--------- department has have grown, the staff has grown, the offerings have grown, and the um need for involvement from the residents has also grown. >> I think parks and wreck really showed up and did an amazing job. They had a bunch of staff people. They kind of brought us
around, had different speakers. I think they take the prize for the best uh overall display. >> Places that I didn't think I would enjoy as much. Like I didn't think I'd enjoy public works as much as I did. I loved it. And it seemed to me that there were the more questions that were asked.
>> The economic development council, I think that is just a a again it all points to uh live, work, and play within our community. >> I think there's a lot of misunderstanding out there about really how these departments work, how the city really works. And I think by offering a
class like this, you get such an exposure to so many different departments and meet so many different people, you can't help but want to be a part of it. If you plan on living here and living amongst the community and understanding the growth and understanding what we need, definitely
join the Northport University. You're going to be pleasantly surprised. I would absolutely say do it because you don't know until you know and you can go online and you can read all these things but a lot of it is the experience and sitting across from from whether it's
the the chief of police the the chief of fire rescue utilities all these you know administration all these departments are absolutely you want you meet the leaders you can look into their eye and ask pertinent questions that are important to you 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.
>> Hey, Brandon, what are you listening to? >> Just listening to my CPR playlist. >> What's on that? >> Staying Alive. I'm Zach and this is Travis from Northport Fire Rescue. And I'm Brandon and this is Brett from the Northport Aquatic Center.
>> Did you know a lot of the songs that you listen to on a daily basis follow the beats of CPR? 100 to 120 beats per minute. >> CPR saves lives. >> Hey, Northport. I'm here with Ryan from our engineering division in public works
and we're in an area that is experiencing some drainage concerns that were brought to us by some residents. So Ryan, what are some things you do when you get onto a scene like this to see what the issue may be? >> First thing we do is we start at the bottom of the system, the outfall, how it connects into the uh canal. Then we
start working our way up. So we go through the cross drains, the culverts, the under drains, and we look at every way the water flows downward. And we look for blockages, uh sumped uh dirt pile up, and even sometimes could potentially collapsed uh covers
underneath. And you got to remember, you can't report your uh water being an issue until we have 72 hours of no rainfall. And let's say it rains on Tuesday and a couple days go by and that second day it rains again, you got to restart your 72 hours. We have to spend time of our water inside the system in
order to clean it and in order to slow it down. Otherwise, we're going to end up washing out our neighbors below us. >> Absolutely. Tell us. >> We're doing road and drainage first, right? >> Good afternoon. Today is Tuesday, February 24th, 2026. It's 4 p.m. We're
in the city chambers and I call the Road and Drainage District Governing body 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, Deputy S, City Clerk Powell, Board Specialist Linder. We have Captain Plus in the back, and uh the chief uh Chief Titus is in the back,
too. Thank you. I'm going to call on Julie. Would you lead us in the pledge, please, ma'am? >> Yes, sir. >> To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Need a motion to approve the agenda. So, >> second. I have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Vice Mayor Langden to approve the
agenda. Please vote. And that passes 5 to zero. City clerk, any public comment? >> No public comment, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you, sir. Um, we are moving on to the consent agenda. City manager, are any items been pulled? No, Mr. Mayor.
>> Thank you, sir. Is there any public comment? >> No public comment, Mr. Mayor. >> I request a motion. >> I'll make it. I move to approve the January 20th uh sorry, I 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 January 2026 room drainage district government body meeting minutes in the consent agenda
as presented seconded by commissioner Stokes. Anything to that? >> No sir. >> Please vote. And that passes 5 to zero. Uh, city clerk, any public comment? >> No public comment, Mr. Mayor. >> All right, it's 4:02 and I adjourn this
meeting. >> All right. A and B part of the consent agenda? >> Yes, ma'am. You just approved it. Okay. Good afternoon. Today is Tuesday, February 24, 2026. It's 400 p.m. We're in this 4:03 p.m. We're in the city
chambers and I call the solid waste district governing body meeting to order. Everybody's still here and I request a motion to approve the agenda. >> So move. >> Second. >> I have a motion to approve the agenda made by Commissioner Stoke, seconded by Vice Mayor.
Uh please vote. That passes five to zero. City clerk, do we have any public comment? >> No public comment, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you, sir. We're on to the consent agenda. City manager, anything been pulled? >> No, sir. >> Thank you, sir. Any public comment on this?
>> No public comment, Mr. Mayor. >> All right. I request a motion. >> I'll make it. >> Go ahead. I move to approve the items in the consent agenda as presented. >> I have a motion on the floor made by Vice Mayor to approve the items in the consent agenda as presented.
>> Second. >> Seconded by Commissioner Stokes. Anything to that vote, please. That passes 5 to zero. Moving on to general business discussion and possible action regarding final revisions to the solid waste district methodology study
completed by Stantech Con consulting services incorporated city manager. This is your item. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh just to give a little background on this project. Um we do have staff here. Our public works director Chuck Speak as well as Stantech represented to answer questions that you may have. We have
discussed this item with the commission and that there was a workshop on January the 5th of 2026 and during the workshop you made the following consensus to use the density based assessment for this project. Um that resulted in a fiscal year 27 transfer station assessment of
$1282. Um, following further evaluation, the staff recommends that the city commission consideration of implementing the methodology that was included in the staff report is as presented, which would lead us to the recommended action
action of option one, approve the solid waste district methodology study completed by Stantech Consulting Services. We're happy to answer any questions you may have, sir. >> Thank you, sir. Commissioners, any questions? If not, moving on. Uh, city clerk, any public comment?
>> No public comment, Mr. Mayor. >> I request a motion. >> I'll make it. >> Go ahead. >> Move to approve the solid waste district methodology study completed by Stantech Consulting Services, Inc. >> Second. >> I have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Stokes to approve the solid
waste district methodology study completed by Stantech Consulting Services Incorporated. And that was seconded by the vice mayor. anything to that? If not, please vote and that passes 5 to zero. City clerk, any public comment? >> No public comment, Mr. Mayor.
>> All right, it's 406. I adjourn this meeting. Part: 2
Northport Podcast Network is your go-to source for all things Northport. >> Make sure to subscribe to the Northport Podcast Network wherever you listen and join us as we celebrate and connect with our amazing community. >> Northport Now will be released bi-weekly. >> Northport Stories and Living will be
monthly. A schedule will be available on social media and our website. Hello everyone, Devon Pulis here, aquatics manager. Welcome to my crib. [music] We have fun here at the crib. Programs included. Become a pass member. Play all
year long. Hayer at the crib. We do have rules. We take all payments here at the crib. Apple Pay, Mastercard, Visa, cash. You pay right here to enjoy the crib. So, enter through the gate. Childproof,
most adult proof. Shade. What's that? Our newly installed sun shade available for rent all season long. Here at my crib, you don't have to worry about a place to find a seat. We've added more chairs [music] than ever here
at the crib. If you're coming to enjoy the cribs and you got little ones, we got the perfect area for them. Our Pelican playground, newly painted, fresh floor, fresh palm tree. It's looking clean. Looking for a place to work your upper
body? Take a shot at here at our Stingray shuffle. Looking to relax? I got you covered here with our lazy river. Living more on the adventurous side. Check out the slides right behind me. Newly painted. All offer something
individual and unique. Check it out. Check out the main pool kept at a [music] wonderful 84 degrees all year long. I just want you to have a good time. We have safety covered. Lifeguards here,
staff all day, every day when we're open for you to enjoy. Concession is open. Pizza, pretzels, nachos, ice cream. We got it all. My crib is your crib. Looking forward to
seeing you here. >> Duty calls. Hello, my name is Jerome Fletcher, city manager of the city of Northport. I'm at the Northport Aquatic Center. I'm on the job today. Let's go. Good morning, Jessie. Good. Hey, sir. Nice to see you. All right. Thanks for
having me today. >> Of course. We're going to go through our opening checklist for this morning to make sure that the facility is safe and operational. >> All right, sounds good. Let me do it. Before anything else, the team walks the entire area to make sure everything is clean and in good shape.
