--------- 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 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. >> Wow. Congratulations. >> I appreciate it. >> Yeah. You You only been here for two years, right? >> Two and a half now. So, >> all 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 every 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 even 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. >> Great place to run your little RC trucks, too, >> right? Oh, yeah. >> I got a bunch of those. I like that. >> Do you?
>> Yeah. >> Oh, man. Do you have the gas powered ones? >> I have the electric. I don't have the gas power. I've seen them. >> I I just want like the ones that go fast. >> Yeah, 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 and >> 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 Benditi, 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.
ready. All right. Good afternoon. Today is Tuesday, January 20th, 2026. It's 400 p.m. We are in the city chambers and I call the road and drainage district meeting to order. Commissioners present are Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Stokes, Mayor
Eridge, Vice Mayor Langden, and Commissioner Pro. There is a quorum present for this meeting. Also present are city manager Fletcher, city attorney Fuino, city clerk Fost, board specialist Linder. We got
>> Deputy Chief Morales and Chief >> Titus. I'm going to call on Mr. Speaks. Could you please lead us in the pledge, sir? To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic which stands
one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Request a motion to approve the agenda. So move. >> Second. I have a motion on the floor to approve the agenda made by Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Vice Mayor Langon.
Please vote. And that passes 520. City clerk, any public comment? >> There is none. >> Thank you. All right, we're on to the consent agenda. City Manager, has anything been pulled? >> No, sir. >> Thank you.
Um, any questions or anything? I need a motion. >> I'll make it. >> Go ahead. >> I move to approve the items in the consent agenda as presented. >> Second. I have a motion on the floor made by Vice Mayor to approve the consent agenda items as presented.
Seconded by Commissioner Stokes. Anything to that? No, >> sir. >> If not, please vote. And that passes 5 to zero. Moving on to general business. Resolution number 2025-R75.
City clerk, can you read by title only, please? >> Resolution number 2025-R75. A resolution of the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida as the governing body of the Northport Road and drainage district accepting the transfer of real property located on Manila Avenue and described as lot 25, block
734, 12th edition to Port Charlotte subdivision, Sarasota County property appraiser parcel identification number 114473425 from the city of Northport, Florida, exchanging the accepted real property for real property located on Pilgrim Road and described as lot 14, block
2014. 14 44th edition to Port Charlotte subdivision Sarasota County property appraiser parcel identification number 1147201414 incorporating recital providing for filing of documents providing for conflicts providing for severability and providing an effective date.
>> Thank you Mr. Fletcher. This is your item. >> Thank you Mr. Mayor. The Road and Drainage District is seeking approval to accept a city-owned parcel located on Manila Avenue for the purpose of exchanging it with a private property owner. This action is part of a larger effort to secure permanent access to a
key stormwater pond site located on Pilgrim Road. Uh it is owned by Edward and Cleopatra Davis. Owner Davis is not willing to sell their parcel, but has agreed to swap their parcel for an equal lot of value owned by the city. We recommend that you choose option one today, which is approve resolution
number 2025-R75 as presented. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. Uh, commission questions. Uh, Commissioner Dval. >> Yes. I just have a quick comment on this. Uh, as I was
looking back in the background material on Manil Manila Avenue that the the city owns, I discovered that the city bought it as a tax deed sale back in 1987 for about $1,237.81. And it occurred to me that in the future
if the city is looking for any properties that they might use for trades such as this, maybe that uh maybe someone paying attention to when they have the taxdeed sales. Um that might be a good thing to do because you know this
is a pretty good trade for the city for $1,200 spent. That's it. All right. If there's nothing else, uh, city clerk, any public comment? >> Hearing none. >> All right. I'm going to close this hearing and request a motion.
>> I'll make it. >> Okay. >> I move to adopt resolution number 2025-R75 as presented. >> Second. Got a motion on the floor made by vice mayor. I move to adop to adopt resolution number 2025-R75
as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Stokes. If there's any nothing to that, please vote. And that passes 5 to Z. Moving on to resolution number 2026-R1. City clerk, please read by title only,
please. Resolution number 2026-R01, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, as the governing body of the Northport Road and Drainage District, authorizing the purchase of real property located on Heist Court, described as parcel identification number 1132212038,
incorporating recital, providing for filing of documents, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. >> Thank you, city manager. This is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The Department of Public Works is seeking authorization to purchase a parcel located on Heights
Court, currently owned by Demetrius and Patty Kais. Uh, this property provides strategic access to the Cocoa Plum waterway and is needed to ensure the city can perform regular maintenance and future rehabilitation of the storm water system in this area. The owners have
agreed to sell the parcel to the Northport Road and Drainage District for the appraised amount of $22,800. Staff recommends that you choose option one, which is approving resolution number 2026-R01 as presented. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, sir. Commissioners,
questions, discussions, anybody. >> All right. Um, public comment. >> There is not. >> Thank you. I'm going to close this hearing and request a motion. >> I'll make it. >> Go ahead. Move to adopt resolution 2026-R1 as presented. >> Second.
I have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Stokes to adopt resolution number 2026-R1 as presented, seconded by Commissioner Pro. Anything to that? If not, please vote.
And that passes five to zero. City clerk, any final public comment? >> There is none. >> All right. And I adjourn this meeting is 407. Part: 2
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." Wow. >> 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. >> Thanks for having me, Matthew. >> 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. 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 are 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 sirax. 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 same level going forward. >> Yeah, Madison, you're right. So, the crews that normally operate out of this fire station are just going to be a little ways down the road in the temp station with a temporary apparatus bay. And all of our administrative staff from
Fire Rescue are moving into city hall, which is right down the street. And if you need anything from Fire Rescue, you can go in the front doors of City Hall, turn to your left where Economic Development just moved into, and you'll see a friendly face from Fire Rescue ready to help you out. >> That's great. Continuing to provide that
exceptional customer service. So, I really appreciate all the information, Chief. Thanks for joining us today. Thank you for having me. The city wakes before you do. [Music] Quiet work already in motion.
[Music] 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. [Music] 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 >> I know he's around somewhere. He might have just went to the potty. >> Good evening. Today is Tuesday, January
20th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. We're in the city chambers and I call the city commission regular meeting to order. Commissioners present are Commissioner Dval, Commissioner Stokes, Mayor Emerich, Vice Mayor Langden, and Commissioner Pro. There is a quorum present for this meeting. Also present
are City Manager Fletcher, City Attorney Fino, City Clerk Foss, Board Specialist Slender. We have Deputy Chief Morales, and Fire Chief Titus in the back. And Madison, would you like to lead us in
the pledge, please? To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you.
