.
um bought my first house when I was 24. I read this morning uh that the average age and this wasn't talking about Northport as Commissioner Stokes mentioned, you
know, this is an this is an issue across our country. Uh firsttime home buyers average age is now 40. 40. I was thinking about retirement. I was wishing and here I am. Uh
but you know I do have that issue. I I'm I'm liking what I'm hearing from my fellow commissioners and let's investigate but I'm not ready to commit to any dollar amount, you know, anything right now as you know anything that we
give up. You know impact fees are impact fees. When you build a house, there's got to be a road in front of it. The costs don't go away. Well, someone else, you know, if if
we lower those impact fees for someone, we still have to build that road and that costs money. You know, where does the money come from? So, I'd be supportive of continuing to look for
ways to implement some sort of program, but I'd be very leerary about just saying, "Yeah, let's let's get rid of some impact fees or just lower them right away." That's it for me. Thanks.
>> Thank you. Yeah, city manager, you had stated in your opening statement that they would have to reside within the house. Does that mean that you're going to put a criteria in there that it would have to be homesteaded? >> Yeah. So, all of those details are ones
that we're considering and most importantly that one because we do want to make sure that it is restricted so that there is that um that homesteaded um application. Um but but like we said is truly the direction to keep going and you know
like mayor just mentioned some questions that need to be answered as well as you know commissioner deval is truly just keep going and bring you back something in the future but absolutely >> right and and my other question was I mean it just states waiverss are we looking at deferrals as well?
>> Yes. >> I mean both both parts of the coin there. >> Yes sir. I didn't mention deferrals in one of my >> Okay. I just wanted to make sure because it's only stated here on waivers. So >> yeah, I'd like to get the information. I got never had any problems on getting information and moving forward with
that. So I'm I'm good with that as long as we'll have a discussion and see what the criteria actually comes out to be and what is suggested and then we can make a decision then. >> Yes. >> So thank you. >> Yes, sir. >> Uh Commissioner Pro.
>> Yes. Thank you, Mayor. a noble topic. Um I'm a little bit eerie about the shifting the cost of uh infrastructure from the developer to the taxpayer. Um, and one other item I want to discuss or
at least bring it up to the attention is if we're talking about affordable um, what do we call workforce housing, it has to be true to that definition. And what I'm alluding to is um
specifically about the project that we were presented on one and that's the simply dwell homes uh I believe it's called um pet meal communities. what I'm
had a I had a hard time to wrap around about the the actual price of the house. Um, and the price that we were presented was $325,000 actually 325750.
Um, and I did some comparison uh with our within our city uh and I took one uh area and that is Central Park and D Dr. Horton. They do sell similar housing
units which is a townhouse units. Um and that is uh significantly affordable without any incentives. Um and that is it's much less uh as opposed to that's that we were presented uh with
our one-on-one um presentations and uh specifically our price per square foot. Um and uh with the Central Park housing which is regular housing
range of uh similar units and they were presented at about $269,000. So significantly less without any incentive and that would be affordable for um workforce housing. But the
specifics uh of our meetings on oneonone and where we go from this uh and I understand this is that presentation was kind of starting point for us commissioners to study more. I I think
it's well above affordability for people who really need that housing. So uh I'll be very sincere and direct from the beginning
that the pro price uh or equilibrium point of justification is not clear to me that it's affordable. So, and uh that's one thing it it should be affordable uh marketwise
comparison to other similar housing units. So um another issue I had was the sprinkling system but we that's very specific that um specifically presented to us that because of a new code uh
initiation and our fire code that would put an extra burden on a developer to have a sprinkler cost in those units. and one unit would be burdened with $15,000 uh sprinkling system. Uh the code is the
code. I'm not here to say anything against or for uh but what I would propose is um a simple wall of a block and I don't want to get into nitty-gritty aspects of construction details but to avoid a sprinkling system
uh in two units joined together um as a townhouse a simple solution would be a block SCMU wall block wall between the units and that's the standard. Um, but because
there's a sprinkling cost involved and presented to us as a justification for the incentive uh for the program workforce housing is not really cutting with me. I mean that's you know that's
the cost if it the cost it has to be um expensed by the builder. But uh I just want to end with this um probably not many people familiar with this because we were presented on oneonone but I don't want to shift the
cost of incentives uh from the developer to the taxpayers. Why? Because I represent the taxpayers and I want to represent in the best way
I can uh to represent them. So, a couple points. Uh, it's a lot, I know, to unpack, but, uh, pricing has to be justified. To summarize, um, should be a really affordable housing price, not the
$325,000. There are 332 units to be proposed. This is kind of high-end for me if you ask me. Um, simply by comparison to other neighborhoods. So, the a true
justification and the sprinkler cost uh system was presented to us that you the city did this so give us the break I I that's also not really justifiable
um and um I guess we can yeah I'm called forward to dive into this uh whatever the staff might find to be acceptable but I also want warned our city commissioners if we
do this incentive in whatever shape or form this will be a precedent for others to come and present their ask to the city. So this is not just one time thing and the taxpayers this is not just one time thing. So if
we do this uh program to be implemented in whatever shape or form there would be others. So, just keep that in mind. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you.
>> Uh, public comment. >> Uh, we do have some. >> Thank you. >> Uh, e comment. Debbie McDow. I'm curious since when does the city offer any type of incentive or deferral or a waiver for home home ownership for only a select group of chosen
professions? That is just plain discriminatory. Why would the city even consider saying one profession is worthy of a home but other professions are not? This is wrong on so many levels. Citizens here, we can't borrow money to complete a multitude of v vitally needed
city projects. We need to focus on reducing the city's budget because we don't know what the states are going to do with property taxes. But then there is today's discussion on creating an incentive waiver or deferral for another new program. This is a hometown hero housing program. Another program using
taxpayer dollars and taxpayer funded resources. The real kick to the taxpayers's wallet is the fact the same taxpayers who will be making up the shortfalls caused by this new program probably won't qualify for the home ownership program. Why would the commission give the city manager
authorization to work with an initiating developer for this program? Who is that developer? Why only one initiating developer? That sounds so shady. There are so many unanswered questions that need to be thoroughly vetted by commission, citizens, staff, and the
attorney. Stop offering something to one group at the expense of others. There are programs available for the firsttime home buyers, veterans, and other home ownership programs. The city of Northport is not some rich uncle. If the city has extra money just laying around,
then get the infrastructure needs taken care of first or reduce the tax burden to the taxpayers. Uh, next we have Michael Shuluk. No. And then in person, we have Robin Sandersente. >> Thank you, Robin Sanders. For the
record, uh, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the state of Florida already have a hometown hero program? Uh it's already state funded and according to their list it provides for health care, school staff, first
responders, public safety, court employees, child care workers, military, coast guard and reserves, national guard and veterans. Uh it provides down payment and closing cost assistance to firsttime incomequalified
uh people. Additionally, you have the state housing initiative partnership, the ship program, which Sarasota County already participates in. So why do we have to create another program on the backs of us taxpayers when there already
is state funded programs already in place, especially the SHIP programs? Sarasota County, I think, was awarded 3 million, a little more than that uh last year. So I think we need to research those programs and see how we can maybe
partner with the ship program and then also provide uh the hometown hero through the state of Florida. It's an already existing program. I I don't support it of creating our own. I know other municipalities have partnerships with SHIP uh and get the funding through
that partnership. So I think we need to look into that as well. Thank you. >> That is all Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Then I request a motion. I'll be happy to make it. I move to direct city manager to work
with the uh initiating developer to draft the hometown heroes program to provide impact fee waiverss for workforce housing and bring the item back for commissioner's consideration. Have a motion on the floor to direct the city manager to work with the initiating
developer to draft a hometown heroes program to provide impact fee waiverss for workforce housing and bring the item back for commission's consideration. Do I have a second? >> I'll second for discussion. >> I have a second from Commissioner Pro.
>> Um so at this point are we >> getting information? >> Getting information. it'll be brought back to us with parameters and everything >> that was specifically um
consist of waving the impact fees. Am I correct? >> Waving deferral is going to be brought back to us. You're not you're not approving anything right now. It's just an information gather. >> Yes, I I'm aware of that. is just the
impact fee deferral or um waving. That's my question is um I mean are we all on board with waving the impact fees and ship the cost
to the taxpayers? That's my question. >> Well, if it's a deferral, it's not shifting anything. It's prolonging it. City Manager, do you want to jump in on this one?
>> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I thought it was pretty clear based on what everyone's already said. We are looking for your direction to go bring you back a program that you will approve or deny, whether it's a waiver, deferral, the parameters of who and um which industries will be
allowed. The other questions were regarding a housing study. How much housing do we have? How much do we need? Where are we at now? Um and outline targets of what you're shooting for um and how much we should invest. So all those questions need to be answered to be brought back so you can make a very
logical and thorough decision. >> Okay. >> Thank you, sir. >> Good with that. All right. All right. Since there's no further discussion, can uh we have a vote. Commissioner Petro, >> I'm open. Yes.
>> Vice Mayor, I'm looking up here for you. >> Vice Mayor, >> I'm yes. >> Commissioner Stokes, >> I'm Yes. Commissioner Dval, >> yes. >> All right, that passes five to zero. Thank you. Moving on to 26-0329.