>> Our next part of our task is to make sure that our body of water is one clear. The water must remain clean. We must identify any possible materials that shouldn't be in the water. >> Then it was time to check the surge tanks. >> You can see the glistening of the water down there. >> If the water is too deep and you hear a
rushing of water, that means that this needs to be filled before we can begin operations for this. >> Okay, >> it's part science, part intuition. At the relax river, Jesse showed me the digital checklist system, the hydro app. As soon as I click yes on this checklist that let's say the water is clear and I
do not identify that the water is cloudy or any sense that yes goes directly to my manager and lets them know that at this exact time I checked that water to make sure it was safe and clear. >> This technology being used at its best job. >> Now our rotations we have evolved to
having our lifeguards into a more of a roving position. >> With the competition pool we still maintain the chairs for the height eligibility. Um, but here we have to have a minimum of five lifeguards just to run this body of water. >> Wow.
>> And we actually have a lifeguard positioned in our catch pool over there to help our guests that are coming out of the slides at a barracuda tarp and twister. >> I've seen that person there. Then Jesse brought up something that most people might not think about. Pool skimming. >> Pool skimming is the sounds of the water
being properly flowed. So with those drains, all the water has to constantly fill. >> Hey evening. Today is Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at 6 PM. We're in the city chambers and I call the city commission regular meeting to order. Commissioners
present are Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Stokes, Mayor Emery, 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,
Captain Fussels in the back, and Chief Titus. Once again, I'm going to call on Vice Mayor to lead us in the pledge this evening. >> I'm honored. I pledge algiance 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 vice mayor. >> Welcome mayor. >> Looking for a motion to approve the agenda.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> I have a motion made by vice mayor to approve the agenda. seconded by Commissioner Stokes. If nothing to that, please vote. [clears throat] And that passes 5 to zero. Moving on.
City clerk, public comment. Debbie McDow, I wanted to take a moment to give credit where credit is due. Congratulations on a very informative and wellprepared town hall on the basics of Northport's government and explaining how the city makes decisions. The breakdown on Bokeh Chica Park was a
perfect example of the process and how slow the wheels of government turn. Staff did a fantastic job. The presentation was extremely thorough. The attendees attendees were very engaged too. Great job everyone. I thought the town hall how city government makes decisions was a perfect opportunity to ask a question regarding the future
annexation of 3,150 acres. Paraphrasing my question, why did the city manager send a memo to the county administrator informing the county of the city's preliminary intent to annex 3,150 acres when there was zero discussion with the Northport commissioners at the DAS and no public input? Unfortunately, my
question wasn't answered, but it did cause a bit of confusion. I emailed you a copy of the memo that was sent on January 15th. Every commissioner, staff, and even the city manager have said residential homes require more expenses than the revenues they generate. Less than two short years ago, everyone was to was
told that the primary purpose of reszoning thousands of residential parcels and two activity centers was to increase the tax base. How will annexing 3,150 acres and potentially 9,000 new dwelling units create jobs and increase city revenue?
Cheryl Cook on 11:2216. The city commission anonymous unanimously suspended the rules at the start of the meeting. While a single suspension can be routine, repeated use over many months has become a consistent practice today. Subly shaping how meetings are
conducted and how public participation is received. Over time, procedural flexibility has coincided with certain participants, commenters, and proxies having greater influence during public comment and board discussions. Publicly available records show connections among these actors, revealing interaction
patterns that consistently affect meeting dynamics. Historical behaviors include repeated rule suspensions, tolerance of extended commentary by specific individuals, and references to names of former titles and forms beyond the city's jurisdiction. While these practices do not themselves violate law,
repeated patterns can be viewed in court as evidence of customary procedures, recognized practices, or selective enforcement. Courts examine whether reliance on published procedures was reasonable and whether public expectations were affected. These patterns illustrate how procedural
flexibility and reoccurring behavior shape meeting culture. Even minor deviations from predictable enforcement can influence perception, participation, and trust. Documented trends underscore the importance of applying rules consistently to ensure fairness, transparency, and public confidence. The
this e- comment is intended to raise awareness of procedural trends, historical patterns, and the ongoing need for neutral, predictable conduct in public meetings. Consistent and transparent application of procedures strengthens public trust and reinforces that governance is fair, impartial, and accountable to the community.
[clears throat] Steven Harrison. Hello, commissioners. My name is Steven Harrison. I serve on the charter review advisory board, but I am speaking solely on my own behalf as a resident engaged in our local government. I am conducting a feasibility study on best practices for recruitment and retention of as advisory
board members as part of my capstone project. uh midway through the research and will share the final data and recommendations upon completion. My goal is to identify strategies and that strengthen participation, improve sustainability, and ensure advisory boards effective effectively serve our
city. I would like to thank Commissioner Dval, Sarah Lane, Julia Fritz, Jason Bartalone, city clerk Heather Faustst, and Deputy City Clerk Matt Pal for their professionalism and assistance throughout this process. There are two issues I believe warrant discussion. First, advisory boards continue to face staffing challenges which impacts
community engagement and informed decision-making. Second, clarifying charter language regarding commissioner communication with staff may provide additional structure and transparency. The city of Venice and Charlotte County include language allowing communication for inquiry and information and similar models exist throughout Florida.
Comparable language could be considered for section 5.2 of our charter. I respectfully suggest that workshops on both topics to encourage collaboration and open dialogue similar to the 2022 workshop. I'm not approaching this with criticism. I believe our city leadership is doing an excellent job and my intent
is simply to strengthen an already strong organization. Thank you for your time and service. In person, I have Tim Doyle, Tim Drum, and Bowdy Oleander. I'll start off today. I'm a little calmer. I'm going to discuss last week's
meeting is I don't think some of the comments I was making really got through. So, Mr. Pro, am I saying your name right? With all due respect, sir, you're a snake oil salesman.
your terms you are using to get loans critical infrastructure could mean electric lines could mean power line you know the power lines could mean the telephone lines could mean the cell phone towers
I would advise everybody in this city don't vote for anything like that and I do know how to word it I do understand what you're trying to do but you can't word it like that so I'll Leave that alone.
Mr. Strokes, you have three fine people sitting down here trying to help the city. Three fine people that came here for feedback from you. I felt you sat here and talked down to them the whole time. [snorts] I almost jumped out of my chair the way
you were talking to them. Only smart people can do things, huh? That's how they come up with smart words like infrastructure. We can mean anything. Now those three fine people, if they
want help, they can call me. I'll give them verbiage. Take me five minutes. I can't spell. I'm stupid. I'll admit I'm stupid. But I'm not ignorant. You were talking down to those people. They deserve better. When people like me
come here, we're customers and we're upset. So, we get out of line a little bit. You guys should be at a certain level all the time. And that's my personal opinion. Other people could have taken it wrong. Go back and watch the tape.
Mr. Mayor, I didn't see you do anything wrong last week. That's not what I'm mad about. I'm mad about what I learned since last meeting to this day. And I'm not going to have enough time to really talk about it, get into it. But by the
time I get done here, I don't know, two, three, four, five years talking at every agenda it sign, we'll get through it all. You guys know how I feel. This government is not here for the people. The police department is not
here for the people. I was in that police department and then waiting for a police report. I saw four people walk into that police department have to file complaints for being robbed online and all this
other stuff. You are spending way too much time on tracker control and you need to go get the real criminals in our society and stop trying to get money out of this citizen. And I'll have a lot more to say. >> [clears throat]
>> Good evening. My name is Tim Drum. I've been a Northport resident for nearly 20 years. I grew up in Port Charlotte and obtained my engineering degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa. I own Drum Engineering Corp. which was started by my late father in 1989. We provided over 6,000 engineering projects
here in the city of Northport and over 19,000 projects throughout the state of Florida. I also serve on two advisory boards here in the city of Northport. I am here tonight because I have been accused by Jerome Fletcher, Elena Ray, and David Greenbomb for statements I did not make. There was a meeting on Friday,
January 23rd, 2026 in the public lobby of the building department. This meeting was between myself, Daniel, David Greenbomb, Kyle Hoffman, and several other city of Northport staff members. Please note, Commissioner Petro was not present at this meeting. On January
27th, Elena Ray sent an email to Jerome Fletcher and Jerome Fletcher then sent an email out to other key city staff along with the city commissioners with these false statements. In this email, they stated, "I visit the building department and represented my myself on
behalf of the applicant, Commissioner Patrol." The email also stated that I forcefully and publicly insisted that the chief building official and other building division staffs were liars. The email continues to accuse me of repeatedly invoking Commissioner's Petro's name with overtures of negative
consequences for city staff for not approving the commissioner's permit as is. Kyle Hoffman is the city of Northport zoning coordinator and he was present for this public meeting. Elena Ray first contacted Kyle Hoffman on January 30th to get his account of this
public meeting. So, three days after Elena Ray and Jerome Fletcher's email went out to the commissioners with these accusations, in Kyle's email to Elena and myself, you will see he refused the statements that I use Commissioner Petro's name or position in any manner
at all, nor did I call city staff liars. Based on their own city staff present at this meeting, Kyle Hoffman refuted their accusations they made about me. You would figure a good or at least thorough leader would gather the facts of a story and corroborate them before sending out
public email. One must wonder why would the city staff make such deliberate false statements. I implore you to do your job and search out the truth and take appropriate actions against the party or parties involved making these false and sland slanderous statements.