>> Request a motion to approve the agenda. >> So second. I have a motion to approve the agenda made by Vice Mayor Langden, seconded by Commissioner Stokes. Anything to that, please vote. But that passes 5 to Z. City clerk,
public comment. >> Yes, I have Steven Harrison followed by Valdi Olander. [Music] Good evening, city commissioners and staff. My name is Stephen Harrison, and I'm here today to talk about 5.2 of the city's charter. It should be noted that
I am a member of the charter review advisory board, but I am here speaking on behalf of myself. I am not by any means speaking on behalf of the board. It also should be known that I am not taking a biased position on this situation, and I have respect for each and every one of you. I'm just a concerned resident that sees an issue
that can easily be resolved. For this issue, the best course of action to take is to replicate what other communities around us have already done. For context, I want to read the legal opinion given to the city by Nikki Day. In the conclusion section, it says, "The charter's non-inference clause is a
lawful and essential limitation designed to protect professional administration." Well, with the city of Venice in section three of Venice's charter, there are non-interference clauses se except for the purpose of inquiry and
investigations, the city council shall deal with city officers and employees who are subject to the direction of the city manager. Also for Port Charlotte in section two of the of the county charter, their non-interference clause
is also except for the purposes of inquiry and information, the members of the board of county commissioners shall not interfere with the performance of the duties of any employee of the county who is under the direct or indirect supervision of the city manager.
Other areas in Florida that include similar language to these two include Penllis County, Bvard County, Lee County, City of Simol, Pulk County, Columbia County, City of Zephr Hills, and many others. For our charter, we can include language such as except for the
purposes of inquiry or information, the city commission and its members shall deal with city officers and employees who are subject to direction and supervision of the city manager. onto a different topic. It would be nice to see the commission
do something about this board vacancy issue. Many residents came up before and spoke about it. I've spoke I've came here and spoke about it and you know what to fix. I believe the city clerk even did a dissertation recently that you guys talked about. Uh and still
nothing has gotten done. Uh I'm going to make this vacancy issue the topic of my capstone for my degree. Both mentioned topics need actual in-depth policy analysis. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. >> Good evening.
>> I am Valdi Olander. I came here in peace and I am not a criminal. I have a dignity. Please respond uh respect my dignity. The Northport Police Department core
values under respect reads, "We recognize the value of individuality and treat people with all dignity." Ready? Do you understand definition
individuality? So I am using Florida constitutional language here. Right to instruct the representatives. Mr. Emir, please remove cup of my back. I am instructing you.
On December 11, attorney Fuino stated, "Your policy policies resolutions are not laws. How about the rules?" They're not laws either. Ask him
in city charter article 6 section 6 comma 02 B in parentheses holds the rules to enforcement of order under the direction of the presiding officers
officer that's you Mr. There is nothing about the cop intimidating a speaker like me today. Again, I am instructing you to remove him off my back. I already went through the metal detector. How many times you going to insult me?
Changing the subject. I am instructing you, please pass an ordinance that we have a rain once a week of at least one inch. Remember last year I instruct you to pass an ordinance to stop hurricanes.
Did we have a hurricanes? Going back to core values of Northport Police Department, we value the police public trust. Citizens having given up their right to
enforce their right. Emage, I want that document where I Valdi Hollander give it up my rights to be here. Please ask your attorney and Mr.
Ambridge or others. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> That's all. >> Thank you. >> Announcements, city clerk. The current vacancies for the following boards and committees include the 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, Northport
Police Officers Pension Trust for Fund Board of Trustees, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Planning and Zoning Advisory Board, and Veterans Park Advisory Committee. Sarasota County Advisory Council vacancies include one resident of Northport to serve on the Sarasota Manatee Metropolitan Planning
Organization Citizen Advisory Committee and one resident of 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. Moving on to the consent agenda. City manager, has any of the
items been pulled, sir? >> No service may be mirror. >> All right. Uh, city clerk, we got any public comment? >> We do not. >> All right. I'll request a motion. >> I'll make it. Move to approve the items in consent agenda. >> Second. >> Have a motion on the floor made by
Commissioner Stokes to approve the items in the consent agenda as presented. Seconded by Vice Mayor Langden. Anything to that. If not, please vote. And that passes 5 to zero. Moving on to public hearings. Ordinance
first reading. Ordinance number 2026-03. I request a motion to direct the city clerk to read by title only. >> Second. >> Have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Stokes to direct the city clerk to read by title only. Seconded by Vice Mayor Langden. If nothing to that,
please vote. And that passes 5 to zero. City clerk. 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 section 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. Commissioners, questions, discussion. >> All right, Miss Mr. Fletcher, this is
your item. I'm sorry I skipped. It's okay. >> I thought I was very confident. Um, so this item, two streets currently are identified in section 74-152B Panacea Boulevard and Biscane Drive, having posted speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less. The Northport Police
Department has reviewed the LSV operations on these streets and identified no safety concerns. Ordinance number 26-03 would permit LSVS to operate on these two roadways or any other roadways in the city with an operational speed limit of less than 35
miles per hour. Ordinance number number 2026-3 serves the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the city of Northport. We recommend that you approve option one, which is approving the ordinance of number 2026-03 as presented and continue the second
reading on February 10th, 2026. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. Now, I'm going to commit skip the commissioners. No, I'm just kidding. Commissioners, anything? >> I see nothing. Uh, city clerk, do we have any public comment? >> We do not. >> All right. I'm going to close this
public hearing and request a motion. >> I'll make it. >> Go ahead. I move to continue ordinance number 2026-03 to second reading on February 10th, 2026. >> Second it. >> I have a motion on the floor made by
Vice Mayor Langden to continue ordinance number 2026-03 to second reading on February 10th, 2026. That was seconded by Commissioner Stokes. Um if nothing to that, please vote. And that passes five to zero. Uh moving
on to general business. Um item number 26-0288, discussion and possible action regarding the draft facility lease policy for city-owned facilities. Mr. Fletcher, this is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. As our public
works director, Chuck Speak, makes his way down, I just want to remind you that at the December 2nd, 2024 commission meeting workshop, the commission reviewed preliminary recommendations for a facility lease policy, including approaches to value valuing city- owned prop properties, facilities, and general
lease terms. Uh during that discussion, the commission requested additional information regarding existing lease terms and associated costs to support the development of a more consistent and transparent approach to establishing rental rates for city- owned property. I will turn it over to Mr. Speak and he will guide us through the conversation.