Discussion and possible action regarding approving the two appointments of Adrien Sari, Megan R. Taylor, or Bella G. Scott asked members to serve a first term on the environmental
advisory board from February 10th, 2026 through February 10th, 2027. Miss Spouse, this is your hire. >> It's your item, sir. >> I got a haircut today. >> Uh, no, no worries. Um, so we have
currently two vacancies for student member on the environmental advisory board. We're looking for the appointment of two of those members from our three applications. We received Adrien Sar's application on January 8th, 2026, Megan Taylor's application on January 19th,
2026, and Bella Scott's application on January 20th, 2026. And the applications are available for your review. >> Okay. Um, one thing I was going to ask though is I
know um, do we have any idea on like I don't want to exclude anybody. I love having more people on there, but would any of these candidates be a senior to where this would be their last chance? Do we have any idea on that? Because I
wouldn't like to not appoint them just because they were late to get their application in. Um, so we don't specifically ask their grade, their age. I do see um Taylor says 11th grade. Let me pull up the
other one. See if they specify a grade, but we don't ask their particular age. Okay. Um, sorry. Looks like sophomore. >> Okay. >> So, okay, Taylor's junior. And then let's see if Scott put hers. Um,
okay. So, Scott didn't specify her um particular age. Okay. Well, that's fine. I just wanted to double check because as of this, Scott was the last one to put one in and I didn't want to discriminate if this was her last year there and she wanted
to be part of the board if the other ones had more years to be able to, >> you know, participate as well. So, >> uh, Commissioner Dval. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I did look through the resumes. Um,
and uh, Miss Sari is a sophomore. She's the youngest. Uh, I believe Megan Taylor is is a junior and Scott C, I think, is a senior. She's already taking some college courses. Um, if you looked at Megan Taylor's resume,
you would be very I I was very I was very very impressed. Um, at the time I didn't realize we had was my mistake. I didn't realize we had two positions open. I thought there was just one. Um, but I would suggest
that we do uh Miss Taylor's and Miss Scott's based on their age. Especially Miss Scott, I think is going to be this would be her last year's opportunity where uh Adrienne Sari is a sophomore and has two more chances. Uh that would
be my recommendation. >> Thank you. Anybody else? Do we have any public comment? >> No public comment, Mr. R. >> All right, I'll request a motion if you'd like to make it, Commissioner Dval. >> Okay,
I move to approve Megan R. Taylor and Bella G. Scott to serve in the student members category for the environmental advisory board serving the first term from February 1026,
2026 to February 10, 2027. >> I'll second. Thank you. I have a motion on the floor to approve Megan R. Scott and Bella G or Megan R. Taylor and Bella G. Scott to serve in the student members
category for the environmental advisory board serving a first term from February 10th, 2026 to February 10th, 2022 27. And that was seconded by Commissioner Stokes. There's nothing to that. Commissioner Pro.
>> Vice Mayor, >> I'm a yes. >> I'm a yes. Commissioner Stokes, >> yes. And Commissioner Dval, >> yes. And that passes 5 to zero. Moving on to D26-0364.
Discussion and possible action regarding selecting and adopting the city of Northport's logo, color scheme, and tagline and revisions to the mission, vision, and values. City manager, this is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh I am going to
turn it over to Jason Barloone our communications manager to give us an update on this process uh which has been nearly two two years in the making. Thank you sir. >> Thank you sir. Good afternoon commissioners. Uh we're very excited to have this item before you today. This is
the culmination of a lot of conversation that we've had as the city manager mentioned over the last two years. Um before we begin I want to take you through uh where we've been. So, just as a refresher, uh, we brought this project originally to the commission back in March of 2024. So, it's been just about
two years now, um, that we started this conversation about refreshing the city's brand and identity. Uh, you can see here on the timeline all the different uh, conversation points that we've had along the way, both uh, those in blue are our conversations with you all in onetoone
uh, meetings and in public meetings here at the Deis. in gr in gray you can see all the different uh conversation points that we've had with the community both uh the focus groups that we've done with different um stakeholders from across the city as well as the public surveys
and the input that we've gathered which you'll hear more about in just a minute. Um and then again the purpose of today's meeting is to guide you through this final decision-making process to refresh the brand and um based on the extensive engagement that we've done
with the community and based on your prior directions. So today we're going to review that feedback as we talked about the different survey results and the focus group conversations that we've had throughout the way. Uh we hope to select a final city logo based on those um feedback points that we've gotten and
the refinements that we've done through those conversations. Uh we hope to select a final city tagline as well. Um this is not just about a logo, it's about the entire brand um and identity of the city. And we also hope to update the mission, vision, values. We've um updated them
based on our last conversation with you in January at the workshop. Um hopefully you can select a final mission, vision, and values or ask us to continue to refine them. Um what you can expect today, we will um in the spirit of full transparency share with you all the feedback that we've heard from the many
many um residents who've voiced their opinion throughout the way. Um the themes and the trends that we've um taken and heard from them and considered throughout this process. and our goal is to help you make an informed and confident decision that reflects both the input that we've heard from the
citizens and your own um leadership and preferences. So with that, I'm going to turn it over to our marketing and engagement manager, Katia Sutherland. She's going to take you through some of the data and the rest of the presentation. >> Thank you, Jason. Thank you, commission,
city manager's office. So I want to start off by talking to you today about the feedback that we've received from the community since we met last in January 5th. So in January 5th we presented to you a number of logo
options during that discussion. You gave feedback on which were the preferred two. Uh I know Commissioner Petro you weren't able to make it. Um so I will go into a little bit of detail and give some background into to that meeting for you as well. But we chose those final
two logos um and associated color palettes. Our our um next step was to take those logos out to the community. Um bearing in mind those logos that we were showing are not the full brand landscape that we're working on. It
wasn't the full refresh. We didn't go out with the mission and the values. We didn't go out with um the tagline. We didn't go out necessarily with deeper, broader color palettes. But what we wanted feedback on was on those logos. So what we provided to the citizenry was
actually four logos. It was the two logos that you guys had fed back on along with the associated color palettes that were the preferable two. So what we ended up with was um was logo number one in two color variations and it was logo
number five I believe in two um color variations. What you'll see in front of you here is um the uh initial logo is denoted by the purple color, the second by the teal, the third by the yellow, and the fourth
by the red. So it shows which of the logos were voted on. We asked the logos from a survey perspective to be ranked first, second, third, and fourth. So you can see that in first place the most first votes um were provided to logo
number four which is the split logo with the teal and the yellow. Secondary to that was the also split logo with the green uh and the yellow. Uh moving along to um all of the logos. Now this is
actually quite a complicated uh graph because of the way that we did the ranking. So, I've broken it out for you. Um, and there's a scoring methodology. So, for this first logo, in total, 1,427
residents voted on a logo. Now, they may have ranked all four or they may have just picked a favorite or a one two. So there wasn'tund uh 1,427 uh votes for every um position that
there could be. So this first logo, which is the split sun and teal, um received 780 first votes, 227 second votes, 132 third votes, and 974th votes.
It also received 191 votes that weren't provided. So somebody else voted for another one first and didn't provide any vote for for a second, third or fourth position. Um and as you look along the box you can see um the ranking in which um uh the
logos landed. The scoring methodology because there is a points system which provides the score at the end is one point for a fourth position, two points for a third position, three points for a second position and four points for a
first position. So you can see with that that the scoring that came from the community put the split logo with the teal and the yellow in the first position, the split logo with the green, and the lighter yellow in third. um the
single logo in third in the teal and the single logo in fourth with the green. This was just for the online uh ranking votes because we know that a lot of our citizenry or some of our citizenry would prefer to do things in person and not
necessarily online or they're not digitally savvy. We did create two areas where people could go in person to vote. One was downstairs in city hall. The other one um was at the Chamber of Commerce. What we asked with those votes was for people to place a sticky dot
next to their first preference, not to rank, but to choose a winner. Um the images uh on the left and in the middle are the actual boards. Um and then you can see the votes in the table on the
right hand side. because of the scoring methodology, each of those scores receives a fourpoint total. So that's where that scoring comes from. You can see the inperson V votes are actually nearly the opposite of the online voting
um with the single logos um receiving more of the votes. So if we take both of those together with the equal voting methodology, the results are here. So still the same as the original online vote because more people took the time to do their voting
in an online manner. So from a community standpoint, the preferred logo is the split teal and darker yellow with the green and yellow in second, the single teal and then the green. So I'm going to take you on to some
that's quantitative data. So that's your numbers, people ranking something 1 2 3 4. So we had um pretty strong community participation. Um we had 1,400 people take part online.
Um a few more taking part in person. Um so that's a pretty clear indicator of community preference that we've got. the first vote that we did to give us the insights and the the brand survey had around 1,200. So, we did get larger
engagement in this round of um online feedback. What we also um saw that was of those people that accessed the survey, 70% of them ranked a logo. the remainder
um ranked a logo with a comment or didn't rank a logo but left a comment. Um and those comments were mixed. So we had positive comments um appreciation for the effort, for the creativity, and
for the modern direction of the designs. And I'll go into some more of that detail. Negative comments were a smaller portion of the total engagement and they primarily focused on um government spending. Why are we spending money on this particular effort? But also uh
government spending on nonrelated government projects. Um there was some resistance to change questions and some questions asking why the uh logo update was being considered. Again, I'll go into some of that.
um of the uh uh of the comments that were potentially perceived as more negative or neutral, a lot of them didn't actually um address specific visual elements. So, they're not something I can I can do something with.
If somebody provides feedback that says, um, I don't like this logo because, uh, I don't like the colors. I don't think they're representative. I would prefer to be seeing corals and oranges. I can do something with that. If someone just says I don't like it, they're not giving
me any information to do anything at the refinement stage. So, where we did receive guidance um or um input into refinements that were actionable, we have taken those on board. We'll either provide feedback or they've been used in
our refinement um efforts. So, I'm going to take you through some of that qualitative data. And this data is taken from the surveyon comments. We'll move on to social media afterwards. So if we're looking at the survey and
the sentiment, um 69% of people that nearly 70% voted um and they voted on their favorite logo, 1 2 3 4 or just a one or maybe a one two.
19% of people voted and left a comment and 12% of people just commented but didn't provide us any data on a vote. So that is the graph on the left hand side. The pie chart on the uh on no
sorry on the left hand side on the right hand side the pie chart is just a breakdown of the commenties. So 12% 53% of 12% provided us with neutral comments.
Um 39% of 12% provided us with positive comments. Um and 8% of 12% provided us with negative comments. So our negative comments have been a a minority. Um many of them have been process complaints,
not brand refresh critiques. um and a large portion of those neutral statements, oneliners or have been unclear and we haven't been able to use them. However, where there has been actionable content provided, whether we perceive
that to be positive or negative, um we have been in uh we have included that in our design refinements and our feedback. This whole process has been driven by the original piece of research that was done with 1,200 members of our
community. None of this is Katya's ideas or communications ideas. This has been driven by our community and therefore where we continue to get comments, we will continue to use those in our refinements and our feedback.
So um again the data from the survey shows that we had two key audiences. We had a large majority of voters. They engaged constructively in the process and they expressed their preference through ranking. Some then provided
additional commentary and actionable insights. Um so we can capture those. The second group were the nonvoters who commented. They were a smaller group and there was an overindex on dissatisfaction in that group. In the
majority of cases, the um comments were focused on C cost um distrust of government change fatigue um which we would expect during a process such of these and then process objectives um objections that weren't associated with
the brand free refresh. So when you're waiting that feedback, take that into consideration. So let's have a look at some of the negative themes. Um, we analyzed every comment that was provided in the survey.
