Okay. Uh how to schedule bulk pickups, what should go out and what should not go out to the curb, where to place the items, and then what happens if you have more than what's allotted for you for the year for a bulk pickup. So Mario, I know we call 941-24850,
talk to our customer service reps. That's correct. About how to schedule a bulk pickup. How else can we do that? Can also go on our website, northportfl.gov, click on solid waste, and fill out a bulk request form. Excellent. Excellent. So, Mario, what about uh if a person
wants to place it out, what should they place out? What's the right thing? What's the wrong thing? Basically, Frank, anything that doesn't fit in the container that's garbage is going to go curbside. We're going to stay off driveways. What's not accepted is tires, chemicals, stuff like that. You can put
yard waste out. That's considered bulk, but just make sure it's separate from the garbage pile. Yard waste is a separate pickup. So, what happens if I use all my bulk pickups, right? Good question. So you can have more, but you just have to pay. It's going to be$,650 a cubic yard, and that's length time
width time height divided by 27 is 1 cubic yard. Any questions, of course, let us know. Give us a call. 941-24850. Water in a swale that's kind of the ditch by your house is not flooding within a after a storm event. Water
should be in that soil up to 72 hours after the storm. That allows the water to be filtered to get the stuff that came off our roofs and off the road out of the water so that when it reaches the habitat, it no longer has those contaminants in it. It also provides an
opportunity to slow down water. so that the water doesn't go so fast that it erodess um the roadways or any other infrastructure. So when you see water in a swale, if it's only been, you know, up to 72 hours since the last rain, that is
not flooding. That is doing its job. [Music] I'm Stacy Losio. I'm the emergency manager for the city of Northport. And today we're going to discuss storm surge and flooding and how both of those affect Northport during the current. So storm surge is when strong sustained
winds are constantly blowing over a long period of time over the Gulf and pushing water up onto shore. So when that happens, there is a lot of flooding along and beach erosion along the beaches and the homes inland. However, the storm surge can also push water up
the river. So it could push storm surge up the Maka River, for instance, from the Gulf. And then the water coming downstream from the river has nowhere to go. So that can cause water to back up along the rivers and cause flooding. That along with a lot of rain that comes from these hurricanes can also cause an
increase of water flooding into the rivers and into our water management systems causing flooding as well. Public works does a lot of work before the storm to make sure that our water levels are as low as possible so we can handle additional storm surge and flooding in our water systems. If you want
additional information about that, we have a great video about our water control structures and you can visit the public works website. [Music] TRX as a full class. TRX boot camp is a new class for me. Although I've been
using TRX for many years uh with personal training that I do or in other style classes that I've done, but an actual focus with just TRX, this is a new class for me. I love the camaraderie. I have to say uh with all the participants, I think we have a lot
of fun. First of all, everyone gets to use the bands, the TRX bands of course. And being that we have five stations. So when we have overflow or more than five people, part of the people are on the band, the other people are doing floor work and then we'll switch. So everybody
gets an opportunity to be in all stations. Just come in, have fun with it, make it your own. It's not scary. It doesn't have to be intimidating at all. You're using your body weight. You're using the angles that you choose to use on the bands. And it just varies with
how you're comfortable and how you're feeling when you're here. Hello everyone. My name is Devon Pulis. I'm the aquatics manager within our parks and recreation department. We're here today at the Northport Aquatic Center just to talk to everyone about our float for life program. We recognize that nationally unintentional drowning
is the leading cause of death for children that are under the age of four. So we have an awesome program here called Float for Life. Float for Life is a program that we teach that starts with the fundamentals of floating before we actually learn swimming. This program is
targeted for those children ages 6 months to four. And what we want them to do is we want them to get comfortable in the water and if they accidentally fall in the water or find themselves in a trouble situation, they can roll over their back and float. When we launched this program, uh we were the only one in the state that was actually teaching
this milestone program. So want to give a shout out to our Northport Rotary as well who sponsored this program here at the aquatic center and actually paid for a trainer to come in all the way from Nebraska where this program originates there. We practice and we go through what's called milestones here. So, as
soon as the kids progress through the milestones, we can continue moving on through them. And at the end of it, it's a pretty awesome program when they graduate. It's one of the final things that they do is they jump in fully clothed and they have to turn over, roll over on their back, and actually be able to scream for help at that point in
time. It's just an awesome segment program that leads right into our learn to swim program. So that way we can make sure we're keeping our kids safe in, on, and around the water. Good afternoon everybody. Today's Thursday, July 3rd, 2025.