Thank you, sir. >> Good evening, commission. Chuck Speak, public works director. Uh we're bringing back based on the conversations we had in December of 24. Uh the facility lease policy.
Uh this policy we have two choices that we need some direction from commission. If you remember this policy has been thoroughly reviewed through the city attorney's office. So the the options we have here are the options that they have provided for us that cover the city as
far as uh bias and legal issues when it comes to giving discounts and nonforprofits that are in city facilities. So option one
is to bring back or I'm sorry option one is to bring back the facility lease policy for formal commission approval using a set price per square foot for all lease property. Okay, this will be a price that a number that the commission
would come up with on their own. It could be based on market value. It could be based on whatever it needs to be, but it has to be consistent across all use. The option two is to bring back the facility lease policy for formal commission approval using a set discount based on market
value. So in this option, what you would do is we would take that market value for each property. Understanding that each property would have a different market value based on the condition of the building where the building is. We would have our real estate consultant get those market values.
uh you would decide on what a set discount rate would be, a percentage of that market value. That would be used for any qualifying applicant that was uh a not for profofit that qualified based on the
qualifications that are in the lease policy. So, we can go through the lease policy if you want to go through that. Uh I'm sure there may be some questions. I'm trying what I'm trying to get across to you is these options may seem restrictive and I know in the past it's been kind of every one that comes up was
different. That is not the right approach for these type of leases. So we're looking for consistency so it can be legally defensible. >> We'll get questions. >> Yes, sir. Commission, any questions? I I
know I have one cuz I I read through this and basically you're going off of market value mostly for for the most part out there which which I'm good with. But when you said option two, that's when you mentioned the nonprofits.
So let's say we had a set rate at market value this that and the other and nonprofits would qualify. I'm just throwing this up there 25% off whatever. Could that be included into the lease agreement that we're looking at or would
that 25% have to go to anybody that wanted a discount for that or can we set it just for a nonforprofit? >> So that would be just for a nonforprofit and they would have to meet those qualifying terms within the lease agreement. So they would have to provide us with the information that we
requested with with what their uh benefit to the city is, their annual reports, all of those, >> which is fine. I I just wanted to make sure that there was a mechanism if we decided to move forward with non- nonforprofits because they do have a
government use this that and the other and that they are helping the community and I just didn't want it out there blatantly just because somebody has X they get 25% off. >> Correct. They would have to meet the qualifications that are stated. Yes, sir. >> That's all I wanted to clear on. Okay. Uh Commissioner Dval.
>> Thank you, Mayor. Uh basically my question is right along the same lines. Uh if we set it uh with a discount based on market value, do all nonprofits get the same discount
or say there's a very wellestablished uh well fairly wellefunded nonprofit. maybe they can afford more than say a newer nonprofit that that's
smaller and you know say if they were uh both trying to get space in the same building, you know, they were vying for the the same piece piece of property. Um, wouldn't that discount
be based would it be the same for all or would it be based on affordability or as you said value to the community? >> Right. So, so and I and I'll answer that. That's a couple of different
questions. I'll I'll start with the the the percentage or the discount of market. If that's the option you go with, that is the option for all nonprofits. Okay. So, what what that does is it keeps it keeps us from having to defend
why we feel one nonprofit is more valuable to the city than another, right? Which is the the box we're trying to get out of now. Uh, as far as the two vying for the same space, that would be a commission question, right? The commission would have the opportunity if
we have two that apply for the same, those will be brought to the commission and that would be uh up to the commission to decide which one of those nonprofits got that space, but it would be at the same rate if that was the option chosen >> and that's fair. >> Thank you.
>> Yes, sir. >> That all commissioner. >> Uh Vice Mayor Langden, you're up. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, couple of concerns on my part, but first let me say, um, I do support both the mayor and
commissioner Duval that we need a combination. I'm I'm good with market value of the building. Um, but as part of that, I would want to see some kind of discounting strategy for nonprofits
and consistency is the best course of action. However, I I have one comment and one concern. One concern is for nonprofits currently leasing our space. I'd like to have a sense of what are
they currently paying compared um to the market rate. And so when we make a determination of what kind of discount to apply to nonprofits, we have some sense of what's the impact
going to be to them. Um is it going to be a 50% jump in their lease fee? You sort of get where I'm going with that. So some type of an impact analysis I'd like to see before making a decision on the final proposal.
One of my stumbling blocks with consistency when it comes to nonprofits is I see a real difference between nonprofits that are 100% volunteer
and those who have paid staff. And for the most part, those with paid staff have some type of ongoing funding either from the federal government or the state government. I really view those
nonprofits in a different category as those that are um 100% volunteer and sort of generate their funds on the generosity of the community. So I don't know whether
it's legal or desirable to disqualify a nonprofit with ongoing funding. um SCORE, which I used to be a part of, gets regular funding um through a federal department. And so
they maybe should be doing more than a small local nonprofit who who's totally volunteerdriven. So that's sort of the one little quirk in all of this. And um I'd be interested in your thoughts on how Solomon would
split that baby. So, and and this this has been in legal for I don't know the last back and forth about 18 months on this this lease policy on just that kind of an issue, right? And it really comes down to when you start making those decisions,
you as a as a board are desire, you're you're saying that one's more desirable than another. And that's when you start getting into trouble um with nonprofits, right? You have to look at them either completely equal for a discount or you
don't give a discount at all. >> Well, why would it be viewed as desirable or not? I don't think we would be making that type of judgment call. It's simply acknowledging
that some nonprofits are more local derivatives of what is really a state or a federal program. They have resources that are, you know, volunteer-driven nonprofits don't. So, I
see it as more an acknowledgment of that fact. Um I mean some of those organizations also receive money for some or all of their rent. So I I just see it as a very diff it's not
a matter of desiraability. It's a recognition that not all nonprofits are created equal and some are able because of whatever to tap into that kind of ongoing funding that others
do not have. >> Sure. And and again, >> city attorney's in the queue. I'd like to have him answer before you. >> Absolutely. I'm sure he's on the same page I am. >> Speak for the director. But to answer your question, Commissioner, without going too far upstream with it, the law
generally requires us to treat like entities alike. Whether they're properly funded or not really is is somewhat an irrelevant point to the fact that they are not for profit entities. So we try to treat them all the same which is what I hope I hope not all funds what I think
the director was speaking to wanting to talk about the desire >> right and remember any discount has to relate to the benefit to the city so >> I'm sorry >> to the benefit that the nonprofit gives to the city and that's why we have these
requirements in here for reporting if they're going to get that discount. >> Okay, thank you for that. Anything >> else? No, >> Commissioner Stokes. >> Yeah, perhaps the better is not so much, you know, it's more subjectivity
is the is to me the issue. you know, whether they're funded regularly, whether they get grant money periodically, whether they're accustomed to getting the same grants year after year. It creates a level of it it it injects a level of subjectivity that I
don't think a road we don't want to go down. I mean, I just think we're opening ourselves up to all kinds of exposure here. What's good for one is good for all. and we decide what the discount should be and and that's what it should be off a market. The question I had is
in the if I remember correctly the definition of property included land buildings what happens if someone wants to lease a piece of city property land like how would that be done? I mean,
would we go out and get an appraisal on somebody wanted three acres of of land that we owned and said, "I want to lease that land and go out and get an appraisal and then apply the same discount." Would that be, you know, land
versus building? Is there any difference there? So, so for the term of the lease or or the this policy, you could lump them together, but we put out for these when we're going to have people put an application in for this whatever partial
property this is. So, the only time you would have land is if we were working through anou with an organization, kind of like what we we've been working on with uh the art center, right? And and possibly some others. So for vacant land, you would have a lease agreement
like this as well asou that would spell out those terms as far as what they would could put there, how long they have to to get through certain steps of that process. >> But it would be conditioned on a lease. Okay.