Um, so the first theme, the most, um, the one that came up the most was cost. Got you some examples there. Um, dumbest thing to spend tax dollars on, waste of money, etc. These comments didn't uh reference any
design elements and so we can't use them for any logo refinement but they do provide us with opportunities for ongoing communication. Um previous to this we provided the insights report we did the brand strategy documents we've been I think at
three commission meetings at this point. Um we've done number of uh in-person meetings with the community. So there's a gap between some people's understanding if they haven't engaged with all of that previous content um because we do and have explained why we
are doing this now. Um there's some opposite opposition to change keep the old logo don't change it again change resistance which we would expect in a project such as this but again gives us an opportunity for
further communication. Um, all of the answers to that question are on the project web page and explain why we're doing things. Um, but we have a responsibility as a communications team to keep communicating that with our audiences.
So, um, we don't see that as negative. We just see that as an opportunity to communicate more with um, our community. Um, process objectives very similar. Why is it necessary? Again, those questions have been answered previously.
um in all of the project materials, but it does give us an opportunity to keep communicating that with our audience. A lot of people who've commented or have been in contact with us evidently haven't engaged with the project until this point, even though it has been
going on for nearly 2 years. Design, dislike, ugly, I hate them all, terrible design. Um now this is a category that in the negatives uh section um is actually partially actionable. So I don't see it as fully
negative. Um where somebody has says I hate them all because of these reasons then we can work with those reasons. So uh where we have specifics as to why somebody has a design dislike we have taken those into consideration and also again we have an opportunity for ongoing
communication. The fifth one which was also pretty prevalent in the communication were personal attacks to staff members. Um again these are not actionable and I would respectfully ask that um you take
consideration when weighing that feedback. So neutral themes um often framed as ideas. The was the first one where people are making constructive suggestions. So again, I like it, but adjust the color. This one
is good, but the font could be softer. Not my favorite, but I see why others would like it. This is um the most userful feedback um from the neutral themes. Um it's been included in our uh refinement activities and also offers us the opportunity for ongoing
communication because we can answer those questions. Um mixed feelings, but a respectful tone was the second group. So, not sure if any of them are perfect, but four is best. Appreciate the work. Again, this tells us that the community has trust in
the process. Even though our tastes are differing, we have 96,000 people in the city. Not everybody is going to like the same color palette. Um, not everybody is going to uh want the same imagery. Um,
we will try and get purple in there if we can for those people that like purple. Um, so there were our neutral themes and then we move on to our positive themes. So the first one was clear preferences. Logo 4 is my favorite. I've ranked three
first and two second. Four stands out the most. What this tells us is that residents understood the task. They engaged as we intended them to. They were given the opportunity to comment and they did. and it reinforces the fact that that ranking data that I showed at
the beginning is probably our strongest signal for the commission to make a decision with and it's our largest theme overall. Um the second theme was the sort of modern fresh forward looking feeling. So there were a lot of those words that
were used to describe um describe the logo feels more modern, cleaner, more professional. So the intent is landing um and the residents are picking up on that evolution piece, not the change for change sake piece.
Simplicity and readability. Lots of residents are commenting on the clarity, the legibility, the scalability. They can see how this could be used across lots of different platforms and how it would be easily recognized. um people are thinking practically and I'll come into some of the content
around why we need to be thinking practically and not just emotionally for the logo. Um and it's it supports that brand system usage. So being able to unit use it on signage and have it in large format but also have it in small format on say a thumbnail on a mobile
phone. And then the third form uh theme was that civic pride and sense of place. So represents Northport well looks official. So what this tells us is the residents are seeing this um and evaluating it as being a symbol of the
city, not just seeing it as a graphical representation. Um and it aligns directly with our project goals to sort of elevate where we are as a city um and elevate our look and create that civic pride.
Max, I'm just going to run you through a second thing. Off the back of the survey, I received a number of emails either directly to me um to commission passed over to me and directly to the communications address.
Every single one of those emails was read, every single one of those emails was responded to. Uh in some cases where requested I have met face to face with those people that emailed or I have met with them digitally on Zoom calls. Um,
and it's very important to me that I have engaged with those people and heard their feedback and taken that into consideration. These are people who are not just sitting behind a keyboard saying some things. These are people who have taken the time to engage with us
through email and have taken time to engage with us in some cases in person or on a phone call. So, I wanted to chat through some of the themes that came out of those email communications. Um and this is specifically about the logo. I'm going to move on to some other bits um
later in regards to tagline etc. So a portion of that feed uh feedback um from email um indicated a perception that the process was moving very quickly. Um I had a chance to chat to some people about that and to reiterate the timings
that we have had on this project of it being 24 months. Again, um this has not been a uh a quick uh a quick process, but some people feel like it is if this has been the first time they have heard about it.
Um understanding of engagement efforts. Some people seem unaware of how much contact we've had with the community, how much contact we've asked to have with the community. um and the different channels in which we've done that through social media, in person, email,
surveys, digitally. Um so again, I've had a number of conversations about that. Symbolism and visual clarity. We actually have some really creative people in our city. um whether they're actually in a marketing field or they're not in a marketing
field um they have some understanding of symbolism of visual uh clarity of of marketing of engagement and those things. So there was a lot of people that were asking questions about the meaning and the interpretation of what we've done. they hadn't seen previous
explanations or they hadn't um watched the commission meeting previously. And so having conversations with them um to take them through that and also some residents have asked for reassurance that um the symbols are free from any unintended associations um which is
something that we have done and and made sure. Um and then the last theme and it's probably comes out more when we move on to the social media feedback is this preference for a more literal representation. So we they would like to see um
recognizable imagery such as wildlife, natural resources, civic designations and those sorts of things. In that case, uh most of those residents had generally supported the idea of modernizing, but they did want something that was more um
visually obvious and some of the suggestions were uh sandill crane and gopher tortoise, a palm tree. Um and I'll chat you through some of that at the end with our feedback. So, I'm just going to take a glove of water before I move on to the social
media sentiment because all of that stuff I saw because it was a survey that I generated and I had access to that data and that data will be shared on the project page. But this bit most of you have probably seen in some form or another.
And I want to say that one of the comments that was made on our social media platform was uh no one's going to read this. I read every single comment. I downloaded every single image that was posted and suggested. It was all
included where possible, where actionable insight was given into our refinement um activity. So the first thing I want to chat through is the social media engagement from a reaction standpoint. So that's a little button that you press at the bottom and you
give something a thumbs up or a heart or a smiley face. So, as you can see, we received 45 Instagram likes, 97 Facebook likes, seven Facebook loves, and 14 LinkedIn
likes. We got 33 Facebook laughs. Um, I would perceive that to be a negative reaction, not a positive. Uh, 14 Facebook tears, um, and 12 Facebook angry. Um, so as you can see from a reaction
standpoint, negative reactions are in the minority, positive reactions in the positive. Um, we then have a look at comment sentiment. Now, there's a no easy way to do this apart from sitting in your
office and copying and pasting every single comment that was posted on our Facebook, our Instagram, and our LinkedIn. I did not copy and paste for clarity any of our posts that were shared on to another page. So I did not go on to
let's say Northport friendly neighbors or one of the others and collect those where it was on our infrastructure. I absolutely went through everyone. So from a comments perspective 50% I would deem as neutral. Um they were and we'll
go into those shortly 17 positive and 33 negative. So let's jump into some of those as we have previously with the survey. So comment sentiment um here's where that uh 33% of negative
sentiment clusters kind of into five key themes. So again very similar to in the survey preference for the existing logo. Leave it alone. Why change it? There's obviously an emotional attachment to our current identity. again not actionable from a refinement
perspective and also within there some questions that we can answer why change it I have the answer for that that came up in the insights report that came up in the brand strategy that is on our pro project page I'm happy to talk about it again today cost and priorities so
questions about spending not just on this project but on other projects comments suggesting funds be used elsewhere on other projects um not design based in a lot of cases and mostly value based again not actionable
from a refinement standpoint. The perceived simplicity or the question that we were using AI uh and therefore not spending that money that we have for this project wisely from a LEGO perspective. Kelly Dcastro is not an AI.
She's real. She you can touch her. She has blood pumping through her veins. Um, she's also got over 30 years experience in this. She has a uh bachelor's degree in design. I have a bachelor's degree in
marketing communications. We're real. I'm not going to say you can pinch Kelly cuz it wouldn't be fair, but you can come pinch me. Um, we aren't AIS. Um, we've been doing this between us for 50 years. And our role is not to have come
up with a logo that we both like. Our role is to go out to the community, run focus groups, which is what we did in the very beginning, listen to what people are saying, listen to the things they love about the city. And what came
out in that insights report and that brand strategy document were the things that people loved about the city. If they'd have told us they loved the stalks, if they'd have told us they wanted the logo to look like it was a gopher tiltus, that's what Kelly and I would have worked with. But that wasn't
what came out of that data. What came out of that data was the direction we have subsequently moved in. Um theme four was distrust and anti-government sentiment. So personal attacks, calls to fire staff, again would ask respectfully if we could both
keep our jobs. Um, design dislike. These all suck. Don't like any of these? I've designed one for you. And we'll get into some of those designs. We do actually have some very creative people in this city. I love it. So again, most comments like that aren't actionable, but where
we got actionable feedbacks, we have included them. So of our neutral sentiment, that was 50%. Requests for clarity was the biggest thing. Why these designs? What do the shapes mean? How was this selected? Again, gave us an
opportunity for ongoing communication, which we did on that post. Jason spent a weekend responding to people where possible to point them in the direction of the answers to those questions. Um, and hopefully some of the clarity and the feedback I can provide today will
answer some others of those questions. Northport process objectives, objections, again, not necessarily against um in regard to this project. We had a lot of Price Boulevard um comments. We had a lot of uh comments on trees. We had a lot of comments on
street signage and increasing costs in living in Northport where possible. They've been passed over to the relevant departments. So, if you did provide that feedback, it is being heard. Um and then thirdly, conditioned uh or
balance responses. So, not my favorite, but I see why others like it. I don't love it, but it's fine. Some are better than others. Most of those comments didn't provide those insights, but where they did, they have been included. Um, and then positive sentiment. So
again, five key themes from the positive, a clear preference or a favorite. Um, constructive feedback. So I like option four, but I think the colors are too muted. Again, included in our refinement uh activities.