Thank you for your time. I also have a sworn statement uh to cooperate my statements. >> [snorts] >> Uh, good evening. This is Baldi Olander, not
I've been here for five years. Um, good evening. I have all the islander and I came here in peace. [clears throat] I am not the criminal and I have a dignity.
I am instructing you Amrich to respect my dignity. My dignity is not up to you. Amrich, I am instructing you to remove the policeman of my back. This is plenty room over there. He can sit over here.
Are you deaf? These two hands pay your salary. I am only good to be fleeced from my hard earned money. Changing the subject congressman's in United States earn
174,000 base salary in Northport we have eight employees already which base salary is above $200,000 is it this Northport new middle class
I'm changing the subject I will continue what I spoke last time on the public trust doctrine and what I'm read is from the Cornell University attorney department.
The public trust doctrine does not take the way rights away. One more time does not take away rights. Rather it established that certain natural resources only are held in the
trust for public use which I am for it meaning that government must manage those res these resources for benefit of everyone. However, it can limit private property rights in relations to those resources
ensuring they remain accessible to public. Public trust doctrine is legal principle that helps certain natural resources in trust for public use like
navigable waters, wildlife and land access to the ocean. Public trust doctrine originated in Roman civil law since long time ago. By the way, Amir, where is this document? Would I give it up my rights?
I asked you last time. >> How many times you need it? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. [clears throat] Moving on to announcements of current advisory board and committee vacancies. City clerk, can you read the announcements, please?
The current vacancies for the following boards and committees include art advisory board, auditor selection committee, charter review advisory board, citizen tax oversight committee, community economic development advisory board, debt management committee, environmental advisory board, firefighters pension trust fund board of
trustees, historic and cultural advisory board, joint management advisory board, police officers pension trust 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. If anyone would like more information, please see the city clerk's office. Thank you. >> Thank you. Moving on to the consent agenda. Um, city manager, have any items been
pulled, sir? >> No, sir. >> Thank you. Um, city clerk, is there any public comment? I guess on a you're doing some work to the police station for $184,30.
As I talked before in this room, I've done work ACs. I replace ACS. I've built buildings. I've done all kinds of stuff. [snorts] I just hope that uh the contractors are all in place. I hoped that uh there aren't too many change
orders because that seems to happen on big jobs like this. And the amount of 184,000 I could pay for three restaurants with brand new HABC systems. So that's a lot of money to me.
To me, you can almost replace the units for the place. So just please make sure you spend the money wisely. I'm not saying it doesn't have to be done, but we get ripped off a lot. Um, you guys got $25,000 for some cold
weather gear. God bless you. It was donated. Do the right stuff with it. You know, um, doesn't get cold here, but I guess we need something. [snorts] Now, the next one, number C.
These are the things I don't really know everything about, but I don't like it. Says software subscription. But here's my problem with it. Automatic renewal fee increases automatic. Why would you
ever sign a contract that's ongoing? They can always rate fees. To me, that's not a smart thing to do. Any contract that you sign, you should sign to maybe, you know, go over the
terms again, but not automatic increases. What? What is that? Is that cost of living increases? What are those increases for? And what's the software for? [snorts] And where is the software being
stored? What are you storing? These are the things you need to start asking about. All these software things all over this country. They're building data centers. Ain't data centers, they're spy centers. Every keystroke on your computer is probably going to a thousand
different computers and being registered. Read my shirt. We've been taken over by the computer. So you give any computer company automatic renewal terms, automatic increases, [snorts]
that's not what you should be doing. Um, again, you're [snorts] spending some money between you and uh other people. I just hope this is all good. You got another one on here for software again. What is that software for? Where
is this all this software? How many computers all over the world are watching your softwares? unit. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Any uh anything from the commission? Questions, discussion?
If not, I'll be looking for a motion. >> I'll make it. Mayor, >> go ahead. >> I move to approve the items in the consent agenda. >> Second. >> Got a motion on the floor made by Vice Mayor to approve the items in the consent agenda as presented, seconded by Commissioner Stokes. If there's no
discussion, please vote. And that passes 5 to zero. Moving on to public hearing, second reading. Ordinance number 2026-01. City manager. This is Oh, city clerk, read by title, please.
>> Ordinance number 2026-01. An ordinance of the city of Northport, Florida, providing for the imposition and collection of non-avalorum special assessments to fund cost incurred by the city in abading nuisance conditions of excessive growth of grass and nuisance weeds on developed lots and hazardous
trees and accumulation of debris on any lot. Amending the code of the city of Northport, Florida, chapter 42, nuisances, article 2, lot clearing to create section 42-27, providing for findings, providing for fun conflicts, providing for severability, providing for codification, and providing
[clears throat] an effective date. >> Thank you. Now, city manager, this is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. During the city commission regular meeting held on January 13th of 2026, ordinance number 20261 was forwarded to a second meeting with a 50- vote. Staff recommends that you take
the following action of option one, which is approve ordinance number 2026-01 as presented, which will allow for more efficient and effective recovery of the actual cost of abatement and administrative expenses incurred by the city. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you.
Uh, commission, anything? >> I see nothing. Any, uh, public comment? >> [clears throat] >> Who owns the property? You are the people who own the property. You charge me over $5,000 a year on my property taxes. So now you want to go around stealing people's property cuz you say
it's too long. Who owns the property? You you are the property owner. Huh? So, if you're going to pass an ordinance like this, does that property owner have a right to walk on their own property and cut down stuff anytime they want without a permit? Do they have a right
to do that, gentlemen? Can can they cut something over 4 in long or no? Or thick? Excuse me, I used the wrong terminology. Can they cut trees over 4 in thick? No. To me, this this is ludicrous.
I understand what you're thinking on this, but again, who owns the property? You You want to come on my property and and cut everything down, right? But I can't do that, and then you're going to charge me for that.
Think about what you're doing here, boys and girls. I understand your frustration here, but you guys sold my backyard for a $25 deferment fee. You're going to steal people's property. You're going to put a lean on the property. And what have I
said in this room so many times? Where the heck's the courthouse in in Northport? Largest city by population and area. And you're expanding it according to what I just heard. And there's no courthouse.
That's why I'm in this room right now. There is no justice in this goddamn town. Never has been since I've been here. I'm sorry. You people steal people's property. And this is just a way to steal people's property putting
leans on it. Well, if you're going to pass this, then I should have a right to go on my own property anytime I want and cut down anything I want. Whether it's 4 in or 200 ft tall, but over 4 in thick,
you can't touch. Huh? Can you? Yeah, I know some of you ordinances. And you people know why. Come after me. I still have the list of everything you drive by to come to my house. And I drove around the other day on the bicycle to see if they're still there. And some of them
are still there. So I know a little bit about that code book. You know why is you used all these laws against me. But you know what you didn't do to me? You never protected my life from the wrong word. Yeah. You allowed me to be
terrorized for months on end. Trespass 15 ft. I don't even own my own property, but you want to come on it and and cut everything down. But I can't even stop people from going on it. That's all right. >> Thank you. And close this public hearing and request a motion.
>> I'll make it. >> Go ahead. >> Move to adopt ordinance 2026-1 is presented. >> I have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Stokes to adopt ordinance number 2026-01 as presented. Do I have a second? And I
have a second from Commissioner Dubal. If there's no discussion, please vote. And that carries 5 to zero. Moving on to ordinance number 2026-02. City clerk, can you read by title only, please?