>> You would you would absolutely have a lease of the land. Yes. >> A lease. A land lease. Okay. >> But there would be an accompanying to spell out the >> spell out. Okay. That's good. That's all I got there. >> One question since we're on that because I was going to ask the same thing about
land. That was one of the things that had come up recently between a few of our nonprofits looking for different parcels of land to set up with possibly grants. Would it also be possible if we were into that lease, let's say the arts center
wanted that same parcel that they're on and we get into a lease agreement with that and they they put up a $5 million building, per se, would there be an opportunity or an option for them to have a lease option to buy that property
to where it would no longer become city property, but art center property over a time period to where, let's say, 10 years they've completed paying for the land is what I'm saying because it's kind of hard to put a building on a property because the property is always
owned by the city but if the art center puts in X amount of funds it should be theirs forever and ever in in in certain perspectives. So just wondering if there's a you know a viable solution if that were
to come to light. So, there's a few few options for that. And you've I've seen that in other places where uh the the city or the municipality will will lease the land, someone else builds a building, they're in charge of the building. There's two ways that go. It's
either a long-term lease, so a 99-year lease on that property, so they have their investment covered, or after so many years, the building falls back to the municip municipality. So there's there's two different mindsets and that would be a decision of commission. All
right. That would be part of theou or the agreement that initially was set up. >> Yeah. I was just looking for the mechanism in place. So that's all that's all >> and we can build that in you know whatever direction is is the commission's will. >> All right. Thank you so very much.
Anything else commissioners? And if I could I can give you a few examples of the rates now versus what market would be and then what percentage of that I mean I I'm pretty good with math but if you know I don't want to get too deep into that but I can tell you what the
difference would be on a few of the properties if you would like that. >> Sure. >> Okay. So, so Awaken Awakened Food Pantry, that one's about 900 square 925 square ft.
Currently, they're paying about $259 a square foot. They're paying 200 a month. Market rate for that building, again, it's dependent upon building and condition, is about $12 a square foot. So you're looking at about $925
would be 100% market. Okay. So half of that is what? 46250. >> That's at a 50% discount. >> That's that's 50%. >> Okay. >> Better than double their rate almost.
>> Better than double. Yes. It's uh almost quadruple their rate currently because again they're paying about two% discount >> 50th square foot on the market. >> Uh if you go into one of the let's see in the family service center
you have meals on wheels about 122 ft. Their estimated market rate is 2025. Currently they're paying 950 a square foot. So they're paying 9658. At the market rate they would be at
205.88. Okay. So half of that you're looking at 102 about 103 little less than 103 if it was at a 50%. And I'm just doing that because that's the easiest one for me to break down. Right.
Uh, so some of the ones that most of the ones in your in your family service center, they're paying that 950 a square foot. They're a little closer to what that rate would be. They're about half of what the market rate is. Market rate for that building's 2025.
So at a 25% increase you would be looking somewhere they would they would see an increase not a huge increase not by double but it would be by half if that makes sense for those those that are in there.
And there's there's numbers all over the place. We have dollar a year leases. We have that's kind of why we're here with this is try to clean all this up. >> And and another question that I was thinking of too is we already have leases in place with certain
organizations. If this were to go in effect, it wouldn't go into effect until their current lease has expired. Correct. >> That's correct. >> Because this way, let's say they still got two to five years or even a year on their lease. they would have this time
to contemplate on whether they want to release or relocate uh because pricing may be too high for some of them. I just want to make sure that the options are out there and they're not handcuffed by us saying this is what it's going to be and now you got to pay this starting
next month, >> right? So, it would be at the renewal. >> Okay, that's fine. >> And that would be further down the line because we still have to clean this up, bring this back after we get direction today. So, you're still looking a few months down the line before we put this policy in place.
>> Thank you. Uh, Commissioner Lang or Vice Mayor Langden, sorry, that was the first time I messed up on >> I know you were doing so well, too. Um, so what I what I'm seeing, first of all, let me say, um, I'm not opposed to
anyone seeing an increase. I mean we have not been charging enough and we've not been maintaining buildings and blah blah blah blah blah. Having said that, however, when you have one nonprofit who going to market rate is going to see
a 70% increase in in their monthly lease compared with another nonprofit who's going to see a little increase. If and and we have to discount every one the same
to discount enough so some of those nonprofits aren't really being hung out to dry because it's going to be a pretty big step up. We're going to lose money on the other
side because other nonprofits are going to get such a deal. Um that's sort of an issue. Is it legal, desirable, feasible
even after leases are up? So for a nonprofit that's going to see a pretty significant increase in their monthly lease, can we phase it in? And in the same way we might phase the discount
in for those who are going to have a bonanza with this. >> I I don't think that would be equitable between the two different spaces, >> but treating them the same, right? Giving them two or three years to ease into the new rate,
>> but you're holding back money on the one. You're holding back savings while you're holding back a a debt on the other. So, I I I don't see a way that that wouldn't cause a problem. Uh, and I'm not sure how you would phase it,
but we can look into that. >> Yeah. >> You see the issue, though. >> I see it. But understand that some of these buildings like the Awaken, and I'm just going to use them because they're in a building that we were just talking about, right? So, they they've been, you know, they've
been paying $2.50 a square foot, >> right? you know, which is is pretty cheap even for a building uh in that shape to have space. And again, they're not paying any of the
utilities. They're not paying any of the repairs for that building. So, we're trying to get that set back to what at least market >> base it base your discount on the market. Get us a little closer to where we have some more money to maintain these buildings like they should be
maintained. Um, and I know it's it's not an easy decision. >> Yeah. >> But we've we've city attorney's office and and public works have been just back and forth trying to present the best options we could >> that are legally defensible. And this
this is where we are. >> I I see the dilemma. So, we'll keep picking on the Awakened Church since they're probably the most dramatic example. >> They're not. The senior center is the most dramatic.