Similarly to the um survey, clean modern design, simple aesthetic. Um people seem to have an alignment with that contemporary design. Theme four was pride and optimism about the city. Looks professional. Um feels more current and where the city is headed. Um so there
seemed to be a connection between the logo and and future facing identity, not just our not just the appearance of the logo. And then appreciation for being asked. Thank you for letting us vote. Glad we got a say. Um, so that's the the comments across social
media. I'm going to take another gug. You think I like the sound of my own voice? Um, so here's the theme feedback. So, of the questions that were asked,
please keep the current logo or why are we doing this? So, we've chatted about some of these things before. I know Commissioner Petro, you weren't here um for one of our meetings, but this was also covered in the brand insights report and the brand strategy that we've been through
previously. So, the current logo was created nearly 20 years ago. Um and it does not um make it easy to use across new technologies, uh digital, print, and also the other operational needs that we have now that we didn't have back 20
years ago. that technology has changed things. If you think of your mobile phone and you go on to Facebook and you think of the little picture that pops up when you're on there or you're on our website and you see our logo, it's in very very small format. We also have it on the
side of garbage trucks in very very large format. It works in large format, our current logo, uh it doesn't work as well in small format right now. Um, we're getting obviously we shared just
the logo, so I understand this, but this is part of the broader city identity refresh. We're not just refreshing the logo. We're looking at the tagline. We're looking at the vision. We're looking at the values. So, and this is all based on ongoing consistent feedback
that we've had from our residents that the current brand doesn't work for who we are. And the goal is evolution, not erasia. Um, we want to preserve what our community values whilst preparing the city for long-term use.
Um, and again, I've mentioned it. This isn't a vanity pro project for me, for Kelly, for the communications department. This has been communitydriven from the start. As I said, if the community had come back and said, "We want to see a bird in there." If every 1,200
person that was part of the first round of feedback had said that, that's what we'd be seeing because we are taking direction from the community. Um, this feels rushed. Slow down. Um, this project began in March 2024. It's taken nearly 24 months to reach this
point. If you haven't engaged with the project up to this point, you didn't know we were going through a brand refresh. Of course, it feels sudden to see that on the social media. I fully understand that. But I'm confident and the city is confident that this work hasn't been rushed in its thinking, in
its strategy, or in its outcomes. Um, and today is not a decision point where if we vote today and you choose something, we're switching everything off. We're collecting all the uniforms. It's all going out for a big bonfire. This is going to be bigger than an
overnight implementation. It's not going to be immediate. We have plans that we will need to work on up to this point. And to be fiscally responsible, all of those updates will happen in natural refresh cycles. The logo is overly simplistic, abstract,
and has a simplified color palette. So yes, simplicity in civic lo uh logos is really intentional. It ensures clarity, it ensures understanding, and it ensures long-term use. The other thing is they're not the only colors
we're going to use. There will be secondary color palettes. An entire piece of work needs to happen after this to create our brand framework um and our brand guidelines. So, there will be other colors. There will be other ways that we can express ourselves with
colors um as we move forward. A more abstract logo allows different groups of the community to engage. If you love the trees and the images of a bird, you're not going to
engage it. If you love birds and you uh if you love birds and we have an image of a tree, you're not going to love it. The reason we've gone for an abstract shape is so that everybody can engage with it. It needs to work part of this broader identity system. Um and
overdetailed or literal logos date quickly as we see from our current logo. Um they're also more complex to reproduce. So in printing a one, two or three color print will cost a set amount of money.
As soon as you start moving over five colors, you start increasing the cost every time we have to print something with our logo on. It's part of the balance for us being fiscally responsible. I had a a call with a lady um and she didn't understand that fact.
And after I explained that we would have an ongoing increase in cost, she said, "Okay, now I'm more comfortable with your two-color logo." Also, the goal is not minimaliz minimalism for its own sake.
At the bottom of this screen, you will see two logos that were designed by our community and posted on our Facebook. They are multiple color and they are very complex in design. They are beautiful.
Majority of our uniforms which are produced for staff and staff have to wear uniforms if they're out for utilities or public works are are embroidered in one color. I cannot embroider any of these
suggested logos in one color because you see what happens when we turn them into a one color logo. That's why we are being less complex. Again, to be fiscally responsible, the only way to embroider this onto a shirt for one of
our workers would be to uh embroider in multicolor, which would be exceptionally expensive. Um, representative imagery, symbolism, and uniqueness. So, we had the requests to
use certain imagery. Why can't we have gopher tortoises? Why can't we have sandill cranes? Why can't we have coastal mangroves? None of those things differentiate us from our neighbors. Our neighbors in Port Charlotte have
gopher tortoises and sandill cranes. >> And in fact, we don't have any coastal mangroves because we don't have coast. So to use a coastal mangrove would be entirely inappropriate to denote this city. There were some questions around the star icon and whether that star icon had
any uh unintended symbolism. It has been specifically cut in half to make a sevenpoint star its intended symbolism is to link to the seven strategic pillars. We've checked everything for any symbolism and we're confident we don't
have any. Um, resident feedback consistently highlighted Northport's welcoming and neighborly feel. Again, it's why we are using a more abstract image. You can't design welcome. You can't design
feeling. You can't design happy. You can design a bird or a sea or a palm tree. And so, you have to use more abstract imagery, which is what Kelly has done. So, those rounded forms, the flowing shapes, the warm colors are all intended to feel friendly and inviting.
One of the other things was to include our city designations in our logo. So we are a tree city, we're a purple heart city. Both of those organizations firstly have very strong regulations on including their imagery in a logo. We can't do it. But secondly, if we were
able to do it again, it doesn't design it doesn't um differentiate us from our neighbors. Deneden, Florida, Fort Meyers, Naples, Punaga, Sarasota, Tampa, they all purple heart cities and they're all tree cities.
Uniqueness. So again, the group on the left and in the middle, these were designed by our residents and posted on our social media. Everyone in the lefthand group was
designed by a different person on a different day. They all look really similar to me because AI probably was used. I can't prove it, but it probably was. All of the group in the middle were designed by
our community on different days and different people. They all have some things in common, though. They all have palm trees. We're a tree city, but palms aren't trees. They're grasses and they are not native.
They all have oceans. We don't have an ocean. Uh and they all have sunshines. We do have those and we are utilizing a sunshine image in ours. However, if you take a look at that combination of sea, palm tree and sun, you'll see how
similar all of those look to some of our neighbors. Panama City, Charlotte County, Pentaga, Palm Beach County. So again, it's not giving us that uniqueness that we were looking for. One of the other themes that came back
on social media was um our similarity to other logos. Dollar Tree, was it Massie Ferguson? There was a tractor that was mentioned. Um there was a healthcare company that was mentioned.
Absolute uniqueness. as an expert in marketing and communications who's done this for 20 years for some of the largest corporations in the world. Absolute uniqueness is unrealistic in a global landscape of billions of logos and
images. A public sector brand like us needs to prioritize clarity, accessibility, we have to be ADA compliant, and longevity over the novelty of a logo. So all of our proposed concepts were vetted to
make sure we were distinct from other cities, other peer cities and public agencies. So if there is a perceived similarity to an unrelated industry, that's not a brand conflict because we're not selling
the same thing as the tractor dealership. We're not selling the same thing as the healthcare company. We need to make sure that we are distinct among peer cities, public agencies, free from legal risk, and that we are recognizable.
And just for a bit of fun, I put together this slide just so that we can see what I'm talking about. The Olympics, Audi, and Mastercard, they all use interlocking circles. We don't mistake whether we're going to watch some sports or buy a car.
Um, Swiss Airlines, CVS, the Red Cross, NATO, Mercedes, Converse, uh, Spotify, Publix, Garnier, American Airlines, American Eagle Apparel, Adobe,
Dropbox, MX, Windows. They all have very similar logos to each other in the set, but we aren't getting confused by them. nearly at the end. Fiscal responsibility. So this has
significantly lower costs than past efforts. We have $25,000 which we shared with the agency who supported us with the research. 75% of the work has been done internally by this team.
The last time we went through a branding effort, it cost roughly about 98,000. with inflation that would be about 147,000. We are significantly under the budget um compared to 2008 and 2010.
We're using print smart color decisions. I talked about it earlier. The reason we're going for a two-color logo, the reason we've gone for an abstract form in part is so that reproducing it is more cost-effective. This is a phase, not force replacement. I'm not going to run out and grab the
shirts off the back of all of our workers and set fire to them and then spend loads of money getting everyone new uniforms. We can update our digital infrastructure ourselves and we will replace other things on their natural replacement um cycle. That in-house
implementation Ivy is sitting here. Ivy's got a big job to update our web infrastructure. Um and it's been designed for longevity. Um the abstract nature and the form that we have created
reduces the risk of needing to do this again. It's future proof and it's scalable. AI versus human design. I've already chatted about this. You can pinch. Can they pinch you? They can pinch Kelly. They can pinch me. And I've already
talked about the experience that we have. But secondly, that experience and the way in which we've gone about this hasn't isn't a vanity pro project for either of us. It's about listening to the community and using the experience and the education that we have to take
that data and turn it into something. I think this is the last one. Lack of community engagement. So this brand refresh was directly informed by resident feedback gathered throughout 2023 and 2024 and it was brought to the
commission in March 2024 and the project was kicked off. More than 1,200 residents participated in the first phase of engagement. That was when we created the insights report, the brand strategy. That's what led to where we are now. 1,400 participated in this
second phase we're going through right now. That's a huge cross-section of the community. Input was not just collected online. I have met in person with people. I have run focus groups. Our team has been involved in focus groups. We have discussed. I have met regularly
with a number of members of the community over the past months and more recently in the past weeks. All emails and calls and social media have been followed up on. Um, this is a direct reflection of what the community has
told us and we didn't come into this with any predetermined ideas. So to close, we've heard a a wide range of feedback and questions. So this is a purposeful evolution. The current logo no longer
meets today's digital print and accessibility needs as well as the operational needs of the cities. This logo isn't just a standalone item. It is part of a broader refresh informed by community feedback. It's been deliberate, not rushed. It was initiated
nearly 2 years ago. It's been community-led. More than 2,600 voices have been heard. It's clear and inclusive by design. It's simplified and abstract mark makes it legible. It's in ADA compliance and it
can be consistently used across all aspects of the city. Um, it's distinct where it matters. So, it's been vetted against peer cities to avoid conflicts. Um, and it stands that test of making sure that we aren't in
conflict with any other municipal identity. Fiscally responsible costs are more than a quarter of the 2008 2010 effort. And with that limited color palette, that single colored embroider with our ability to do things inhouse and a
phased physical replacement, there isn't going to be additional costing um to uh the to the um to the taxpayer and human expertise. This was created by an award-winning human team um supported
by an agency that has 30 plus years of experience translating community input into future ready identities for a number of cities um in both Florida and more broadly um in the US. So with that, that's all the
community feedback that we had both from the survey and from social media and through email and in person in meetings that I've taken over the past month. >> I open to questions before we move on to reviewing the logos, vision, mission,
values, and tagline. >> Yeah, I'm sure we'll have a few questions. I have one uh or a few. Now you had said that 1,200 and 1400 1200 was phase one,400 was phase two. >> Y >> were there any overlapping from phase
one to phase 2 to where it wouldn't actually equate to 26 but it might equate to 23. >> Yeah. Um I I I mean I could go through and have a look at IP address. Just I'm just curious because if they participated in the first phase, I was
just curious if they participated in the second phase. Seeing this moving forward, >> some some certainly did. I mean, I can give you some names. Um, in our first focus groups, and they're people that we've mentioned today. In our first focus group round, we had the like what
uh I believe Joan was in our focus groups. We had Jill Luke, uh Bill Gunnan, Alice White, we had board members from um a number of our nonprofits. Um and they returned and
artists they returned for the second round of focus groups. Some people didn't return. we had new members, but certainly I would think from a voting perspective or anything online, we would have some duplication. Yeah. >> And another question that I had was were
these designs presented to them to like look at and pick or was it open for them to put in their interpretations like the art students or even the art center, you know, students throughout the school.