It's 4:00 p.m. We're in city chambers and I call the city commission regular meeting to order. Commissioners present, Commissioner Dval, Commissioner Langden, Mayor Stokes, Vice Mayor Emerich, and Commissioner Pro is among the missing.
There is quorum present for this meeting. Also, present city manager Fletcher, interm city attorney Caitlyn Coin is here. Whoa. Assistant city clerk pal, board specialist Lane,
uh, Deputy Chief Morales, and Deputy Chief Hurley, I believe. Um, with that, Michael, you want to lead us in the pledge? Thank you, sir. To the flag of the United States of
America, to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Looking for a motion to approve the agenda. So moved. Got a motion by
Commissioner Langden, seconded by the vice mayor to approve the agenda. Let's vote. And that passes 420. Uh clerk, any uh public comment? No public comment, sir. All righty. Um
turn this over to welcome new employees. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh item 25-2435. Welcome to employees. I'd like to call down our human resources director, Miss Christina McDade to announce them. Thank you.
Hello everyone. For the record, Christine McDade, human resources director. It's my honor and pleasure to stand before you tonight to uh welcome some of our newest employees from development services. When I call your name, if you'll stand. I have Michael Smith, a building inspector. Michael,
[Applause] Gregory Anderson, also building inspector. We have John Durant, chief inspector. Couple folks from parks. We have Taven Orocho War
and James Ch athletic fields. [Applause] From the police department, we have Alex Copeleno, a police officer cadet. From public works, we have Michael Harrian, solid waste equipment operator.
Michelle Dorito, equipment operator one. Marcus Snea, equipment operator one. And from utilities, Robert Proopiac Propiac, you are here and you heard me mispronounce it. I apologize. Welcome. Well, so be on behalf of the city, I
welcome all of you and I wish you most success. Thank you. [Applause] All righty. Next up, we have proclamations. Commissioners, want to go down front? No. Pete, you want to go down all by
yourself? Okay. You're up first. [Music] Okay. Whereas arts and recreation benefits all community members and is an integral part of cities throughout this country including the city of Northport.
Whereas parks and recreation promotes community health and wellness through the provision of parks programs, activities and facilities which improve the physical and mental health of people and lower public health costs. And
whereas parks and recreation encourages physical activity by providing space for popular sports, walking trails, aquatic facilities and many other activities designed to promote active lifestyles. And whereas park and recreation
programming and educational activities such as after school programming, summer camps. Okay. Whereas parks and recreation programming and educational activities such as afterchool programming, summer camps, youth and sports, environmental
education are critical to childhood development. And whereas our local parks, recreation centers, and aquatic facilities are where memories are made and passions are discovered. Places where park and recreation professionals
light the spark of adventure, nature, and lifelong hobbies. And whereas parks and recreation is fundamental to the environmental well-being of our community, helping to ensure Northport's ecological beauty and serving as essential and adaptable infrastructure
that makes our communities resilient in the face of natural disasters and climate change. And whereas parks are a source of positive economic benefit through enhanced property values, increased tourism, and the attraction and retention of businesses and home
buyers. And whereas the park system in Northport is vitally important to establishing and maintaining the quality of life in our community and serves as a place to gather with friends and family, to celebrate life's special moments, and
to enjoy respit and healing. And whereas the US House of Representatives has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month, now therefore, we, the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, to hereby proclaim July 2025 as
Parks and Recreation Month. [Applause] Thank you. Thank you, commission, for the proclamation and the recognition. Um, I'm Sandy Funhel. I'm the parks and recreation director. For 40 years, the
NA nation has celebrated Parks and Recreation Month in July, and I'm proud to celebrate the contributions of our team towards building community and opportunities for play here in Northport. And speaking of play, uh, we have we're super excited to have some of
our GMAC summer camp kids here. Um, and they are going to share with you um, their ideas about building community and play in Northport. And I'm going to ask Kim Lensky, our community partnership and engagement manager, uh, to come up and highlight how we're celebrating
parks and recreation month. Hi, good afternoon. I'm Kim. I'm the community partnership and engagement manager for Northport Parks and Recreation. Um we're honored to celebrate the month of with our community and grateful for the continued support of the spaces and programs that Northport um has to make it a vibrant uh
place to live, play, and connect. Uh this year's theme uh from the National Recreation Parks Association is build together and play together. A powerful reminder that parks are more than just green spaces. They're where community happens. Here in Northport, we're bringing this theme to life with our
draw your dream park uh campaign. And we're inviting yo local youth to imagine and illustrate their ideal parks, encouraging them to think creatively about what fun, inclusive, and welcoming recreational spaces spaces look like.