>> Well, same building. >> Same building. >> Same building. >> Just more space they had. >> Right. Right. Um, what's the time frame for the improvements? We so we voted in patching up that
building to kind of delay the inevitable for a goodly period of time. >> So we have a meeting next week with some of the stakeholders there to go over kind of some priorities. >> Correct. >> Uh you're probably looking at six months worth of repairs on those buildings.
>> That might begin when? Because their lease is up this summer. Correct. Is it the end of June? >> Correct. It's >> the end of June. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It's it's it's this summer. >> So, I will start as soon as we we figure out what some priorities are, uh we'll
start making some repairs of the main systems in the building. >> Yep. >> Um you know, we're looking for every option there. >> Any way to legally, and I I don't expect you to answer this tonight, but if the thought has merit,
maybe we can look into it. If a nonprofit is able to do some fundraising or get some grants and they can become a partner in the
repair and or maintenance of the facility, could we somehow net that out of their lease? Just sort of a thought. It's sort of like buying down a couple
of points on your mortgage, right? >> Sure. I don't know that we have a mechanism to accept funds from them at this point. >> We would have it would it would that would require >> we have to look into it. >> It would it would require some documentation for sure.
>> I think it would be worth pursuing. It probably would be best to talk to the nonprofits first to see if that >> is feasible for them >> if they were interested in in that. >> Again, I wouldn't require it, >> but if one is one of them is willing and
able, why not? Just a thought. >> Okay. I think basically what she's asking is if they got like into the repairs and everything, could their sweat equity be used as lease payments,
>> right? And I think it would be it would be >> I just figured I'd throw that one. >> It would be difficult for us to put a monetary value. I mean, we know what it may cost for us to have a contractor do it. I think it would be hard. Not that it's impossible. I think it it could be
difficult for us to put a price tag on that. It would have to be something agreed upon. Uh, and I feel it would need paperwork. >> Yeah, sure. Definitely would need to look into it. >> Okay, that's good. >> Great questions, though.
>> Commissioner Stokes, >> boy, I don't see how this really ends very well for us as a city. You know, it's um I mean, the reality is we're going to spend six months. We're going to fix up that. I I'll continue to pick
on or not pick on but to point to the um Awaken food pantry. You know, once we improve that building, okay, the the market value on that is going to go up. They're they're getting
almost an 79% discount off a market. Now when market goes through the roof if we standardize the discount at 50% or 40%. They are going to be looking at they are going to get annihilated >> and you know then we got to meet the
bigger issue is we don't have enough space for all to to afford nonprofits an opportunity. I mean, you know, it's different if you're in the social services building there, you're renting an office or a suite like Meals
on Wheels or one of those, they should pay, you know, and 50% if that's what commission thinks is a fair discount, that's cool. But what if there's a third facility in another? I mean, it just seems to me like it would be so much easier if they could all be housed in
one city-owned facility where it was pretty standardized. If someone had unique needs like the food pantry does, then, you know, they can go it on their own. They can find, you know, whether they want to, you know, bite the bullet and pay that fair market, that discount
off a fair market for their space or go find space elsewhere because there isn't really space elsewhere for them. not in this city that I could find. So, it's this is just it's just fraught with inequities and imbalance. This is no matter what we do here,
this ain't going to end where we're going to have people that are, you know, good nonprofits who are contributing to our community that are going to have brain damage over this. I I I mean, you know, I I just I don't see how we're
going to come. What are we going to do? Discount fair market 80% and and people pay 20% of fair market value. So, you know, maybe is that where we're going to end up? That's where we're going to end up because nobody's going to be willing to charge nonprofit more than what they're already paying.
So, we're going to go to the to the lowest level, which is probably what awaken and I don't want the senior center's paying, but whatever the least amount anybody is paying, that's going to be the bar. And then everybody else is going to get a break to go down to
that. And then we're going to argue over, well, yeah, but in the social service building, they got bathrooms and they got vending machines and they got a whole lot of different environment than they would in another facility. And there's the inequity. Again, this is I don't see how you do this in a fair way.
I don't know. I'm like, but I can appreciate city attorney's advice, which is whatever we do has got to be equitable. It's got to be. There ain't no special deals for anybody because they raise money or they have more money or they do more good. It's just you do that, you're just open
yourself up to a lawsuit. So, I don't know how we skin this guy. Anyway, I'm just It's all I got to say because I got no solutions to this. >> Commissioner Pro. >> Thank you, Mayor. Yeah, this is a tough topic. Um and uh I do understand the
importance of consistency because we have to be consistent all across the board and not giving favorable conditions one non for profit over the other one. But nevertheless, we have to
look individually as far as what value do they bring to the city and uh nonforprofits fill critical government needs. um uh community needs if you will by delivering essential services
community services and I'll bring awaken again I don't think they do it for the monetary gain I do believe truly believe that they do for the out of the goodness of the heart they do not collect any membership fees they do not collect any
dues what they do is they give up not just what they have but they they give out their time um and more than just time their energy and you
know standing in the sun um it's very it's very tough but uh in a sense that the nonforprofits offer specialized support for the community I think for example if we house them at the
different buildings and each building is different for example if we build a new building state-of-the-art right five bathrooms and all that AC is working don't we have to charge more based on
that building because we've invested more and that's so not discount the inconsistency or consist consistency in that matter but in all fairness we do have to be uh partially partially biased because
each building is unique and also each nonforprofit is unique. For example, some nonforprofits they charge fees, charge dues, charge membership um and yet they are not so much essential to the
community as opposed to awaken or some other and I'm not taking I'm not elevating one nonforprofit over the other. I'm just saying so this worth of a discussion um I guess we have to look
into that criteria of what each nonforprofit is offering to the community and food in my opinion is essential for the people especially in hard times or in events of a disaster
where the city cannot do those faith-based or those like nonforprofit they fill that gap. And in my opinion, if it's essential, we have to treat them
not more favorably, but charge them less, if you will. But again, I see what the city attorney is saying. So maybe we can develop a system of essential services. But again, I I I
can see what Commissioner Stokes is saying and I it's it's it's really tough. It's I guess this doesn't end here, not end today. But uh at least we have a good start. Um, but I would want to proceed in that direction where we
look at the functionality of each nonforprofit and the building they rent because if it's a new building, we have to charge more. >> Sure. And if I can touch on that, that's that's why we're pushing market value and the market value would be for that
space that they're trying to rent. So the market value for the area where Awaken is right now is less than what market value is over at the family service center. So they do pay more there because it is a newer building.