Were were any of those types of ideas turned in for consideration? >> So, we didn't have any anything turned in from let's say the art school, but in the last focus group. So, we presented
to you guys a set of logos last time and you boiled it down to two. Actually, Kelly had produced a bigger number of those and we as a team took some out that we didn't think work. either they weren't ADA compliant or there was where was another issue. We then took a
selection of 10 or no eight to the focus group and asked for their input. Off the back of that we refined some of the ones that you saw. So the ones that you saw last time had been directly input by community and in actual fact the half
the half logo that is currently the favorite. We as a team had removed that. So when we presented to the focus group that wasn't in there. They asked us were there others that you've taken out and we said yes there are others that we've taken out. They said can we see those?
We said yes. They all voted to put that one back in. So, we put that one back in. The only reason the one that is winning right now is because the community saw it and said, "You shouldn't have removed that. Put it back in." And we did. >> And I agree. That one was out of the
four was my favorite. But I did notice when you did the images from social media, you left one out, probably intentionally, but I'll leave that one be >> I know exactly which one you mean. >> Okay. I saw it, too. Yeah. >> Uh, Commissioner Duval, you're up.
>> Thank you, Mayor. First of all, thank you all for your efforts and the time you put in this. Um, I don't know how to explain people thinking, you know, that this has been a rushed, you know, uh, sometimes
people aren't as aware as they think they are. And secondly, I owe you an apology. Um, as you were speaking, talking about the emails and things coming in, I know there are some emails that just I received
and there's emails that maybe all of us commissioners received and it just did not occur to me to forward those to you for that. >> That's it, >> Commissioner Stokes. Yeah. I I just like
to say the the the thought and the methodology that went into this is topnotch in my book. This is an example of the right way to do things. It was thoughtful, methodical, thorough, and professional. So, you know, kudos to
you. You know, stuff like this, as many people as we have in the city, there's probably as many ideas as we have. So, you know, nothing's going to make everybody happy. And um I think though, you know, you the the logic and
the approach you took to this and what the goal was here. You followed suit and and I really think you came up with some great options. And uh you know, all I can say is thanks cuz I know a lot of work and a lot of time went into this. And while some people think it's a waste
of time, I don't. I think this process showed that a a a great number of people in our community appreciate the value of this and so I look forward to pushing this across the finish line one way or the other. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Commissioner Pro. >> Thank you, Mayor. Well, first I want to thank you uh the communication division. Once the logo is chosen, you will be out of work. All this time devoted for that. Um but I'll say something different and I will
say not because I want to sound different but to bring a different perspective. I do believe the less is better. I agree on that part. I also believe that it is a bit rushed and the reason is not that it is but the
community feels it is because they just recently were presented with four options and they have to vote out of four options. There was no vent options which was something different and if I have to guess if we had that option
a majority of bolts would be something different I here's why I and from the people I've talked to a number of people not to belittleing your process of conveying and getting all the data
processing intoformational standardized form for us and for anybody who wants to see it. I think we as a city we are unique and u the first time I heard about the city of Northport was in 1996
and the key or what was the reason how and why did I hear about the city of Northport is the warm mineral springs and that's our uniqueness. Um, talking about being unique, um, you know, city
of Venice, referring to the city of Venice, keep referring it. Well, the city and the Gulf and the water and the sunset, the beautiful design. Although we do not have a coastal line, our city is so unique as far as the
waterways, canals, and the warm mineral springs for that matter. and not just one major but the one that is close to the public. I'm sure you know what which one I'm talking about, but this is our uniqueness and I feel like
we are missing it in our logo because it's it's so simple and generic and I agree it has to be to some extent. Um to make it simpler, less is better. Um now I'll try to say less but l a logo is
more than just a graphic in my opinion. It's I and uh it's more than just symbolism. It's who we are. And um it is and I wrote a couple things
down. It is not what we like. It is more of who we are. So I know I'll be in minority but I I speak my mind because that's the commission. We all different right? But I would urge to pause it and
extend the feedback period. I know it's a lot of work but then if we do it if we finish it then you will not have as much work to do in that area of design of your specialty of being market major uh marketing major
but uh I would I would rather have a contests of youth and local artist and uh community leader uh leadership especially that have that input Um,
and I keep referring to Warren Min Springs. What do we How do we stand out and I like couple logos. I mean, I'm not big fan of uh any of the four options. And as as as much as public, we were
presented with four. There was no fifth options for us or I mean, let it be clear. Let's be honest. So, I think we can do better. uh no local wildlife was presented. Um I know we are not so
unique in that regard but as Florida North city we are where mineral springs is not reflected we are ecologically unique. Um like I can see that once I cross the line and going to Charlotte
County it feels different. I mean it's just feels different. It's not the same as city of Northport. Um, and when we go out north, it feels different. So, we in a kind of a very unique and it's not
reflected in any of the logos. Uh, one big drawback I've heard from the residences, uh, what is that star? Is that a star? Is it the sun? I know you said about seven pillars,
but is it star or sun? Who was asked that question? I don't know. I mean it does it's not clear what it is if it's a sun you know we have sunshine Florida state it's it's it's so why is the star yellow or you know
palm trees you know waterways is it is it the palm or is it the waterways so I couldn't answer them myself so our logo has to be very south be very simple yet very unique and yet very
uh self-explanatory like I looked at a couple logos and uh Sarasota County it's really simple logo it's just a type of a building whatever that is right but that is a history for the county because the county was not all the way up to here you know this was
a jungle 20 years ago >> but they kept that image that you know history that's what I think it conveys Um so I don't know if I'm going to get any um sympathy from my fellow
commissioners. I would like to have the process to be extended. Um and the reason is um I was approached by law and I forwarded that email to you to the city manager which was um copied to uh the division manager. Um I was
approached by one company and one individual and asked me to if there's any way they can help to develop the the company worked on a world recognized and award-winning uh brands like Facebook.
They worked for Facebook uh PayPal and Google uh that felt that the execution feels a little bit poorly done. Um I asked about the first question I asked them what would be the fee if you charge the fee. Well they said it's around 25
start but we'll do it for free for the city of Northport. We love the city that much that out of four logos that present it and those that company is highly professional company. I've done a little bit of research who they are. Um
the the next statement that would that individual told me is um I would I would be sleeping much uh how did he say that it would be so much peace if he would offer the
company's contribution to the city free um that's uh that's what I want to extend the feedback and get more input um because Again, the public did see the four options and once they saw the those
four options, that's the major feedback I got. Actually, 99%. It's like, well, this is it. Four options. Are we being rushed through this? Can you can you give us a fifth option? Um, I couldn't
answer them much. Um, but um that's where I stand. I think we could have done better to you to make us unique in the sense of a logo design and conveying the message of who we are. And I'm being very
um biased. Warm Mineral Springs is very close to my heart. Uh to be honest, that's how I found out about the city of Northport and its uniqueness. Thank you. Mayor, I have a comment when you're
ready. >> Go right ahead, Vice Mayor. >> Uh, thank you. >> You know, it's interesting that something that looks so simple as a logo is so complicated to create. And I was
thinking about all the different ways we have to use the logo print online in clothing on vehicles and regardless of the vehicle of the
modality the logo has to work. So I'm no surprise I'm a supporter. I think it's number four. It was the one that the community picked. you know, the sun and half of the tree and the sort of
teal color and the gold. Um, I feel really comfortable given our process that what we are seeing is an honest and accurate reflection of community input. Um, and
for me to to go back now and ask a a certain agency to come up with a logo, it it's like saying to the community, we don't need your input. You know, we'll just have this one agency
uh decide what they think Northport is. And, you know, it's hard. I mean, Blue Mineral Springs, without a doubt, is from um many points of view the most unique
thing about Northport. But for me and for a lot of people, I think what is the most energizing aspect of being in Northport is our potential,
the variety of people we have here, our growth, the opportunities and challenges facing us. um and trying to keep our history reflected in our branding.
But what's exciting about us is where we're headed. And um I know some cities pick a more historical approach. It's up to them to figure out what really talks about and represents
their municipality. the best. Um, it is up to us to figure that out. And and I I really hear the voice of the community in the materials that I've seen. And um I'll say it
again. I I think our team has done an excellent job for a very small check and I'm really happy with the result. Thank you um for all the work you've put into it. um and and all of your work
with the community and your really extraordinary efforts to get everyone's input distilled and reflected in the outcome. So I I thank you guys for that. Thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, >> Commissioner Stokes.
>> Yeah, just briefly, I mean, let's basically everybody's got an opinion, okay? Everybody's got opinions. What I want to do is thank you guys for one doing following a process that's inclusive. It's professional. It's
strategic. It's analytic and and it is the right way to go about doing this because we are talking a small amount of dollars as we used here. It is still taxpayer dollars. There are many
many considerations as you have explained for those who are actually willing to listen and understand about how we got here. And so I appreciate all the hard work that went into it cuz you guys did a killer job. Knocked us out of the box. Whatever we come up with, vast
majority of people will be like, "Huh?" Because I'm raising my family and going to work and this is not on their radar. There'll be that group that love it. there'll be that group that hate it and we'll move on to the next topic that everybody has the same issues over. So,
thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> I have one final question for you. I know we just did the the logo part of it and then we're going to move on to the mission and stuff like that. >> We're going to take a break before we go into the second half of this. So, we'll
come back at uh 2:00 and then we'll finish up >> 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 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 a community can be part of it. It's not just about learning the facts. It's about learning where you fit in and how you could shape the city we call home. Uh, the most surprising thing would probably be the opportunity to get
taste, which is really cool. Understanding how that feels. Would recommend for everyone unless they have a heart condition. I think another thing would probably be how many people it takes to run everything >> is how well all the departments work together and how well each of the
departments know about other departments. So in the case of a big emergency, they already know what other departments are already supposed to do and they all work together. >> This is always a dance. There's always moving parts. There's always things that
are that can impact a decision whether it's state, local, federal, revenue, all these things come into play and it and it's just amazing all these things that of how the city is impacted for the variety of things that can occur.