>> Ordinance number 2026-02. An ordinance of the city of Northport, Florida, adjusting the commission's base salary rate, amending the code of the city of Northport, Florida, section 2-23, declaration of salary payment, providing for findings, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, providing for codification, and
providing an effective date. >> Thank you, city manager. This is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. During the city commission regular meeting held on January 13th of 2026, the city commission heard ordinance number 2026-02. Staff has revised the signature clock of
the original ordinance after the first reading to reflect the current mayor. The adoption date was also changed from February 10th, 2026 to February 24th, 2026 to match the motion for second reading made at the commission regular meeting on January 13th. Our recommended action for this reading is for you to
choose option one, which is adopt ordinance number 2026-02. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. Uh commission questions, discussions? If not, city clerk, do we have any public comment? >> What?
>> Nice to be able to vote yourself a raise. Huh, guys? Uh, I'll tell you one thing. It says 66,000. I think out in California some of those people are making 700 grand. It's a joke what we pay you civil
servants. Um, especially what you just did to us. You just passed the law and said you can come to anybody's property and do anything you want. Mail them a bill. Are you going to mail them a letter first and give them time to take care of it? No.
You get to vote yourself a raise. Must be nice. Must be nice to sit up there and hire people like the police officers behind me. Send them to my house. Harass me. Must be nice to make a lot of money, to steal people's
property, to harass them, to have the police enforce laws that don't even exist. 15 ft. Huh? Your no trespass orders are worthless in
this state. Rick Scott, Dantis, it's all their fault, too. I'll be honest with you. Dantis, do something. How come if you can go to Walmart, the Walmart can shoot and kill you if you steal something, but I can't protect
my own property? How come Donald Trump wasn't even at Marggo, they can shoot and kill somebody on his property for trespassing? I'm sorry, guys. I had guns put to my head on my own property
for made up crap. Happened again a couple days ago. They didn't put guns in my head this time, but there was a bunch of madeup crap. We'll get that to MPN. But I I I I I'm telling you,
I can't accept any pay rate increase for nobody up here. I'm sorry. Why should we? You don't protect this industry. You protect the corporations. You protect everybody else, but you
don't protect personal property. You don't protect people. And I'm going back when I was standing in the police station, saw those people walking in the door. Not one cop came out and talked to those people. They talked on the phone or they talked two. I see cops sitting on the side of the road running license
plates all day long. See the difference between me and you. I just think policing should be different. I think they should actually go after criminals, not after people not wearing seat belts. You know what I mean? I don't think they should be
sitting on the side of the road running everybody's license plate so it can go to a 100,000 data centers and everybody can make up your life story based on whatever you guys put in a computer because that's exactly what's going on. So no raise if you ask me.
>> Thank you. >> I'm going to close this public hearing and request a motion. >> No sir, not at this time. >> I'll make it. >> Go ahead. I move to adopt ordinance 2026-2 as presented. >> Second.
>> Have a motion on the floor made by Commissioner Stokes to adopt ordinance number 2026-02 as presented. And that was seconded by um Vice Mayor. Uh if there's nothing to that, please vote.
And that passes 5 to zero. Moving on to item C, resolution number 2026-R14. City clerk, can you read this one by title only, please? >> Resolution number 2026-R14, a resolution of the city commission of the city of Northport, Florida, amending
city commission policy number 2021-05 related to commission meeting schedules, notices, and agendas, providing for incorporation of recital, providing for conflicts, providing for severability, and providing an effective date. >> I thank you. Uh, Miss Fals, this is your item. >> Yes. This I brought this back to you
because when the uldc was changed, prior to the uldc being changed under consent agenda, it um had language allowing for um resolutions to approve final plats to be on the consent agenda. With the change in the ULDC, they're approved administratively now. So, it was no
longer needed in this policy, and that's why we brought it back. >> Thank you. Any questions, commissioners? Uh public comment. City clerk >> him Doyle. [clears throat] [snorts]
>> I guess I will support this. And I'm going to tell you why. when uh Miss Lagen, if I'm Miss Lagen, if I'm saying that right, >> Langden. >> Lagen, I'm sorry. When you were mayor
and you violated my constitutional rights in this room and wouldn't let me speak. The former lawyer didn't do their job. I don't know why we're paying that lawyer. I could have sued you on that one. you ran over here and said, "I'm not
letting him talk to them." I don't drink, so I don't have wet brain. I remember it. I'll throw words right back in your face. And the reason why I'm going to support this is the only one up here who knew
you were breaking the law in the United States Constitution was the clerk. because the clerk got up and ran over there to the lawyer, but nothing was ever done about it. [snorts] So, I appreciate the clerks knowing the
law and doing their business, and I'll back them up any time today. >> Okay, I'm going to close this public hearing and request a motion. >> I'll make it. >> Go ahead. I move to adopt resolution number 2026-R-14
as presented. >> Second. >> Have a motion on the floor made by Vice Mayor to adopt resolution number 2026-R14 as presented. That was seconded by Commissioner Stokes. If there's nothing to that, please vote.
And that passes five to zero. Moving on to general business. Item number 26-0419. Discussion and possible action regarding approaching the Sarasota County School District about underutilized space at
Heron Creek Middle School campus. Um, this was requested by Commissioner Devon. I will give this to city manager first and then commissioner Dval can speak. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I will turn it over to Commissioner Dval for >> Thank you, sir.
>> Thank you, gentlemen. We all attended a convocation of governments where we basically sat and listened to the Sarasota County School District about financial problems that they're having. Um,
as a result of some laws up above this commission, um, the basic problem is that if there is a school in Sarasota County that is being underutilized,
that a charter school can come in and use that space for free. Now, when a $9,000 voucher goes out to a parent and a parent puts their child in
a charter school, that's money that doesn't go to the public school. The public school still has to pay for the janitors, still has to pay for the upkeep, still has to pay for the electricity, you know, the air conditioning, the heat, uh, security.
This is hurting our public school system. So they had a list at that meeting of schools in Sarasota County that are being underutilized in the city of Northport. One school was mentioned and that's the Heron Creek
Middle School. So I had a thought. Maybe the city should investigate a possible use for that underutilized space. Now, just on my own, I came up with a
number of different possibilities. You know, maybe our police department, what schools have their own police department and our police carry guns, there may be an issue there. So that
might not work. Heron Creek Middle School is located right across the street from our high school, just down the street from Glenn Allen Elementary School. Is there a possibility maybe some classroom from there could be moved to the school?
Um, we have a lot of city departments that are short on space. uh our emergency operations group was operating out of a closet.
There are issues, you know, not everyone because of security reasons, not everyone can just go on school property and enter the schools. Uh I went and addressed fourth graders at Toledo Blade Elementary
School. before I went there, they had to do a background check on me. You know, I had to be okay to do that. So, security is a a consideration, but there are other things.
There's a possibility maybe that unused space could just be used for storage. Right now, if we go into the city clerk's office, we see a bunch of boxes that are there. Um, and I'm sure there's we have holiday decorations that need places for storage. U, these are just
possibilities. What I'm getting at is and what I'm asking is that we direct staff to get together with Sarasota County School District and investigate
what possible uses. You know, look and see what that what those unused spaces are and see if there's any way we could help them out. There's even a possibility of you know if if there's any small uh we heard during that
presentation they talked about pod schools. Pod schools are basically if you have someone that homeschools their children maybe they homeschool their neighbors children too. Put all together that's called a pod school.