>> Okay, that's all for me, mayor. >> Commissioner Dval. >> Thank you, Mayor. I've got to agree with Commissioner Stokes on this. Uh there's
no way we can win on this. Uh at first I looked and said, you know, the price per square foot. Nah, I don't like that. I said, you know, the set discount based on market value. But then we get into, you know, as
Commissioner Petro was just talking about, you know, how do we value each one? But we've got to be equitable. And my final thought that came to me is
when we talk about being equitable, we have to be considering that third party and that's the taxpayers. Taxpayers, you know, anything anything we as a commission
give to a nonprofit or to any entity that belongs to the city or is property to the city. That's something that we're making the taxpayers pay for. So I I
boy I I I kind of look at this and say, "Wow, I don't I don't know how we can do any of this." Uh it's really this is you know if if we've got to do something we've got to do it equitably
as the city attorney said but >> and Commissioner Langden before you go Nick would you indulge me to make one comment off of >> one minute don't take 10 minutes commissioner >> if I recall the Awakened food pantry
serves way more than Northport residents way more >> they do. >> So to Commissioner Duval's point, it even exasperates that issue should >> because the taxpayer subsidizing when we
give someone a break, >> we all are subsidizing that break. Um, >> yeah. What what I wanted to comment on, >> let me get my timer out for you now. Might >> I'll keep it brief.
>> The two minute one. >> Right now, my understanding there's so much discrepancy because we've kind of valued the space differently. And by that I mean again family service center. It's really nice office space and people
can have clients in and they have access, you know, air conditioning, bathrooms, common space, all of that wonderful stuff. Whereas again, we'll keep picking on the food pantry. Most of their space is warehouse.
You know, they take in donations, clothing, food, whatever, and it's warehoused. So I guess I'm circling back to market value
and what role does the quality of the space. So not so much the physical quality of the space but the use usefulness
of that space. And and so I think part of the reason, correct me if I'm wrong, that was sort of all over the place now is we've evaluated the use of that space. So something that was office space, we charge more per square
foot. Something that was storage, we charged less. But three or four years ago, Pete, you might remember this. We went through a process of fairness, you know, a typical, you know, a very similar kind of conversation.
And so what we did was have if if someone is renting storage space from us, it had a number. And anybody who was renting storage space had a number versus office space. Am I remembering correctly? Is that kind of how we got
here? So, we got here because of just the discrepancies in all of these leases. So, it wasn't even per square foot because if we look at the senior center and their lease, right, they've got almost 5,000 square feet. They pay the
same as awaken, 200 a month, >> right? >> So, they're paying about 49 cents a square foot. >> It was basically the city at whatever time in its history, not this commission, but some commission at some point said 200 a month sounds great. >> Yeah. >> Let's do that. and they kind of stuck
with that and and I mean you find that when there's not a policy in place that whatever that the wind blows that day whichever direction is where we end up >> right >> which is kind of how we ended up here with a policy now in front of us as we're coming up to these leases that are
are renewing and now that we've got you know we've compiled all the leases in one space and we're trying to make them all the same legally as well as as financially uh that's really why we got here. So at some point the the family service center
somebody decided 950 a square foot was the price for that place right so that's what that number has been uh and that's the reason why those are closer to what market is uh like I said market for that building is about 2025 $2025
per square foot market for for the other building where Awaken and and the senior center that one's about $12 a square foot. So, you know, we do take into account condition, use, that's what we use as comparables when we pull these market values.
>> Would it be easier to reflect the use of the space? And I'm just brainstorming here, if we went to square foot instead of market value to have different levels of space. So, if it's really finished
office space, it's X per square foot. If it's really storage space, you see where I'm kind of going with that? It's Y per square foot. >> That's kind of where we got where we are through comparables that are on the
market now. So, comparable spaces. So, we are looking at a really nice finished office space, not brand new, >> right? >> Not old and run down is your 2025 per square foot. So, what I'm hearing you say is that the market value is taking
all of that into consideration. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. I'm looking for a way out, guys. Help me out here. >> Yeah. I And I had a thought cuz I was thinking along similar lines. >> Go ahead, Commissioner Stokes. >> Oh, I thought you recognized >> Sorry, I was the only one.
>> Let me flip this over. >> Market rate. You know, if you're looking at a a warehouse space, it's going to have a different market rate than a finished office space. So, some of that is accounted as commissioner or as vice mayor said, is it legally defensible
to vary your discount based on the type of space? So if you're I could we legally defend that if we said if we're if we're going to lease warehouse space or storage space versus finished office
space commission decides you know we got a 50% discount on office space but we can discount a greater degree on warehouse space. Is that legally defensible? >> I don't even think I'd want to go down that road.
>> Well I don't know. I'm just asking the question. No, to be honest, if you're going to do discounts, especially if you're doing um nonprofits, you know, it's 50% for the nonprofits. It's not going to be 50% and then 75% because it's warehouse. It's still going to be
50%, but it's also going to show that warehouse space would be cheaper than finished office space. So, it would be automatically >> built into discount >> built into the market rate, >> right? Because going beyond that, you're you're using taxpayer funds and you're a
little you have to be able to prove a different benefit from those two places to give them different discounts, which would be very difficult. >> Yeah, this horse is now a charcoal brickhead. So, uh I see nothing else. City clerk, we got
any public comment? >> All right. Looking for a motion? here. I'll make it. >> You know, I've been dying to bang this thing. >> You go right ahead. >> Don't bang it off his head. >> I move to direct the city manager to
bring back the facility lease policy for formal commission approval using a set discounted based on market value. >> Second. >> Uh, you're up. Yeah, I'm up. Um, we have a motion on the floor made by Mayor Emer
and seconded by Commissioner Duval to direct a city manager to bring back a facility lease policy for formal commission approval using a set discount based on market value. Is there anything more to that,
gentlemen? Then let's vote. And that motion passes five to zero. >> Thank you. >> That's >> Oh, you ended it. Good job. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaks.
>> Absolutely. >> For that thankless agenda topic. Moving on to item B26-0331, discussion and possible action regarding the city of Northport 2026 state and federal legislative priorities.