>> I feel more confident in the city in the way it operates. I don't see wasteful spending. I see a lot of uh proactive thinking way outside the box of what I thought a city does. >> Well, I was already in love with Northport. Um I think everyone knows
that I got to meet the people who work here, their love for the community, how hard it is to run a whole city, um the intricacies of it, and the why. It answers so many questions about the why
things are done the way they're done. So it does it empowers you to love where you live more and to get more involved. >> And I think the important message here is the confidence that I've really feel now of the people running each each of
these departments. You know, they are running multi-million dollar businesses all separately but coming together with tax dollars that that come through. And that is by far not an easy task. departments that we've been to seem to have improved with the growth in the
city. So, the mere fact that we've grown such a major amount, department has have grown, the staff has grown, the offerings have grown, and the um need for involvement from the residents has also grown. >> I think parks and wreck really showed up
and did an amazing job. They had a bunch of staff people. They kind of brought us around, had different speakers. I think they take the prize for the best uh overall display. >> Places that I didn't think I would enjoy as much. Like I didn't think I'd enjoy public works as much as I did. I loved
it. And it seemed to me that there were the more questions that were asked. >> The economic development council. I think that is just a a again it all points to uh live, work, and play within our community. >> I think there's a lot of misunderstanding out there about really
how these departments work, how the city really works. And I think by offering a class like this, you get such an exposure to so many different departments and meet so many different people. You can't help but want to be a part of it. If you plan on living here
and living amongst the community and understanding the growth and understanding what we need, definitely join the Northport University. You're going to be pleasantly surprised. >> I would absolutely say do it because you don't know until you know. And you can go online and you can read all these
things, but a lot of it is the experience and sitting across from from whether it's the the chief of police, the the chief of fire, rescue, utilities, all these, you know, administration, all these departments are absolutely you want you meet the
leaders. You can look into their eye and ask pertinent questions that are important to you. to understand of where they're at, where they're going, what are their constraints, and how we can be as residents, try and give them the resources they need to provide the services that we're asking them to
provide. >> I'm more in love with Northport than I've ever been. >> Hey, Brandon, what are you listening to? >> Just listen to my CPR playlist. What's on that? >> Staying alive. >> I'm Zach. And this is Travis from Northport Fire Rescue.
>> And I'm Brandon. And this is Brett from the Northport Aquatic Center. >> Did you know a lot of the songs that you listen to on a daily basis follow the beats of CPR, 100 to 120 beats per minute. >> CPR saves lives.
>> Hey, Northport. I'm here with Ryan from our engineering division in public works and we're in an area that is experiencing some drainage concerns that were brought to us by some residents. So Ryan, what are some things you do when you get onto a scene like this to see what the issue may be?
>> First thing we do is we start at the bottom of the system, the outfall, how it connects into the uh canal. Then we start working our way up. We go through the cross drains, the culverts, the under drains, and we look at every way the water flows downward. And we look for blockages, uh, sumped uh, dirt pile
up and even sometimes could potentially collapsed uh, coverts underneath. And you got to remember, you can't report your uh, water being an issue until we have 72 hours of no rainfall. And let's say it rains on Tuesday and a couple days go by and that second day it rains
again, you got to restart your 72 hours. We have to spend time of our water inside the system in order to clean it and in order to slow it down. Otherwise, we're going to end up washing out our neighbors below us. >> Absolutely. So, tell us about what's happening here. >> Right here, we have a rather large uh
blockage inside the system. This is clearly a um illegal dump of some sort uh a tree obviously, and this will slow down the water. If we could see on the north side of it, or north as in the upper part of the drainage way, it's full of water. But when we look at our
footage from down below, it's dry. So this is a huge point of collab collecting water. These systems really fail sometimes with like a a death by a thousand cuts. You get a um a sump here, a collapsed uh covert pipe, a blockage like this, and it slowly adds up.
>> That makes sense. So if anybody out there is seeing issues like this or experiencing it in your neighborhood, you're welcome to report it um through our Northreport system which is at northportfl.govnorthports /northreports or you can give the public works
customer service a call. In Northport, families are finding more and more places built just for them. We opened um this past June. We are an indoor play center for children ages 0 to 7. We do open play sessions, birthday
parties, special events, and classes here at the play center. for me. Um, you know, being a Northport resident, there was really not a whole lot in Northport for children. Um, besides the local parks, so it was super important for me to have something in the community to be
able to offer to families with young children. You want to have that option to be able to still get out of the house with the kids, get their energy out, and not have to hike all the way up somewhere with traffic. and you can just go to a spot near you and just make
those special memories that are close to home. >> Playtime Paradise isn't the only new spot making Playtime local. Do the Beach is a immersive indoor adventure park. We are primarily an inflatable based attraction. We have over 14 different ride attractions scattered throughout
the park. with growing young families pouring into Northport and growing the city, we just knew there was such a need for families to have an outlet and some some good entertainment, active entertainment for children. One of our core beliefs as a as a company is encouraging kids to get involved in
active and social play, getting them away from their screens and using their imaginations. >> From slides to inflatables, dance classes, birthday parties, Northport is growing, and so are the options for young families right here at home. The community has welcomed us with open arms.
>> We are thrilled to be here. >> It shows families that there's a place for them um to grow as a young family in Northport. There's a place in Northport that invites you to slow down to see, hear, and feel the world around you.
Inside the Garden of Five Senses is Boundless Adventures, a playground where every child can play, no matter their abilities. Just beyond the playground, the story stroll turns a simple walk into an interactive adventure. Each step reveals a new page or activity
sparking imagination, 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 family.
>> All right, it's 2 pm and I'm gonna hand it back over to you. >> Good afternoon, commissioners. Kelly Dcastro, brand design specialist. Um, I will go through um some of the slides of what the logo will appear on. Um, and
these are just examples. These are not uh definite. Um, but first I want to show you our current logo at the top there. Um, as you can see that there's a smaller palette. Um, the original brand
had a larger palette. Um, it had more of reds and uh, greens in there. Um, we kind of took those out to um, to be more financially uh, responsible as far as the reproduction of the logo.
Um, and so below that is our proposed pallets um, one and two. Um, the greens are, you know, for optimism, growth, and harmony. Uh, the blues are more soothing, calming, and a reliable color.
Um, it's a broader palette, um, softer tones. Um, and obviously the yellow represents, um, optimism and sunshine and happiness. Uh these were the next slide is the
logos that were submitted for resident feedback. Um actually two logos that were um chosen from last commission meeting on January 5th. um and to have
two uh color palette options. Then so the next I'm sorry. So the first one is in the greens palette. Um, this tree abstract is and
was inspired by Northport's natural beauty and historic sites such as Warminal Springs um, and of course the community feedback and businesses. Um, as you'll see, you will see the logo mark um, and the reversed out um, where
you can use that as a graphic element um, along with the logo in its entirety. Um we have a centered stacked version. We also have a horizontal left version. The left version would be the primary
primary logo. The centered stacked would be an optional for whatever uh configuration is needed for the different mediums. Um then below on the second line we have parks and recreation sub brand. um how it looks with one of
our um departments or divisions. And then to the right we have um the left configured uh with the tagline and this tagline um says where nature meets momentum.
Um so um the curved lines represents our parks, our waterways. The circular shapes represent unity and inclusion. Um while the shapes together
create one unified um shape and cohesive cohesive symbol. And there's seven shapes within that uh which represents our pillars or goes back to our pillars. Um and then we have
the typography at the bottom, the proximanova and the Laura. I know Vice Mayor doesn't like Sarah fonts, but I thought I could use that as an option. Um but of course approxima can also be
used um digitally or print is print friendly. Um when I was also creating these um logos, I also had in mind um and Commissioner Pro mentioned this earlier about the warm mineral springs. Um and I
just want to let you know um Commissioner that I did have that considered when I was creating these. Um, an example, the circular shape. Um, when you see an aerial view of Warmer Springs, it's obviously a circle. So, I did keep that in mind because I kept on
going myself back to that and also our natural beauty. Um, so that is also included in this. And here's another to show some examples of the configurations.
um whether it's on uh a mug or um public works or utilities building, it just shows an example of how it could look. We are not going to run out there and
repurpose everything. We're not going to re uh what was I saying? We're not We don't >> Yes, we're not going to uh repurpose um the cost. We're just going to let it all
let the old logo run its course and then we'll um get on with the new one. Um if it's chosen. Um so the next one is also the circular tree abstract in the blue palette. Um as
you can see, it's the same setup as the previous page. Um I'll give you a moment to look at that. Um this one has um the other tagline associated with it. Neighborly by nature embracing opportunity
and another sub sub um department on there utilities. Okay. Um, here is an example of the different mediums it could go on. Next page we have
some beautiful imagery that would be considered The next one is the second logo which is the sun pillar and tree abstract or however you want to perceive it as. Um so the half sunburst and abstract tree I
that's how I see it. Um is inspired again by our natural beauty. Um the sun rays align with our strategic seven strategic pillars while mirroring while the mirroring image symbolizes growth or
our waterways. Um the both half shapes again create this one unified circular uh shape that again uh is perceived like with growth growth and prosperity and
forward momentum. Uh this text um the typography rather is railway and Laura uh railway and also proximova are very modern and clean type faces where um
it's easily um can be used um very well on web and also print pieces. Here it is in all of the different examples. More imagery to be considered.
And here is again the sunburst and sun the abstract tree rather and the blue pallets blue and yellow palette and these the pallets that are proposed today are the core pallets. Um once we
get into the brand uh document, the branding guidelines rather, it would have a more um a larger palette where we can have other colors in it with it.
Here is again another example of all of the different promo items or building signage. We will skip that slide. Thank you.