Maybe we could find someone in a pod school that wants to rent space in the school. Not for free, you know, rent. But anyway, I would just like to ask that our city staff
investigate, see what's available, and then get back to us with, you know, any possibilities where we could do something to help out the school district. >> That it. Thank you, sir. >> Uh, Commissioner Langden. >> Uh, thank you, Mayor. I had
>> Vice Mayor, sorry. [laughter] I was doing so well. >> You were, too. Um, I had a number of questions and you answered them um in your explanation. I guess my my major question would be I I don't know what
limitations the school board and administration might have for the types of uses of that. because I recall from that same meeting, they did sort of share what they were doing in some of the other schools in Sarasota that had
excess space. Um, but I think it's a creative idea if it's something that would be allowable. Um, and so I mean I'd be supportive of at least finding out um would they be interested? I mean,
one thought I had, if it still needed to be an educational use, maybe our art center could do classes there. So, I I'd be willing, you know, doing a little half step. I I don't think I'd want
staff spending a whole lot of time, but checking in with the school board to see if perhaps, you know, what types of activities might be allowed um and if they might be interested. It's certainly worth a phone call. I think
>> Commissioner Stokes >> [clears throat] >> um on a service I mean a good thought because you know if [snorts] if there's a way to help them out that would be great. I know Dr. Kemp and Terry Connor have a pretty good plan um as they
highlighted to us to sort of realign some of their administrative processes to some of the schools that have space available. So I think they have a master plan as to how to solve this for themselves. But there's sure no
reason why we couldn't uh direct uh say city manager to call Dr. Kemp and Terry Connor and the superintendent and say, "Hey, is there anything we could do to help?" uh, you know, we have space
constraints and, you know, we might be able to help each other if it's allowable. Like I say, I don't know. You you brought up a number of things that are of consideration there. security being the biggest, but I wouldn't have a problem if if if city manager or his his
designate reached out and find out whether or not, you know, there's something we could do here cuz it's a good thought. >> It's a good thought. So, [snorts] all right. I see nothing else. Do we have any public comment
>> to me? Hebrew in middle school is a prison. Schools down here look like prisons. They don't look like schools to me. >> I don't understand it at all. If you want to know the truth, [snorts]
[clears throat] >> but [sighs] there is something that could move out of this building if they have a lot of room over there at the Hebrew Creek. You need, you know, again, we're Northport, right? largest city in Sarasota County by
population and area. Is that correct, guys? Tell me if I'm wrong. Do I ever say anything wrong? Tell me I'm wrong. Maybe the motor vehicles should move out of here, move into the school so people can walk into motor vehicles anytime they want and get something. I don't
know why in Northport we always have to make a pointless. So to your guys point, there is a lot of uses for that. If they need money, damn, we can have the tax collector give the school a little bit more money if
they need use some of the rooms or move the tax man over there instead of here. Give you more room building here. I don't know. But the reality is,
you know, it's a school that looks like a prison and you guys are up there worried about telling me that anybody goes there has to back background check. So if anybody walks in that school needs a background check, I don't see how you could use it for a city building.
I don't even understand why you need a background check to go into a school. When I was a kid, anybody could walk into a school. Do you know they had voting machines in the school? That's how we learned about voting. But then in Northport, they told me I
couldn't vote. Do you know why they told me I couldn't vote? My signature didn't match. But they had no signature on file for me. You know why? Cuz you guys don't you you have computers for everything. We used
to have registration cards. Pulled it up and you kept the signature. So, I don't know what you want to do with this space, but if you need a background check, then it's useless. But anybody in this city who pays taxes
to that school should be able to walk on that property and walk in that school because we own it. We pay for it. You guys are just ste. And that's the problem here. You guys all think you own everything. You're ste.
So, it might be a good idea to use the excess space, but if you need a background check, the cops are going to be pretty busy doing background checks. >> That's all there. >> Thank you. Nothing else. I'm going to request a motion. >> I'll make it.
>> Go ahead, sir. [clears throat] I move to direct the city manager to work with staff to engage with the superintendent of Sarasota County Schools to discuss underutilized space at the Heron Creek Middle School campus. >> Second.
>> I have a motion on the floor to direct the city manager to work with staff to engage with the superintendent of Sarasota County Schools to discuss underutilized space at the Heron Creek Middle School campus. That was made by Commissioner Dval, seconded by Vice
Mayor Langden. Nothing to that. Please vote. [cough and clears throat] And that passes 5 to Z. Moving on to item B 26-0416. discussion regarding administrative safeguards for permit processing and
development services interactions involving elected officials and related parties. Mr. Fletcher, this is your item. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. [clears throat] As we begin this, [cough] I want to clearly define what this item is and what it is not. This is not a
factf finding request. It's not a determination of credibility, nor is it an accusation of misconduct. and no commission action is being requested tonight. This item is for discussion and transparency purposes only. Uh recently the commission made it clear to me not
to try to problem solve challenges with individual commissioners but instead bring it to the attention of the board and that's why I created the item. We are at a unique point since I have been here where we have a city commissioner that does business in the city of Northport. Any commissioner has that right to do business in the city of
Northport. In doing so, controls should be put in place to ensure transparency and staff is not put in a position of receiving undue political pressure. Therefore, this item addresses administrative safeguards when an elected official's business intersects
with the city's operations. Northport operates under a council manager form of government and the charter establishes a clear separation. The commission sets policy and staff administers operations. that separation exists to prevent political pressure, perceived influence, favoritism, and
fear within the workforce. Recently, there were conflicting accounts regarding an interaction involving a permanent application associated with the city commissioner. One account from staff, a different account from others involved. Respectfully, I'm not going to debate individual recollections from the
diet. That would not serve the city. In the backup information for this item, it includes conflicting accounts. This alone should justify documentation safeguard needs. Even if no one intended pressure, safeguards are appropriate. Even if no name was invoked, safeguards
are still appropriate. And even if every party acted professionally, safeguards are still appropriate. Several employees have expressed discomfort attaching their names to the matter. That just reflects the hierarchy and local government. An elected official sits several levels above line employees in
the organizational structure. Even absent any explicit threat, the perceived imbalance alone can create hesitation on their behalf. Employees should never have to choose between doing the job and protecting their career. That is why structural safeguards exist. To insulate employees
from political pressure, whether intended or perceived to protect both the organization and the commission from allegations of improper influence, the following administrative safeguards are being implemented. We want to implement dual staff interaction protocol. Any future in-person interactions within
development services or any department involving anyone representing the commissioner's business or related parties will have at least two city employees present, one preferably a supervisor if available. Documentation requirement. All interactions will be documented as the interaction occurs in
writing. Commissioner Commission transparency notification. When permit applications or development paperwork is submitted bearing any commissioner's name, the city manager will notify the commission to ensure transparency and avoid any future allegations of preferential processing. There also should be strict procedural
neutrality. All submissions will continue to be processed in accordance with standard timelines and procedures applicable to all contractors so they are treated fairly and equally. These measures are structural, preventative, and apply equally to any commissioner. The purpose tonight is simple. Protect
staff from perceived influence, protect commissioners from allegations, and protect the integrity of our process. That is my responsibility under the charter. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you, sir. All right, commission questions, discussion.
Commissioner Pro, I just quick question. I have more to say but just to start with a question and then open up for discussion. So the city manager, what exactly are you proposing and how do we proceed as a board?
Commissioner Petro, I'm not proposing anything for the commission to do tonight. This is just information for you on what we're doing as a team and our staff to make sure that the situation that happened. Whether you believe my team or you believe your team, we can all agree that something
happened that we don't want to repeat itself. If we put stronger administrative processes in place, I think that we can do that and we can make sure that none of us are accused of either fasttracking or slow tracking something that one of our commissioners has submitted.