This campaign also aligns perfectly with our development of our park and recreation master plan. As we plan for the future for park system in Northport, we're asking um everyone to engage and take the opportunity to listen, engage, and involve our residents with the
series of public input workshops, a community assessment program and focus groups. Uh you can find all this information for our journey to the future at northportfl.com sorry northportl.gov/parks and recreation.
uh idea ideas shared uh will help inspire and inform our decisions that will impact our year our parks for years to come. As we celebrate parks and recreation month, let's continue to work together to create spaces where everyone feels welcome to play, explore, and grow
because parks and recreation is for all. [Applause] [Music] I got it.
[Applause] Trip on the court. Are you enjoying camp? [Music] Aquatic center people are whereas lifeguards serve as vigilant guardians of our aquatic environments,
ensuring the safety and well-being of swimmers at pools, lakes, water parks, and speeches. And whereas these dedicated professionals are trained first responders, certified in CPR,
first aid, AED use, who stand ready to prevent accidents and respond swiftly to emergencies, often putting their own safety at risk. And whereas lifeguards play a cru crucial role in preventing drownings and
water related injuries with estimates indicating that lifeguards rescue approximately 10,000 people from drowning each year. And whereas the role of a of a lifeguard demands constant
vigilance, physical endurance, and mental resilience as they maintain a watchful eye over swimmers, enforce safety rules, and provide education on water safety practices. And whereas
International Lifeguard Appreciation Day is observed annually on July 31st to honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of lifeguards to public safety and community well-being.
And whereas it is fitting to acknowledge and express our deepest gratitude to these un unsung heroes who work tirelessly to protect lives and promote safe enjoyment of our aquatic resources. Now therefore, we the city commission of
the city of Northport, Florida, do hereby compla proclaim July 31st, 2025 as International Lifeguard Appreciation Day. [Applause]
Uh good afternoon. I'm Devon Pulis, the aquatics manager. Uh thank you, Mayor Stokes, commissioners, city leadership for this uh meaningful proclamation recognizing July 31st as International Lifeguard Day. Uh today we are we're going to honor on July 31st the dedicated individuals who serve as
lifeguards as these trained professionals do far more than just watch the water. They are guardians of safety. They're the first responders and the role models for our community. Whether it's teaching swimming lessons, responding to an emergency, or simply creating a self and welcoming safe and welcoming environment at the Northport
Aquatic Center and Warminal Springs Park, lifeguards play a critical role in preventing tragedy and saving lives. If you've heard me speak before, you know that our motto is to promote safety in, on, and around the water. Our lifeguards demonstrate commitment to this motto,
professionalism, and heart every single day. We are incredibly proud of their service. On behalf of our parks and recreation team, thank you again for recognizing their essential contribution and helping us raise awareness for water safety and lifeguard appreciation.
[Applause] [Music] We have emergency management. All righty. This uh this presentation is is a renewal of the city's storm water ready
certificate um for the West Central and Southwest Florida storm ready advisory boards recognize Northport as storm ready. and uh if you'd like to say a few words. He did all the work.
All right. So, before I hand it over to to Mike and Jen to talk about this process and this accomplishment, I just want to say a few quick thank yous. First of all, thank you to the commission for having us here and um recognizing us for this accomplishment. I also want to thank Deputy Emergency Manager Mike Neveris. He took the lead
on this project. Did I want to say all of the work if not 99.9% of it. So, he really took the lead on this and brought across the finish line getting us this storm ready renewal. But also a huge thank you to the National Weather Service meteorologist Jennifer Hubard.