>> Thanks, Kelly. I'm back and for that I can only apologize. Um the next part of our agenda is to revisit the mission uh mission vision and the values. So on the
January 5th um workshop we took a look at these and I'm going to chat you through the work that we have done subsequently. So our current mission as it stands is to provide exceptional service to the community for the continuous enrichment
of quality of life through transparency, engagement and respect. Our vision is to be an innovative, friendly, engaging and sustainable community where residents, businesses, and visitors can flourish. On January 5th, we propose changes to
both of those as follows. mission to serve our community with excellence, fostering engagement and empowering the success of Northport's residents, businesses, and visitors. The vision to be an innovative, enduring, and thriving community while preserving the authentic character of Northport for residents,
businesses, and visitors. We received feedback from you guys during that meeting. There was broad support for the mission with minor language refinements. There was broad support for the updated
mission with more significant language refinements. There was one commissioner whose preference was to retain the current mission and vision in in its entirety. Um there was a quest to more clearly reflect the words transparency and
respect in the mission. It was felt that our new mission was missing those two key words. Um, and there was a desire for the vision to better convey the friendly and engaging community. Concerns were raised regarding the use
of enduring and preserving as some felt that these terms imply permanence that may not be within the city's control. Um, there was a lack of clarity and low support for the term authentic. However, there was a strong positive response to
the service focus language that we added. serve, foster and empower. Um, and there was finally a preference for the word flourish, which was in the original and we replaced with thrive. Based on that feedback, we have come up
with a secondary updated proposed mission and vision to serve our community with respect and transparency, foster engagement, and empower the success of Northport's residents, businesses, and visitors. vision
much shorter to be an innovative, welcoming and thriving community. When it comes to the values, our current values are accountability, integrity, customer service, teamwork, and empowerment.
On the January 5th meeting, we proposed service, enrichment, enduring opportunity, reliability, accountability, and resiliency. Increasing by two, changing some, and aligning them to the seven strategic pillars. I've popped the strategic
pillars with the relevant um associated word on there. Feedback that was provided was remove enduring from opportunity have each value as one word and concerns uh were raised regarding the use of preservation as some felt
these terms implied to permanence that is not within the city's control. As such we have uh gone back and taken another look and come up with the following seven. service, enrichment, opportunity, removing the enduring,
stewardship instead of preservation, reliability, accountability and resiliency. So instead of preservation next to environmental resiliency um we would have stewardship taglines.
These were the taglines that were proposed on January 5th. neighborly by nature embracing uh embracing opportunity and where nature meets momentum. I am offering an apology. I'm very reticent. I did not
put on the previous presentation that there is a choice for us to retain our current tagline which is achieve anything. Over the past couple of weeks, I've met with uh community members, Miss Joan Morgan,
um to talk about Achieve Anything, where the history of Achieve Anything came from. And I should have been more open um at pushing forward the fact that we can choose one of the two new taglines or we can keep the existing. Um, it's my
responsibility to take the data from the community, um, and use that data to develop the new taglines. Um, it's also my responsibility to give you the pros and cons for all of um, the options. Um,
and speaking with um, Miss Morbin has been very helpful um, to take in essentially more data uh, around our previous tagline. So what I just want to chat us through is neighborly by nature embracing opportunity. The pros
as I see it from the data regardless of my personal opinion are that it's strongly rooted in the community values that um were consistently voiced during the feedback. Um it balances who we are right now neighborly by nature and where
we are going while still being about warmth and progress. um it works across services from policy to economic development to communications. The cons are it's more new nuanced um
and during launch we may need to explain where it came from. Um it's less bold for audiences that want potentially that very high octane short sharp direct aspirational message.
When we look at where nature meets momentum, the pros are it's modern, it's energetic, um it's compelling, it clearly signals the growth piece um and the investment and the progress, but it's also community um rooted um with
the piece around our nature. Um it's well suited between the balance of now and the future um nature and progress. achieve anything, which is our current tagline. The pros are we are familiar with it. Um, and it is emotionally
resonant for our long-term residents. They know what it means. They know where it comes from. They're comfortable with it. Um, but also it means something. It was developed in a time um when it, you know, truly meant something to our residents and continues to mean
something to our residents. It's clear. It's aspirational. It's easy to repeat and it's very respectful of our history. Cons from a data perspective no longer aligns with the community feedback that we have received and speaks more to our
past than it does um to the future direction of the city and from uh the perspective of um being more differential um differentiated um it's a relatively generic term but what I wanted to do was provide what the data
is telling us and provide equal pros and cons for each of the options because that should have been provided to you in our first presentation. Um, and thanks to the feedback and conversations I've been having with Miss Morgan, I felt it was relevant to include um in the data
today. So, the next steps would be for us to um to make some motions, but I believe we have probably have public comment and other things to take into consideration. But first, we'll do discussions on the
taglines and the vision, the stuff that we just went through for commissioners. If you have anything, >> can you bring the taglines back up? >> Oh, there she is. Oh, I'll go first. What the heck? When you asked for the taglines, I expected
you to go. I was ready. I mean, you know, I'm usually like change guy. I I believe life changes all the time and you need to keep up with it and all. But I'll tell you, I love achieve anything. I'm sorry. I make no apologies for it. I
really take back my apology. I love it. If I have to go with the majority for neighborly by nature, embracing opportunity, I guess I could live with that and still get a good night's sleep, achieve anything. It works for me and and you know it just works for me. So
that's my opinion. Anybody else discuss the taglines? >> Commissioner Dval, >> I like what he said. >> Wait a minute. I want to change my mind. Vice Mayor, you got anything for us?
>> Strongly a neighborly by nature gal, but boy, I do like the brevity of achieve anything, you know. It's it's just short and sweet. Um,
yeah, I I'm still a neighborly by nature gal. It's just it's very long. >> Sounds wishy-washy to me. >> It is wishy-washy. It is. I realize not usually wishy-washy, but this is a tough one.
>> Yeah, that's the one that I had picked was neighborly by nature and embraces opportunity. But, um, it's going to be whatever the board decides. Um, vision. Did we have that?
>> Yeah. Can you bring those up? Mission, visions, and values. And then I'll get to public comment after. >> Do you want to see the previous as well? Yeah. >> Yeah. So there'll go first on this one, too. Um I I I mean I was the one who liked
the current mission and vision statement commissions, not just this commission, but the last two or three commissions spent a lot of time working on the mission and vision statements for this city. And you know,
I don't like the proposed January 5th one, the updated I mean to lead with to serve our community. Yes. With respect and transparency to lead with that I mean to provide exceptional service to our
community for the continuous enrichment of the quality of life through transparency, engagement and respect. I mean, it's almost another way of saying it. I mean, to me, if it ain't broke, why
fix it? I like the current mission statement, the vision statement. Same thing. I mean, to be innovative, welcoming, and thriving community to be innovative, friendly, engaging, and sustainable community where residents, businesses, and visitors can flourish.
Yeah, it's a little more wordy, but it is the vision and it's more inclusive. I you know I I'm I'm just still real sold on on the mission and the vision. I I just as as they were. I I just I don't see the reason to change them. And
again, it's just my opinion. >> That is it. Commissioner Pedro. >> Thank you, Mayor. I like updated. Um and vision is what we envision, right? And mission is how we do it. Uh the current vision is a bit too long. You get lost
in a bit twothirds of it when you read it. The current I mean updated is very short and concise. I like it a lot to be innovative, welcoming and thriving community. Perfect. That's just my
opinion. A mission. Um it's a bit of a I also like updated much better. Um it's more of a how do we what we do to to fulfill a vision and that is mission
is always longer. I like the updated one. I'm I'm all for updated that it >> Yeah, I like the updated version myself because going down into the future, you know, mission to it to provide
exceptional service may go into the ringers when it comes to budget and stuff like that. We might not be able to do exceptional service and I'm just looking forward to hopefully not having to go that route. But I don't want to put it up there if we do have to go that
route. But the updated version to me is a lot better on both mission and vision. >> Anybody else? Vice Mayor? >> Yeah. Um I'm for the updated. And again, I like the vision. It's it's nice and
brief and and says it all. Um, and I I sadly hear what you're saying about services, mayor, and not wanting to lead with that. That pains me. But, um, I do I like the updated.
>> And did we do values yet? >> I'll go first. Yeah. Might as well. Might as well. I like the update. I like updated. Anybody else? >> Updated.
>> All right. >> The crowd. It's updated is better. >> Okay. We're going to move on to public comment on this item and then we'll come back for the motions. >> Maria Leslie, the city has more important things to worry about than the
logo. The taxes are high enough. I can't imagine that money going towards the four logos in question. The majority are strongly them. Then again, I can't imagine all of that money going towards a non-professional city manager who makes more than the governor of Florida somehow either. Debbie McDow, I will say
it again. The proposed or even the existing logo has zero effect on whether a business or family moves to our amazing city. Zero. If changing a logo had a positive effect on bringing in new businesses, the data would have been shared by now. It is misleading to say there is no cost involved when implementing the new logo. Of course,
there is a cost. A new template will be required for every piece of print material, decal, sign, and everything in between. Who truly benefits from this rebrand? Certainly not the citizens. The citizen the city has far more important things to worry about. Michael Schuli.
No. In person, we have Robin Sam Vicente followed by Monica Beckett and Joe Bergen. Thank you, Robin Sicente. Again, I have to commend you guys. That is a heck of a presentation. I know the amount of work that went into that. Uh just gathering
all the data and then putting forth all of this, it's great. So, thank you. Um I would have liked to just see an implementation plan so that we can better understand when
this will all take place over a period of time. Um, what would be the cost involved over a period of time? Would it be budget consideration? I'm assuming. I would have just liked to seen that built into it or I guess that would be
forthcoming. Um, I also like the updated vision uh statement and everything else. So, I think it did a great job. Thank you. Did we have a picture? No picture.
>> Jason, did you have that picture? >> If we could have the presentation. And there was a request to see the current logo. There you go. >> No, we're looking for our current logo. >> That is okay. >> I think she's requesting it with the
colors that >> I don't have it as part of this presentation, but that was this logo with different color scheme. we have um simplified the color palette to the current version there and that's what you see.
>> I didn't understand any of that. >> So that you're um you're thinking of the fourcolor logo with the red, the yellow, and the green which isn't our current logo. Back in 2022 that logo was amended
to be a one color logo which is this logo. So, as we're going through our brand refresh program, we are thinking of refreshing this logo. >> Okay. I didn't know it changed, but there you go. Um, it was just it would
have been nice to see it up against the colors that we're dealing with now. That's the one that I'm used to looking at, but apparently it went away. Um, the logo uh continues to exemplify who we are and what we are.