Anything else? >> Vice Mayor, I almost said it. Vice Mayor Langon. >> Wow. I wish I had a a suggestion for this, but this is a really interesting
conundrum for us to be in. Um, in my experience, which is somewhat limited, maybe eight years really watching city government I I don't think we have had a commissioner
who was either working for or owned a company doing business in the city. Typically, it was a situation like most of us up here. We're retired and for a variety of reasons wanted to serve in
this way to give back or younger commissioners were willing to give up uh whatever their line of work was and dedicate themselves full-time to being a Northport city commissioner. So, um, for
me, this is just so outside my realm of experience in what to do. And I'm I'm not sure while I'm um I'm I'm not opposed to what city manager is going to do administratively,
I'm not sure it would resolve this kind of situation. And what I sort [clears throat] of fall back on is when one of us up here has
some type of interest in the outcome of a vote. either a fight and I mean the statutes are are pretty clear probably city clerk might refresh us but you know we are not to vote on any matter where
we or family members or business interests [clears throat] could benefit from the outcome of that vote. So I don't know if and we need to do that publicly. I mean, we need to state publicly because we are required to vote
on everything except in those situations. So, I'm not sure if similar logic could apply here. So, um, and I'm not sure it's just
development services. I mean, I could think of a city commissioner for a variety of reasons trying to get staff to do something that might be misaligned with policy or or
might put the city or that commissioner at risk for an ethics violation. It's not just the commissioner that can get in trouble. staff can get in trouble um if they do things in a way,
you know, to make a commissioner happy that they wouldn't do for any business or person who would come in with that request. So I I don't know. I mean, if someone's doing business with the city and they
come in to do a standard function, then it should be treated like a standard function. For me, where we start mossying into a gray area is if [snorts]
that commissioner or one of their agents or or one of their employees or or one of their business partners wants the city to reverse a decision or do something in a way that is different
or contrary to how we would handle the request of any business. Should we make that known publicly? I I'm not quite sure what the resolution of that should be. Should it
should that come to commission? I mean, clearly that's against our charter. We are not to make requests of city city staff um and to do something to reverse a decision or to make a decision
differently than we would handle any situation might require some larger or more public scrutiny. I don't know what the answer is, but I wonder if I I'm sure there have been
municipalities in this state um who perhaps ran wild [laughter] at some point in their past where it truly was you needed to know someone in order to get something done. Were there any
municipalities that suffered from that? And then what did they do to clean their shops up? So are there any other municipalities who have addressed this kind of issue? The the kinds of
safeguards they might put into place when a sitting commissioner um is involved. And when you own a company or you're employed by a company,
then clearly the material interest is there. That's not a question. But boy, if if people don't police themselves, I'm I'm at a loss as to what we do. And I'm just wondering if there
might be um another municipality in the state who has faced and I'm not saying this is corruption but you know other municipalities who have had issues with
unlawful unethical requests by a commissioner or council person to staff and what are they doing about it? I mean, this is just so outside my experience um since I've been involved in in city
government. I mean, I'm interested in what my other commissioners have to say. I mean, it just puts everybody in such a bad position and the risks are high. I mean, the risk of ethical
complaint um and it has nothing [clears throat] to do with someone's intention. It has nothing to do with the actual event. If we behave in a way that even gives the appearance of
favoritism, we really open ourselves up as a city um to legal action and and ethical action. So, I don't know. That would be my thought is is there other municipalities who have perhaps put in
some safeguards to prevent this type of thing from happening? >> Does anyone know? >> Not at this time. >> Not at this time. >> Um, the one thing that I was going to say,
I'll get back to you for your second round. um was when Mr. Fletcher was speaking, he was talking about the safeguards that he was putting into place to where, you know, a couple staff members, one preferably a supervisor to
handle these things. And I remember back when Ian came through, I happened to be the mayor at the time and everybody was, you know, pretty much messed up with their houses going for permits and stuff like that. and I wouldn't have wanted and I told them I had a needed a new
fence. I needed, you know, stuff picked up. And I remember talking with the deputy city manager quite a few times asking him, I don't want that truck coming down my road just because of me, but do you know about when we're going to be on that cycle? Cuz I didn't want
preferential treatment. I wanted to wait in my turn in line when I needed my fences. I said, I don't [clears throat] need to be at the top of the list. I want to wait my turn. because I didn't want it misconstrued that I was using my power over the building department to get my stuff done as soon as possible
just because I wanted it done. It wouldn't have been fair to anybody else that was in line out there. And by putting those safeguards in, you know, the building department's a small department and I'm sure you can hear what's going on in one area over to another area. And if somebody happens to
be another builder, developer, or just going in to get a shed permit, and the name of a commissioner comes up and they go, "Oh, we got to rush this through because commissioner so and so put this in there." Then this individual starts putting it on Facebook and then everybody looks at it as something
that's been being misconstrued. So safeguards, in my opinion, are are good to have in place. And I think by what you're saying is through the staff which you're in charge of and how to regulate staff and what staff should be doing
that that is the proper way of doing things on our behalf. We're we got to keep to our own as well and and keep our house in sync going forward when we do go for either even rent in the park. You know, you never know. Oh, so and so
already booked it. Okay. No, it's me. I want it. No, it can't happen that way. But Commissioner Pro. >> Yes. Thank you, Mayor. It's interesting that we're talking about the preferential treatment. And as a when I was elected, I never wanted to
have a preferential treatment. Um, and as a matter of fact, when I was or when I'm wearing a city logo uh shirt with my name, I have a second t-shirt uh in my car if I go public places. I don't want people to treat me differently from
anybody else, but I always wanted to have a preferential treatment of truth because I prefer truth. Um, and when we say that there's no accusation and I I I
tend to disagree and I want to read a couple things. On Friday, the email that circulated and was sent to the commissioners on Friday, January 23rd, Mr. Timothy Drum, engineer, visited the building division, representing himself on behalf of the applicant, Commissioner
Petrol, which Drum forcefully and publicly insisted that the chief building official and building division staff were liars and that the chief building official was wrong, that new plants needed current Florida building
code should be not required. Mr. Drum repeatedly invoked commissioner's petrol name with overtures of negative consequences for staff for not approving the commissioner's permit as is. I look at this and this is fairly
heavy accusation um both to against Tim Drum and my name got involved in this. So, I just wanted to if the city clerk can show that um on on
the screen because this this has to be addressed and um I really have a preference for truth and I want to get to the to the thing that really bothers me. Uh but I concur completely with uh
Commissioner Lton. Um nobody should be given preferential treatment. Um, and I never intended uh or desired to be treated differently. So in red you see the accusation um and
this is this is a public accusation against Tim Trump because it's a public meeting. So and this was an attachment. It's a public meeting. So this is direct accusation of one two three whatever. Uh
he called them liars. um he invoked my name uh repeatedly and uh there would be some consequences if not uh so then I wait few days and I write a response and good thing I waited a couple days
because otherwise I would be violating the sunshine law and then would be a completely different uh set setting. Um but what I did write is um and bear with me because this is very important to me uh because um I
don't want to rush through this because uh involves my name involves me in my official capacity and as a resident um and I take it very seriously. So I wrote back to the staff copying staff and
obviously I wrote to Jerome Fletcher uh the city manager. So, I'm writing uh uh and my email is I'm writing in the great in direct response to the email circulated in Tuesday, January 27th, which contains several false and
defamatory statements about me or involving my name. Um and now we get to this, we start with she said, he said. Um but this is my uh affidavit if you will. So, I want to read it out loud for the citizens um because it is a public
meeting. So, for the record, um, and I I'm going to skipping I'm going to be skipping, but the my response is attached and supporting documents on this under this agenda item. So, I I'm just going to skip through the
Demetrius, Metro Commissioner for the City of Northport, Florida, have never instructed, asked or directed Mr. drum or anyone anyone else to advocate at my behalf on behalf of my interests or on behalf of the uh petrol Daniel Petrol
who's my brother the property owner in any matter. I have no ownership interest or equity stake of any kind in the properties owned by Daniel Petro [snorts] or his company including those two referenced properties.
Um and uh that is um two properties that drive already but they were abandoned and my brother acquired them. Uh but I want to go on and say uh a little bit about myself because of
my unique family situation with our special needs uh adults child. I really needed to have flexible hours. I mastered the remodeling trade really. And in the state of Florida, you cannot change a window or exterior door without
being a certified licensed contractor. Um, in Sarasota County, you cannot replace three or more drywall sheets. Um, sheetrock drywall
and that's a Sarasota ordinance without being a state certified license holder, not registered. you have to be state certified license holder. So I went and took a test and got the license um before I was elected. Um I just want to
point out that this is my personal um achievement and um I want to go through a sequence of events how we got here uh because that is very important to me. So I want to
first I want to read the I went and requested affidavits not requested but asked for affidavits of the uh both from Tim Drum and my brother Daniel and I'm going to
be reading and again I'll be skipping if you can show the um affidavit. I'm Timothy Drum P a licensed professional engineer in the state of Florida operating through drum engine brought up reference or used in any matter. I made no state brought up reference or used in
any matter. I made no statements, suggestions or overturuses regarding negative consequences for staff or any similar implication over or implied if the permit were not approved as is or any particular way. No threats,
warnings, or references to consequences were made by me at any time. The statements made in this affidavit are true and correct based on my own personal knowledge and recollection of the events. I make this affidavit freely involuntarily without any duress or
coercion for the purpose of refuting s certain false and defamatory allegations according to my conduct and statements during the January 23rd, 2026 discussion. notorized and so on. Um, and
then, uh, I do want to jump into the email, um, section because it's all public record and an email exchange between Elena Ray and Kyle Huffman.