Um she she and her she and her entire uh Ruskin team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on holidays, weekends. They don't get very many breaks and they provide the life-saving information that we need in order to make our decisions here. So, uh, they
play a huge role in keeping our residents safe, our businesses safe, and the storm ready program is just a very small piece of what they do. So, thank you. And without further ado, I'll hand it over to Mike. All right, I might have to raise this a little bit.
All right. Thank you, Stacy, and thank you so much, commission, for recognizing this really important accomplishment for the city. Uh so back in June, the city of Northport began working on the process of going through our storm ready uh recognition. Storm ready is a program that is hosted by the National Weather Service that encourages communities to
take a proactive approach to improving local hazardous weather operations and public awareness. The city of Northport held this storm ready designation since 2014. We've gone through several renewals over the course of the decade since that initial recognition. Hurricane Ian in 2022 and the dynamic
hurricane season we had last year emphasized the really significant importance of being a storm ready community. Last year we not only saw the impact of those three hurricanes within less than nine weeks, but we also had a really active winter season and spring with potent squall lines had cold fronts
and gusty damaging afternoon thunderstorms. That was between all those hurricanes. With this designation, we have ensured the city has updated our severe weather plans and we have them in place. We provided public safety education to empower our residents and our citizens to plan and stay safe
during storms and enrich direct relationships with our National Weather Service partners to deepen the understanding and the respon and response to severe weather impacts in the area. And once again, we want to thank Jen for being here with us today and to say a couple words
and back down. Thank you all very much for having me today. Um, it was an absolute pleasure pleasure to work with Mike and Stacy on this uh renewal process and I've learned an immense amount about your complex uh canal water system uh as a result and
have an upcoming meeting as well in August to uh tour it and and get even more in-depth information so that we can provide better and earlier watches and warnings especially related with uh flooding rainfall. Um, you know, and despite the numerous hurricanes that we
had to deal with last year that interrupted the renewal process several times, um, it is also a stark reminder of why we need this program and the importance of it to keep the public safe during these hazardous weather events. Storm Ready is a nationwide community preparedness program that uses
grassroots approach to help communities uh, develop plans and handle local severe weather and flooding threats. The program is voluntary and provides communities with clear-cut advice from the local National Weather Service forecast office and state and local emergency managers. The program began in
1999 with seven communities in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, and today there are more than 3,300 across the nation. The program is designed to help storm ready communities improve communication and safety skills needed to save lives both before, during, and after severe
weather events. with 27 different billion dollar disaster uh last year across the nation, three of them impacting our area. Uh this ensures that communities are prepared and resilient in uh in excuse me, ensures that
communities are prepared and resilient in the in uh is an increasing importance. Boy, I couldn't get that out to save my life. Disaster preparedness is everyone's responsibility. Educating yourself and your family on environmental hazards, maintaining a disaster supply kit, and
having an emergency plan in place are all proactive ways in which you can be better prepared for severe weather. The storm ready program is part of the National Weather Services working partnership with the International Association of Emergency Managers and the National Emergency Management Association and the Storm Ready
recognition will expire in another four years after which we will go through yet another renewal process. Congratulations to the city of North Northport. You are storm ready through March 7th, 2029. And we'll see you again then. Congratulations. Well done. Thank you so
much. Well done. Thank you. Everything you do [Music] this one. All right. What do we have here from uh economic development?
[Music] Whereas National Made in the US Week is observed annually during the first week of July to celebrate and promote the importance of American manufacturing and products made in American hands. And whereas the
city of Northport recognizes that domestic manufacturing strengthens national security, provides highquality jobs, and supports the resilience of supply chains across our country. And whereas businesses that manufacture
products in the United States are critical to economic prosperity, contributing to innovation, workforce development, and community stability. And whereas Northport is home to a growing base of small and midsize manufacturers,
artisans, and entrepreneurs who exemplify the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Americanmade goods. And whereas the Department of Economic Development actively fosters an environment that supports domestic manufacturing, promotes industrial
investment, and creates pathways for skilled labor and advanced industry growth within the city. And whereas celebrating National Made in the USA week in Northport inspires civic pride, reinforces consumer awareness, and
reminds residents of the economic and social value of supporting Americanmade products. Now therefore, we the city commission of the city of Northward, Florida, do hereby proclaim July 1st through July 7th, 2025
as National Made in the USA week. [Applause] Very good. Should we do pictures? [Music] Thank you. You're not going to bend down for that.