Uh Mr. Fletcher, what do you want from us? >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um so, if you remember back in October, we talked about the um state and federal legislative priorities and our upcoming trip to Tallahassee. And we did remove
support for the widening extension of Toledo Blake Boulevard and I75. We included basic community need sections focused on safe, clean, and affordable community. Um, no revisions to the federal legislative priorities at that time. So, we are going up to Tallahassee
next week to talk to our representatives and knowing that we have the little brochure that we take with us and we do hand that out to the representatives that we speak to. The question is, do we want to compile anything else as we go up there? My suggestion would be for us
to have a few talking points related back to some of the issues that are front and center in front of us and probably the entire state at this point. As we create our budget, we are going through budget scenarios that might include different phased in or different discounts to property tax that might
have an impact on the city. So knowing that property tax is one um our team is compiling some data that will sort of reflect the property tax that we receive um the basis of how we received a commercial versus um residential uh
talking about you know our infrastructure needs and how property tax sort of plays into making sure that we have our ability to function as a city. I don't think we'll be alone, but I think that the more that they hear it echoed and hearing it from Northport, even though we're growing as fast as we
are, we know that growth does not exactly equal cash today. Um, so we need to make sure that we sort of tell our story so that no one else tells it for us. Um, and then of course, home
rule is another big one that we seem to seem to um have under fire right now and reiterating that while we're up there as well. Um, aside from that, we all know that funding and appropriation requests come from projects that are already fully funded because that's the way they like
to see them um, projected before they will get involved. And our EOCC is now fully funded and about to go. So, that would be a good project if we want to pick a project to say, hey, how can you help us? It's not very expensive. Um, but it it does meet the criteria of what they would look
for. Um, so those are just my recommendations, Mr. clear on how you want to guide the conversation for next week. >> Yeah. No, I agree and and you know as well as I do by going up there. They've always brought to us what other you know municipalities have brought to them and
their questions and everything and we have a roundt discussion with them which is very open and it's very good. But yeah, I agree those those need to be discussed and I'm sure they will be and uh but anyways uh Commissioner Stokes you're up.
>> Yeah. Yeah, it was exactly the two items that I were I was going to highlight. I mean, certainly preeemptions, you know, it bill 180 and the and and the new one that they're trying to tweak 180 with,
you know, is fraugh with some issues, too. There's just I mean, it's just over and over and over again. I it's my inclination that we ought to as a city in a respectful way make it very clear to our representatives that you know they're making it harder and harder for
us to govern our cities. They're making it more and more difficult for us to make land use decisions and they continue to pile it on themselves. Um you know and and and you know this is not going to end well for local government. So I I I'm all in
on making it very clear to our electors. And I know we walk a fine line because we get our appropriations and our dollars from them. So we want to be so careful we don't, you know, offend anybody. But at the same time, they continue to chisel away at all our
municipal rights and it's getting harder and harder to operate and answer citizens questions when they want to know why we can't be more difficult with certain type of development. Why? because the state doesn't allow us because what was intended for good
purposes turned out to be not well thought through. So there's that. Um, you know, certainly, um, property tax is is a major item, too. And I would hope that staff is when they prepare
information for us to go with, I I you know, breaking down what our homesteaded general fund revenues are. And then based on some of what Tallahassee is talking about, what would be the real
dollar impact? how many millions would disappear from our coffers? Because then we can look at saying to our representatives, well, if if we can't cut public safety and we can't touch
education or based on these numbers, if you phase us in over 10 years and you take, you know, 10% away a year, within two or three years, we're going to have to shut down every other department in our government that gets funded by general
fund. We need to be able to say that to these people to get it through their heads that what they're doing up there is going to be catastrophic. And hopefully there's enough municipalities already telling them that kind of stuff, but we should we should make our
opinions known and not worry so much about we're going to hurt people's feelings because they need to hear it. And you know, we get lip service. Yeah. Yeah. I hear you. I hear this is all politics. But bottom line is this group up there is going to do something and what they do is going to hurt this city
more than it will many other cities and FLC ain't doing a whole lot over the years. So maybe we need to speak up a little more on our own in a respectful way. So you're going to stay home
>> if if you'd like me to. >> Commissioner Dval. Ekimir, I think we should record what Commissioner Stokes just said and play it for those legislators when we go to see him. >> Outstanding. >> He's b, you know, he's he's just
basically right. Uh, a number of times in the past year, I've heard, you know, we kind of basically we have to be nice to them because they give us this, they've done this for us, that for us. these bills, you know, that that SB 180 and and all the other things that are
coming along. Uh they're just hurting us and it's time for us to tell them if you keep hurting us like this, we're going to have to do something to make sure that you can't hurt us in the future.
That's all. The one thing that I would suggest to everybody, we've got a long drive going up there and as each commissioner sitting there, think about what you want to say because of the fact is is our meetings are very timesensitive. We we're within 20 to 30
minutes per legislator to have those discussions. So, think out what you want to say and make it appropriate and tell them exactly how you feel and and they don't mind listening. They really don't. And then we also have dinner with with a few of them one
evening. You'll have an extra chance to talk to them in a more casual setting rather than in the legislator building. So just think about that on your trip up there on what you want to say. We'll have our cards and stuff and uh we'll just
>> Yeah. And we'll do the best we can. Absolutely. >> So is there any public comment? >> There is none. All right. So, city manager, um, you're looking for a motion to
revise this is what you're looking at to add those, or are they already there for on our new card? >> We're going to keep the new card the way it is because you voted on that in October. I'm just going to prepare some talking points and bullet points as a one pager to hand to each of us so we're all saying the same thing at the same
time. >> That works for me because I didn't want to have to go and redo that whole card between now and Monday when we're leaving. So, >> Right. Okay, that's fine. So, I'm uh looking for a motion. >> I'll take a shot. >> Okay. >> Um
I move to um instruct city manager to prepare a set of talking points to supplement our existing priorities. that discuss the impact
of potential property tax cuts on the ability of the city of Northport to continue delivering effective city services
and to also present the Emergency Operations Center as a project for which we are requesting uh state funding. >> All right. I have a motion on the floor made by vice mayor.