And um, this just shows a different story, completely different story. Um, so Carl Hoffman, uh, zoning coordinator, wrote to Elena Ray on January 30th,
uh, and he said, "Good morning. On Friday, January 23rd, 2026, I witnessed interaction between building official David Greenbomb and Tim Drum while I was assisting with ensuring two separate building permits were in the correct
status of a plane zone review. Um, during the discussion regarding the status of the permits and the applicable building code requirements, there was a tense moment Mr. Greenbomb was addressing Mr. Trump and the contractor of record concerning a building code
interpretation related to the permit status. After that portion of the discussion concluded, Mr. Drum stated that Mr. Greenbomb had been wrong previously and did not apologize. Different matter. Uh then placed the document on account with sufficient
force to create an audible slap like I just did. Mr. Trump further stated that he believed Mr. Greenbomb building official was wrong again and asked whether Mr. Greenbomb would apologize if Baf determination ruled against his position
that is building official association of Florida. It's a binding uh uh directory uh opinion that has to be that resolves. So following the exchange the conversation deescalated and the parties
concluded their discussion. Mr. John thanked me and shook my hand, then introduced me to Daniel, who also thanked me and shook my hand for assisting in getting the CZ ZC certificate of zoning compliance to the correct status. At that time of
interaction, I was not aware that Dana was related to Commissioner Petrol. I became aware of that relationship only after they left. Um, and there's a reply from Elena Ray. Kyle, thank you for providing this. Would you be able to clarify the
highlighted section? It states the contractor of record was there. Commissioner Petrol is the contractor of record. If the contractor was not there, do you recall any mention of the contractor? Best regards. And Kyle replies,
Elena, I should have stated that the individual present was an applicant on the record, not the contractor of record, that is the owner. The two records in question were blah blah blah. At this time of the interaction, I assumed the individual was the contractor of record as he was
present with the Tim Drum and Daniel provided the application numbers for me to review. There was no specific mention made during the interaction identify identifying who the contractor of record was for either application. So
Kyle Hoffman who's a zoning coordinator confirms that there was no mentioning of any name. He was present there uh from the beginning and I want to read and Tim Drum being a business
professional he follow up with Kyle on his side and emailed um the question to him and that is I want to read this uh email from drum engineering
Tim Drum Tuesday February 17 2026 to Kyle Hoffman. Kyle, would you please send over I'll skip that. Kyle, so yes. So I want to read this. U did I
ever use the second paragraph. Did I ever use Did I ever once use Commissioner Demetrius Petrol name at all or any of in any fashion? Did I ever try to exert pressure on Mr. Greenbomb
or any city staff from a political standpoint on any standpoint at all by using commission's petrol name? Did I ever call Mr. Greenbomb a liar in that public meeting in question? Is there anything I'm skipping to the last barrier? Is there any anything else you
remember that was said in the meeting that would attest to how I portrayed myself? Please add it. Um, I I apologize, but I have to take this time and I'll read the response from
Kyle dated February 18th, 2026. Uh, and it says, Tim, and I'll read the highlighted version. Uh, during the discussion between you and Mr. Ground Greenbound, I do not recall you calling him a liar. I do recall you stating that
he had been wrong previously, did not apologize for it, and that he was wrong again in this instance. At that point, you placed your hand at the piece of paper on the counter with enough force to create a sliding sound. As if
expressing frustration, you asked Mr. Greenbomb if he would admit he was wrong if the BOF BF determined that his ruling was incorrect. The conversation was deescalated rather quickly and the status of the application updated to
acceptable status at that time which I have to clarify this. They reached an agreement on the spot. If the inspections were made u by a third party, the permit had not did not need
to be um start from zero. So basically saving thousands of thou th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th th thousandsands of dollars and I'm going to read the last if you go up uh have I do not recall commissioner
petrol name being mentioned at any point nor did I have any knowledge that the gentleman you were with was related to him. I was not aware of the fact until after conversation had ended and all parties had left. At that time I did not recall the specific of the discussion
other than that it related to building code discrepancy. I was only able to better understand the subject matter after reviewing email. The guy didn't even note that the the the commission commissioner's brother was there. The commissioner's name was and this is your
staff Mr. Jerome Fletcher. This is your staff confirming otherwise. And um I want to go further than he I'll skip it. But uh this is what I have to say. Um
I this is you know by making this public and this is uh well first I I want to say this Elena Ray um who is a director and I was told that she's a drama-free
uh she trusted Mr. green bomb. But why director Ray sent emails to Kyle Hoffman days afterwards where he clearly states he did not collaborate the story you or she portrayed in her email to the commissioners
um and city manager Jerome Fletcher. Why did you take Elena Ray's email at face value and did not doublech checkck yourself the facts with the witnesses being present there? Uh I know this individual he's been with
the city um working not with the city with providing to the citizens of this city services through his firm. The firm is close to 40 years old. Um
and this is how we tame the name of a prestigious personnel. um no matter who and I know there I came to realize once I was elected that there's been a feud between Tim Drum and Jerome Fletcher way before
I was elected and uh as I'm just want to confirm is uh Tim Drum on any of our advisory boards city clerk >> he's on two of them environmental advisory board and community economic development advisory board I believe >> and isn't he a chair on one of those
boards >> environmental. >> Now, I've been hearing from city manager that uh Tim Drum causes trouble and not a friend of the city numerous times and I'm sure he told not just me as a commissioner but to other commissioners.
Is that true that he causes any problems on the advisory boards? That's that's what Jerome Fletcher told me personally. Um is that true? City clerk, >> there was an email that I sent commission. And I want to believe it's in was in December where there were two
board members that their personalities conflicted. It was Mr. Drum and another board member that was on there. We addressed it with the um the board, the staff leaison and the chair at that time to see how we could move forward to make sure that they just weren't cutting each
other off when they were talking and that they were just open to each other's ideas. And since then, there has not been that issue. And if I'm if I if I'm correct, the other board member was always cutting off Mr. Drum's uh speech
when he wanted to say something. So he was he's a chair on one of the boards. >> He is now the chair on that board. Yes. >> And you've witnessed you've witnessed board sessions from time to time, right? when it was brought to my attention that there was a conflict, I listened to it
to that meeting and then I attended two meetings after that to make sure that they were going on the right path. >> So, >> and I listened I listened to all the the environmental board meetings after they happened. So my my question is uh uh Kyle Kaufman
uh corroborated that those emails were portrayed were not true and why director Ray sent emails to Kyle Hoffman days afterwards where he clearly states he did not collaborate um stories she
portrayed in her email and Mr. Jerome Fletcher, why did you take Elena Ray's email at face value? You did not double check yourself with other staff that was present there. The whole front desk was there. I think there are three people
sitting at the front desk. Why was not any confirmation of fact checked with those people or for that matter with Kyle? Kyle was there the whole time. U this is not how the city should run. I
think it's on purpose to smear his name. I think um I don't want to defend this person's credibility and the name. Um and uh we just open up another door of a
lawsuit by putting this public because this is made public and this is direct accusation not against me. If I've done anything wrong, tell me. uh ethics violations. By this time, I took three and a half courses, full courses of
ethics. I quickly quickly learned how to behave ethically. [clears throat] Um I've never asked I've never done any business with the city. Uh by the way, the email mentions that I met with the city staff on some other project or
development. I never met with anybody. I always meet with Jerome and if I need anything, I ask Jerome, can I meet with that person? And it's always in the presence of a city manager or deputy uh or assistant manager. So,
at the very least, I I've been uh I've been accused of ethic and propriety. And I say it loosely because someone whoever accuses don't have to prove anything. does not give does not have to
give you specifics just like this perfect example but if we want to put safeguards I I am all for the safeguards but that's not the way we do it this is a this is a complete contradiction not
by me or Mr. drum who represented me. Um he came uh as advisor capacity for my brother because of his knowledge as engineer. Um the guy designed and helped over 12,000
houses in the city of Northport. That's like 1/4if of all the houses and we defaming his name over and over again. But I want to get to this and it's probably a different topic for another day. But the feud started long before me
when Mr. Drum was told that he is required to submit geotechnical service for each house that is being that is being constructed. Um so he challenged
uh David Greenb who is a city official uh I'm sorry um building official. >> [snorts] >> So the building official told him to get a ruling declaratory statement before Florida's
building commission which is like a state bar if you will. So it's a building official association of Florida. They work together with DBPR, Department of Public and Professional Regulation
Department. Um and he was told once you get the ruling from U building official association of Florida, we're going to drop those geotechnical surveys which cost about $2,000 on average
for every permit. Um [snorts] and Mr. Trump could take advantage and charge his clients and just reap the financial benefit. But he stuck for the people for the taxpayers and challenged Mr. Greenbomb and said,
"Listen, [clears throat] the code does not require those geotechnical surveys." And Mr. Greenbomb said otherwise. And he was interpreting Florida building code as opposed to Florida residential code.