Whereas independent retailers serve as the backbone of our local economy, contributing to the vitality, diversity, and resilience of Northport's commercial landscape. And whereas National Independent Retailer Month is observed each July to recognize and celebrate the
entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and community building power of small and independentlyowned businesses across the United States. And whereas local independent retailers create jobs, reinvest significantly more revenue into
the local economy compared to national chains, and offer unique goods and personalized services that help define the character and charm of our community. And whereas the city of Northport recognizes that supporting independent retailers enhances economic
self-sufficiency, fosters regional economic growth, and builds a more connected, prosperous, and resilient city. And whereas the Department of Economic Development Activity works to promote, support, and
empower independent businesses through small businesses initiatives, technical assistance, and public private partnerships that reinforce the city's commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation. Now therefore, we, the city commission of
the city of Northport, Florida, do hereby proclaim July 2025 as National Independent Retailer Month. [Applause] Good afternoon, everybody, and thank you for coming. Happy 4th of July. Uh, both
of these proclamations um have special significance because we have someone here who, well, let me back up. I've been with economic development for about 15 months now and I've had the privilege of interacting with literally hundreds of businesses, but uh the special guest
we have here today might be the coolest one that I've seen, which is fitting considering he's up for coolest thing in Florida. Um so I don't want to give any more away because it is it's it's awesome. Uh please welcome Mr. Cordell Jeter from Eco Rover Chairs.
Thank you. Thank you for the introduction. Um, I'm Cordell from Eco Rover Chairs. We manufacture an allterrain power chair called Eco Rover. It allows people with physical disabilities independent mobility over uneven or rough terrain
such as through our wonderful parks that we were talking about a little while ago as well as on our beaches. It goes across the sand like a magic carpet. The Achilles heel to our technology is transporting it. It's 350 lbs and 29 in wide. So for a person with a disability
getting it from point A to point B is very difficult. That is why it is my vision and my mission to have this access to this technology where it's inherently needed. Our commercialized beaches, state parks, and national monuments just like you see scooters every Walmart grocery store. One of our
citizens should be able to go to the main kiosk and a license, sign a waiver, transfer over to an eco rover and go about their day independently with themselves or with family, not being the burden or the challenge of the day. That is our mission. That is our vision. We
manufacture this technology right here in Northport where our products and supplies from around the country. And so we are elated for the continued support and recognition from the city of Northport. Thank you. [Music]
Thank you guys. Appreciate it. Thanks. Thank you. Good luck. Thank you so much. Good luck. [Music] Is Tim Burquist here? Oh.
Jason, do you want to make this presentation? Okay. You going to read this? Yeah. Okay. This certificate of appreciation is presented to Tim Burrquist in recognition of his retirement from
journalism after nearly 40 years covering and telling stories in Northport and Sarasota County. Tim's a dedicated videographer and journalist with WTSP channel 10, who recently retired after nearly 40 years
on the job. Before his career with Channel 10, he worked for WWSB ABC7, formerly known as Channel 40, right here in Sarasota County. Tim's career in journalism is not only defined by its longevity, but by its integrity,
professionalism, and deep commitment to telling stories that have shaped our community. Through hurricanes, political milestones, public safety challenges, and moments of celebration, Tim has been a steady presence documenting Sarasota County history with his camera and ensuring our residents and visitors were
informed, represented, and seen. For nearly four decades, Tim's worked tirelessly behind the camera, often in challenging conditions, including storms, heat, breaking news situations to deliver compelling and accurate news coverage. His stories have captured the
character of Northport and our entire region from government initiatives and public service to community stories. In doing so, he has built trusted relationships with countless public servants, elected officials, community leaders, residents, and visitors. City of Northport presents the certificate in
honor of Tim's remarkable career and his impact on our city and beyond. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, we just want to present this to Tim, not only on behalf of the city, but really um all of our PIO partners in the region that have worked with Tim over the years. Uh, we
have Sarasota County here represented. Um, all our municipal partners that have worked with Tim. Um, he can be an intimidating guy sometimes. Um, he asked the tough questions. Uh, but until you get to know him, then you really understand that he really does care. He really is passionate not only about his
job but about this community and um you know through those tough questions he's trying to get the best possible story to get information out to people that are following and watching the news. So Tim we really appreciate everything you've done. We've uh really enjoyed working with you over the years and we're going to miss you. You're you're one of the old school journalists that there not
too many more around anymore. So uh we really appreciate all the the commitment that you've had to the craft and working with us over the years. So congratulations. Congratulations on retirement. Thanks. Yeah. Uh 40 years has been a long time. Um I started off
um working in Northport. Um there was a leaking sewer plant and I was interviewing uh Marge Gentle, which I'm not sure if she's the first mayor or not, but so it's been a long time. Moved into a lot of fires. I helped CNN um
shoot a documentary about Warm Mineral Springs. Met a guy named Sunny Cochrell who um found a tiger uh skull down at the bottom of uh War Middle Springs and he also found a lot of Coke bottles
and I moved in did fires and moved on. Um, I do know that, um, uh, I did a story with the niece Amber Lee when she was murdered and it would help 911 change and make things for the better.