>> City clerk. Can you read that back, please? to direct the city manager to prepare a set of talking points to supplement the existing priorities including impact of potential property tax cuts on the ability of the city of Northport to continue delivering effective city services and to present the EOC as a
project which we are requesting state funding. >> Do I have a second? >> Okay. And now it's been seconded by Commissioner Stokes. Anything to that commissioners
vote and that passes 5 to zero. Moving on to item C 26-0340. discussion and possible action regarding accepting an initi in invitation from Sarasota County Board of County
Commissioners to schedule a joint meeting of the two commissions in 2026. Mr. Fletcher, this is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, the city received a letter from Mr. Jonathan Lewis, the administrator of Sarasota
County, on January the 7th. They are inquiring as to whether the city of Northfor commission desires to schedule a joint meeting with the two commissions in this calendar year of 2026. Normally when we get this request, we discuss the invitation to have the
meeting and then you might want to sort of brainstorm some ideas of topics to discuss with the county. Uh I know you all have expressed you know different um topics of conversation with the county at various times but if we do accept
this invitation I'm thinking it would be in the fall as their spring schedule is probably filled out summer contains vacations and then when people come back in early fall um I'm thinking somewhere probably in mid to late September to mid
to late October is probably the first time you're going to be able to get on their calendar, but we will explore that through our office and clerk's office and the different teams to make sure that we give you back some options as soon as we can if you decide to have the meeting. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
>> Yeah, I agree. But I I think it's a little bit premature to for topics at this point right now if we plan on meeting in the fall because a lot could change between now and then. So, I mean, yes, I I would personally agree to the meeting, but what we will wish to talk
about, I I wouldn't know about that, but Commissioner Dval, you're up. >> Thank you, Mayor. Um, I agree with the city manager on this. You know, I think this is something we should do and I think it really helps us if it is
in the fall to give us the time through either each of us commissioners putting our ideas maybe through our one-on- ons to the city manager or we schedule a workshop
sometime between now and the fall, you know, depending on when we find out when they want to do this, you know, to put our ideas on paper, so to speak. >> That's it. >> Thank you. Uh, Vice Mayor,
>> uh, yes, I I agree with everything that has been stated. Um, the only thing I can think of that we might want to talk about is we'll have a much better idea in the fall what's happening with the whole property tax issue. And and based
on that, I mean, the county is going to be impacted just as much as the city is going to be and we might want to do some brainstorming on how we work in a more regional way perhaps to impact um what's
happening in Tallahassee. So that that would be the only topic that I think >> would survive the ensuing months. Commissioner Stokes. >> Yeah. I mean, I can think of a few. We got, you know, annex property we're
talking about. We've got areas of uninccorporated, Sarasota County that sit between, you know, the Wellen Park area and some of the legacy that need addressing. I mean, I can think of a whole list of things that, you know, a
workshop would lend itself to. So, I like the idea. Commissioner Duval had a doing that at some point in time, you know, and and commiss and vice mayor made a really good point. You know, as much as we like to stand on our own two
feet as as the biggest city in this county and continuing to grow, at the same time, depending on what kind of draconian steps Tallahassee might make, it will have significant impact on
perhaps what we as municipalities and our county might have to do to consolidate services and do some things. I mean, God forbid they really go off the deep end and and and put something on the ballot that the folks are going to vote on, people are
going to vote for a tax cut no matter what goes on that ballot. And the implications could be so severe that it may change the structure of local and county government in this state. So, I would say there'll be probably a lot of
stuff to talk about in fall. That's it. there. Commissioner Langdon or Vice Mayor Langdon, >> you were doing so well. Um, just a a quick comment building off of what Commissioner Stokes said. Right now, we
have the luxury of redundancy. So, what I mean by that is Sarasota is a big county. The the needs of North County and South County are sometimes very, very different. And so we've had the
luxury of redundant parks and wreck, redundant social services, redundant emergency operations, and we might have to talk to our county
brethren that we simply can't afford to do those kinds of things. and and how do we pull our resources together so that we don't um negatively impact the health and safety and quality of life of the
folks who live here. It's going to be a big challenge. >> All right, I see nothing else. Uh city clerk, we got any public comment? There >> is none. >> I'll request a motion. Nobody. >> Uh, yeah, I'll make it. I move to direct
city manager to work with Sarasota County Administrator to schedule a joint meeting with the Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners. Have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Stokes to direct the city manager to work with Sarasota County Administrator to schedule a joint meeting with the Sarasota County Board of County
Commissioners. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Vice Mayor Langden. There's nothing to that. Please vote. And that passes 520. Moving on to Is there any public comment? >> There is not.
>> All righty. Commission communications. Commissioner Duval. >> I have none, sir. >> Thank you. Commissioner Stokes, I have none. May there. All right. It's mine. And Heather wanted to be out of here by 7, but I apologize due to uh
Commissioner Langden and Commissioner Stokes, so that's all I have. Vice Mayor Lang, >> where you throw us under the bus, Mayor. Thank you very much. >> Just for that. I have a report. >> Okay, good. >> It's about time. There you go.
First, I I just want to comment on the >> celebration of life or funeral of Victor Cleveland. It was just an incredible event, one of the most touching ceremonies
um I have ever witnessed. And it was just so heartwarming to see how the fire and rescue community kind of just gathered together to put their arms around that that family. Um, also I just
want to comment I the annual meeting, the COGS meeting with hosted by our school board and that organization is one of my favorite meetings for the year. And it was particularly rewarding
to acknowledge that the school board is investing over $300 million in the city of Northport over the next several years. new high school in Wellland Park, expansion of our
technical training, um with the Sun Coast Technical College, and the um almost hundred million dollars being spent on the old Northport High School to improve its HVAC system and to enrich
its educational labs. So that was I think a great meeting for the city of Northport and uh I don't think I've ever had so much fun at a meeting as I did at that meeting. So that's all I have. >> Commissioner Petro.
>> Yes. Thank you, Mary. I attended uh Victor Cleveland's funeral. It was um memorial service. It was very touching and see to see the uh first responders come together and
value uh one's life. Uh also attended the convocation of governments. It was a really awesome meeting uh very productive presentation and very informative presentation and to see the
city of Northport to be growing as we are growing. That's it. Before we close, can we see the puppy? >> Yes. >> Was that going to be your report? I'm so sorry. >> Uh, city manager's report. No, city
attorney's report. Sorry. >> Oh, >> look at that. >> City clerk. >> I guess I'm wrong here. >> And stick to the script. city manager. >> And last, um, >> during this week in our consent agenda,
we had a couple of items that referenced our K9 officers, and I believe it was Vice Mayor, you know, >> who asked for one of them to attend the meeting. So, here is one of our our K9 officers attending the meeting based on the topics that were discussed this week
for the board. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you so much for bringing him or her. Well, if that's it, I'm going to adjourn the meeting and everybody can go down and say hi. It's 7:18.