Um the way that that uh our original logo is set up um is to me was limitless possibilities. It was the two toughs of green on the side with the roadway going up to to the to the the sun that was
shining. It was a road to wherever you wanted to be, wherever you wanted to take it. Um and it was positive. The the the color scheme was uplifting and different. I really like the red. I would love to see that come back. That
was four colors, that one when it originated. I don't know why that went away. Um but but it is it is still to me uplifting and different. I'm sorry to see that one go. Um the tagline achieve anything,
achieve anything is so important for a couple of reasons. First of all, if you don't know or doesn't inspire you or nothing comes to mind, think about what I'm the couple of the three examples that I would give you to work
with so that you can understand where I'm drawing that from. First of all, in 2010, a program got initiated and and spread throughout um Northport and it was called Defi,
drug-free youth. That's our drug pro our drug. I'm sorry. I just like I froze. Um, it's been our drug prevention program in Northport since 2010.
Only this last May, so that's 16 years it it survived. Um, but last May, we we talked to the city and our very um gracious city manager took on the
program. after COVID, we really suffered greatly with getting volunteers. You can imagine what that what that was like. So, that wasn't um that wasn't possible. We were losing ground there and that isn't where we wanted to go. So, that is part of the city park and wreck now and
it is quadrupling and the kids are signing up because it's just that little bit more. I knew that the messaging and the money and everything that the city had, not that there were loads set aside, they took on something they needed to prove was going to work, but
it is working. The kids are excited about it. They can see it now and um and it's going to be in more probably more successful than it ever was. >> Thank you. >> Two more just two more examples.
Nothing. Um, healthy start the baby. Ma'am, >> can I take Can I take a couple more? >> No, we don't we don't share time. >> We're not sharing time. No. All right. >> Two more examples of how things came from the community to last forever.
Inspired by Hi. All right. Here we go. We're a blank canvas yet. Okay. We might be almost 70 years old. We came from uh 1959 when we
were a city with no paid police, no paid firemen, and now we are the third uh largest in the United States. That's a huge jump. That's achieve anything. Okay, let's take our schools. When I came here, there weren't any. All of
those who fought for schools never got to get their kids in school. But look at what we've achieved. We will get the new police department. That's going to take a little bit while longer, but it will happen. Look at the hospital. Look at the achieve anything that we've done.
Look at what we've made. Monica started defi. Look what that has done. Look at our students. We have now 90 in the high school in that program. They are taking over that school. They are making this a
drug-free because they want it. They want to be on these boards, the ambassadorships, the Northport universities, everything. Uh look at the uh the police department. Okay, it started almost with Al Hasham who used
to work against uh with that Boston Strangler thing years and years ago. He came down here and worked for free for Northport. Okay. His daughter became our first woman cop who many said we'd never have a woman on the police department.
The police department is now named for her. Look at the plaque in front. Look at Meals on Wheels and what they've done. Look at our nonprofits and the people that put the time. Look at the food bank. Some people spent almost every moment that they're not working
working for the food bank. Look at the future art center. Hopefully, look at the aquatic center. 42 years. But now, guess what? Kids are getting swimming lessons. Look at that. the cool uh the cool park. You don't think that came
about automatically, do you? There's a lot of people that spend a lot of time doing a lot of things. Look at John Vagner Belly and bloat business leaders on Tropicana Trail. He refused to let us
just have the the strip malls. He refused to ha let us have uh surfaces that would not be reflective of a dignified city. And look what we have on 41, on Sumpter, on Toledo Blade. John Zagner Belly did that. You talked about
Alice White. Look at people for trees. She was a teacher, but yet look at what she has done for this community and us thinking about trees and that soccer. Ziggy Patamer Singh built the the the
goals, put them in the back of his car, and now we can't get enough soccer fields. Okay. achieve anything. This is your free campus. You can still make it your city. It's yours. Nothing is better than achieve anything.
>> Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Going to request a motion and we're going to The first motion is for the logo, the color scheme, and tagline. Anybody wish to make it? Mr. Mayor,
>> you go ahead. >> I'm I'm wondering if we should break those up, like maybe do the logo and color scheme together and then the tagline. I think the tagline is going to be the challenge. Well, not by what I'm hearing up here,
but I can pass the gavvel and give it a shot. >> Take that. >> Y the logo I believe was 2B that had the uh sunshine and the uh half tree. I
moved to select 2B color scheme of the blue. the Blues and the tagline of achieve anything. How about that one, Joan? >> I'll second that. >> All right, got a second. Anything to
that, commissioners, or have we already discussed it? I think probably >> we've discussed it. >> Then let's go to vote. >> Oh, yeah. Voice. >> Commissioner Petra, >> I'm sorry. >> Yes. Uh, vice mayor.
>> Yes. >> Mayor, >> yes. >> I'm a yes. Commissioner Duval, >> yes. >> And that passes five to zero. Thank you. All right. We're going to move on to the next one, which is
missions or mission, vision, and values, which I'm pretty sure I can do this one too if you like. Go ahead. >> What I heard up here, I move to approve the suggested mission, visions, and
values as presented, the updated versions. Is there a second? >> I'll second that. >> Probably nothing more to it since we beat it to death. So, let's have a vote. Commissioner Pro.
>> Yes. Vice Mayor, I'm sorry, you're muted. >> What's that? >> Yes. >> Oh, there we go. There we go. >> There. >> Yes. >> I'm a yes. >> I'm a yes. >> All righty then.
>> Yes. Is five to zero. >> Thank you very, very much. We made it through it. You all did an excellent job. So, City clerk, is there any general public comment?
>> Okay. >> Sometimes you just go long day. >> You betcha. >> Okay. I'll be brief. >> All right. I'll be >> Take your time, sir. All right. Uh, this issue I've brought before the commission before. As a matter of fact, I've spoken
to several of you about this, uh, concern. Uh, some in their office and some over coffee. And I just want to reiterate that, uh, the policy as it relates to boards and committees, I
believe, is flawed for multiple reasons. one an example of today you voted on members on the boards yet you don't have the ability to vote a member off the boards or even being aware of the action
that's being taken administratively to remove members from the board I have s information as it related to how many individuals have been removed from the board under the existing policy and
cannot get that information based on software issues I guess is the answer I got and uh that's one voting someone on but not voting them off or even being aware of who they were
second there is absolutely no appeal process as a member being removed from a board which I think is that is totally disrespectful to both the commission and the board members for not knowing the reasoning And third, have a significant problem
with the lack of notification. Okay, the elements that I've just mentioned, many of them were within the original 2019 policy and were removed in 2022, I
believe it was 23. Okay. I would significant I would respectfully request that the commission look into these issues and possibly have a workshop to discuss all the issues that have come up
related to the boards and committees by other citizens over the last few months. Um, one more thing, you know, I like picking on Facebook. I put up a m a meme the other day which means I may disagree with you but that doesn't mean I don't
like and respect you and I hope my demeanor over the years the decades has proven that. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Moving on to commission communications.
Commissioner Pro. >> Thank you, Mayor. I this uh Thursday, Friday, uh Saturday, I attended Institute of Elected Public Officials in Jacksonville. Um it was very good
experience and I really enjoyed it. >> Did you learn anything? >> A lot. >> Good. Good. Then it's beneficial. Vice Mayor, you're up. >> Yeah. Thank you, sir. Um, all I have is um a concern about Saturday's new
newcomer um event at the Mullen Center. Commissioner Duval and I usually do that together and I will not be able to do it this Saturday. So, I'm hoping that one of the other
commissioners might volunteer to team up with Commissioner Duval. Assuming that you're going to do it this month, too, sir. >> I believe that Sarah has reached out to everybody and I believe she knows who's going to cover it, but I'll have her
double check. >> Okay. Just so long as it's covered. Yeah. >> Don't see me. >> Oh, thank you, Commissioner. Um, Petra, >> you're very welcome. >> That it?
>> That's it for me. >> Thank you, ma'am. Yeah, I have nothing. Uh, Commissioner Stokes, >> uh, I attended uh, Wolfstock this past weekend as well as the Ukrainian. >> I attended Wolfstock. My dog loved it. I
loved it. Val loved it. We went to the Ukrainian festival and uh as always I you know I I love our Ukrainian community. I love all our citizens in this community but the Ukrainians have a special place in my heart and I was a
pleasure for the second year in a row to be there say a few words and get to reacquaint with some of the folks I'd met the first time and meet some new folks. Uh coming up, uh as was already mentioned, this Saturday on the 14th is
Newcomers Day. Um, and for anybody who might be interested, on Friday the 20th, I sit on a panel with uh with the mayor of Venice, uh, uh, Nick, uh, Chota, and, um, with Tom
Knight from the Sarasota County, uh, Commission, and, uh, conversation at the Tiger Bay Club up at the Venio Hotel. in the subjects uh bill 180 and the uh bill that's working its way through the house
at this time to hopefully modify it. So uh for those people who might take an interest in that, that's should be a good discussion. That's all I got there. >> Yeah. And going back real quick, I I forgot we did the uh rodeo at public works first thing in the morning and
that was fun. I did go to the Ukrainian festival. I enjoyed their pastries very very much and I ended up at Wolftock as well. So go ahead, Commissioner Dal. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I also attended the Institute for Elected Municipal
Officials in Jacksonville on Friday and Saturday. Uh, it was basically a tutorial on how an official can be effective. uh actually how there was some
instruction on how to run a meeting. Um one of the best aspects was to be able to converse with officials from other towns. Um, I sat next to a gentleman and that gentleman told me that they have
nine they have 912 residents in their city and their city clerk handles just about everything and and they're having trouble affording
$75,000 for her salary. Uh and when they said 912 912 citizens and I'm sitting there, you know, biting my tongue with over 900 employees. Uh so it was very
very interesting. Um also as far as the newcomers day, I have been doing that. Um I am going to be undergoing a a surgery tomorrow morning. Um, I just probably won't be there Saturday.
>> That's it. >> Good luck on your surgery, sir. >> Jump in if I don't know if I heard Commissioner Pro if he wanted to um if he can set up. I I plan on being there, but I'm going to get there a little bit
late. So, um, you know, I'll jump in and help, but I need somebody to get that set up. So, if somebody can set up the table and stuff, I'm there. Okay, good. Between us. Thanks. Good. City manager, you got anything for
the good? >> No, sir. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Nothing for the good. Okay. City attorney? >> Nothing. Mayor, >> city clerk? >> Thank you. All right. It's 2:46 and this meeting's adjourned.