Um, and I do know that I spent too much time at Brianrey's house. So, thank you very much, as did my wife. [Music] All right. And we got our communications people
here. All right. [Music] Well, this recognition is is a is a presentation of the National Association of Government Communicators uh 2025 blue
pencil and gold screen award for Northport University to pres be presented to the city of Northport Communications Division. Congratulations for all you do and the great job you do. Jason, thank you. Thank you again, mayor and
commissioners. Um, as the mayor mentioned, we've received the uh 2025 blue pencil and gold screen award. Uh, this is uh the first place award in the category of community engagement for our Northport University program. Um, we're very proud to receive this recognition
uh because we were competing against not only local but state and federal agencies across the nation. Um, so we're very proud of this accomplishment. Uh, this is a significant achievement for our NPU program which launched in 2024. NPU is a free eight session course of
interactive classes designed to provide insight into city government and develop future leaders and civically engaged residents. We recently celebrated our second class of graduates from NPU. And um just later next week, we're going to be opening registration for both class 3
of NPU as well as our new NPU teen edition, which we're very excited about. Um we recently produced a brief video that highlights the NPU program that we would like to share with you now for just a minute. [Music] [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 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 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 their 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 heads 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 you whether it's the the the chief of police the the chief of fire rescue utilities all these you know administration all these departments are absolutely you you want
to you meet the leaders you can look into their eye and ask pertinent questions that are important to you so you 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. [Music] So, thank you for letting us share that with you. That was uh produced by the very talented Cody Dinarki, our multimedia specialist.
you did a great job. Um, and this award is really for the entire creative team that really promotes NPU throughout the year and tries to encourage our residents to sign up. Um, but I especially want to recognize Jane Akens, our program coordinator. Jane is the driving force and the
lifeline for all the students that works with them every week and really coordinates and runs things. We couldn't do it without her. Um, she's grown a fan club here. I I think I see the president of the fan club. Um but she really deserves it. Um so this award is for everybody here and and how well um this
program is representing the city. So um thank you to the commission for recognizing us and also thank you to all the city departments who give up their time uh often after hours to put on the classes and make them so engaging and really share their passion and their knowledge with the students that really makes it worthwhile. So thank you very
much. Well done. Well done. Thank you so much for everything. So many people have come up to me and they think you're awesome. For sure. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
All righty. And last but not least, human resources. [Music] [Music] This presentation to human resources is
for the 2025 best wellness employer gold award and uh yes you're on the spot. I'm tag. Well, thank you all for being here today. Um this is a fantastic award that
we received for the first time this year and this is the gold which is not the platinum. They do not have platinum. Victoria was very upset. This um is a testament to how well we use the funds that Etna provides to us every year to create a wellness program
for the city. And we did achieve gold and it speaks volumes to our wellness committee. It speaks volumes to our employees who participate in every wellness program that we have here. So we could not have achieved this without the city's support, without Etna
sponsoring these um programs for us and without the um employees participating. So we thank you and this is yours too. So thank you. [Applause] Thank you. Congratulations.
Well done. Way to go. [Music] Congrats. All right, commissioners. That's it. That's a wrap. Demetri still missing. He is brutal. He is brutal.
City clerk, we have any general public comments? No public comments, sir. All right. Then with that, I just want to thank everybody for attending. I always enjoy these, sir. almost my favorite meeting of the month.
So with that, if there's nothing more, it is 4:42 and I adjourn this meeting.