So Mr. drone went and got the informal interpretation report and what the question when the structure is designed under Florida building code residential volume specifics
uh and the answer is no. Please see attach commentary. So he provided this ruling from uh DBPR and building official association of Florida to David Greenbomb. [clears throat] And David Greenbomb said no. The
neighboring municipalities require so shall we. And my predecessor did not require. I know better. I'm paraphrasing. So this doesn't fly. Get me a binding one. Mr.
drum files for a binding declaratory statement, paid the money, waited six months, got the binding ruling, brought it to Mr. Greenbound and said, "Mr. Greenbomb, you should drop these geotechnical
service that are required only for hangers and like commercial stuff, um, construction projects, but not residentials." Mr. Greenbell said, "No, we'll not do it." And then
somebody approached Mr. Jerome Fletcher and said, "Listen, you got to drop this." And the next day it was dropped. But that individual had his own interest, not affiliated with the city, not affiliated with Tim Drum. So that cost
the taxpayers over close to two years in millions of dollars. individually they were paying from thousand on average to 3,000 per geotechnical survey. So that's where the feud started. I've started to understand
why his name had to be completely smeared with this nonsense which is completely uh not supported by the factual information that I did it. It's all public record. email exchange between Elena Ray and Kyle
Hoffman. And I'm I don't mean to I was not planning to talk about geotechnical surveys and all that stuff. You know, now that it's it's public record, we open door to one lawsuit that he's accused of
involving my name, uh making threats, applying political pressure. will open up a second door of a lawsuit for Mr. Trump to sue on behalf of the geotechnical because that's public information. Um
not to mention u non-disclosure agreement uh which was in the process of signing by the city for competition purposes. Um, and that was blown. Um, and I know exactly what you know, if you
want I can go into details, but it's all an attachment of the documents. So, three doors of a potential lawsuit. Do we go on and on with lawsuits? Do don't we have enough of lawsuits in our city? Why defameing somebody's name? Really, I
don't really care what you say about me to at this point. I will serve with integrity and I will serve the people of the city of Northport. I did not instruct them and they did not invoke my name. Kyle's emails prove it. Elena
Ray's emails to him asking proves it. There was another individual present um Cody Crawford I think but he came into mid point of conversation. So he missed
some of it, but he heard um so I say all this to say this. [snorts] Do we need another lawsuit? Do we need another mess in our city commission? Do we why what if we need safeguards? We could have done it much better way and not make up
story. Uh I just want to I did not initiate this. I didn't want to expose anybody. But you know, I'm bringing this to the light. So, uh, for nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that
will not be known or come to light. I I think that's, you know, at this point, you know, we have lawsuits after lawsuits, settlement after settlement. I don't want to name them, but if we need to,
I wouldn't be surprised if Kyle Hoffman is going to be let go. few weeks later and he's gonna sue the city [clears throat] for the same reason. We have a Kim Williams lawsuit. We have >> Let's stick to the topic, sir.
>> Yes. So, my topic is I I'm clearing my name. Clearing Tim's Drum's name because he did not do that what was stated in the in the email. And I almost got trapped. I almost got trapped. If I
would reply to all of them, the people that listed that the email was sent, I would violate sunshine law, which I know, you know, I the first thing I I was shown this email by the city manager. He told me, "You got to talk to
the city attorney. You got I'm I'm wrapping up." Um I did talk to the city attorney and city attorney told me, "Yeah, you can reply to anybody you want." Uh but uh you know a few days later I see that it's going to be agenda
item and if I did reply to all I would be a much much different situation that I am right now. It would be a violating I would be violating sunshine law because if I replied to the city commission but
I did reply and I excluded the city commissions commissioners. So, I have more to say, but for the sake of time, I I don't have much to say. I just I I regret that it got to this point. I don't know how it
got twisted. I think the story had to be collaborated, factchecked. Um, at this point, I believe Tim Drum because Kyle confirmed it. Completely confirmed it. He didn't even
know that they were related to me. [clears throat] Um, [snorts] thank you, Mayor. >> Thank you, sir. Commissioner Stokes. Thank you, Mayor. Well,
um, you know, this is a real he said, she said. >> Not really. >> Excuse me, sir. Please. I listened through your conversation. Now it's my turn, sir. Okay,
we have an email from a director of this city who says one thing. We have a response from a sitting commissioner who says the exact opposite. Somebody isn't telling the truth. And I sure do have a hard time
understanding why any member of staff wouldn't tell the truth. I mean, it's just a job for them. But that's not the issue here. Because in order for us to determine who's actually telling the truth here, we would have to spend a lot
of taxpayer money and a lot of time and a lot of work to have everybody deposed under oath to have a full-blown investigation done at the taxpayers's expense to decide. And even if we found out that Commissioner Pro or his brother
or his brother's designate wasn't telling the truth, what could we do? We don't have the authority on this dis to remove a sitting commissioner. So unfortunately
this matter is going to be adjudicated or judged in a court of public opinion which is a horrible thing because in a court of public opinion rarely does truth and honesty matter. It only matters what the
optics say. People are going to ask where did where did Commissioner Pro get this money to buy these half a dozen properties all within about a year. Why did he quick claim them to his brother for $100 a property? Why is the address
of the LLC that they were quick claim to the Commissioner Pro's home address? Um, people might ask the question, is this why Commissioner Pro's been asking for unfettered access to staff?
um you know all these questions are going to be asked in the court of public opinion and nobody's going to have the answer to them and that's a shame and what it does do is point to something that I recall just a couple of meetings
ago commissioner pro said he said he doesn't trust government he says who trusts government why would anybody trust government well I submit to everybody that this is a perfect example of why people don't trust government. Thank you, mayor. That's all I got to
say on this matter at this time. >> Thank you, sir. Uh, Commissioner Dubal. [clears throat] >> Thank you, Mayor. Obviously, this is upsetting to everybody. I know it is to me.
If one of we five commissioners breaks a law, then it should be addressed the same way any citizen is addressed when they break the law. If someone
smashes the door of your empty house and enters, steals your property, then they should be arrested and it should be adjudicated in a court of law. [snorts]
This was not done that way. This was done via an email and that is not the proper way. The city manager says now in the future we'll
have safeguards [snorts] if a city commissioner is dealing with staff on whatever matter. Some private business matter then there should be a number of people
present you know maybe cameras for all I know I personally had an issue I've spoken of it to you before where as a citizen
I went to Mr. Green Bomb's Department to just ask a question about obtaining a permit for my own home. And Mr. Greenbomb, I've said this before, came out in a
very unfriendly manner and sort of jumped on his employee. What are you doing? What are you doing? What's going on? Didn't say hello to me. was not very friendly. And when the lady trying to help me
explained that I was just inquiring about getting a permit, they just turned around and said, "Okay, you can help him." And he went out back again. Never spoke a word to me. In the past,
Mr. Drum has applied for boards and I have been spoken to by city staff that they prefer not to have him on a board.
He statements have been made to me that you know he causes trouble for the city to get this down to where an email
has accusations, you know, against the city commissioner. This was totally the wrong way for this to be done. If a city commissioner is breaking some law, then it should be addressed through
the law, not through what amounts to innuendo. Inuendo. Um, this just should not have happened. If there are wrongs committed by anyone,
you know, you have witnesses to bring it up into the, you know, the public court. As my fellow commissioner just stated, you know, now public opinion now people are going to be looking at Commissioner Pro
saying why did he do this? You know, why did he, you know, buy six properties? Why did he trans? Guess what? It's nobody's business. That's his private business. And if he kepts that keeps that separate
from his job as a commissioner, then it's nobody's business. And this should not have been done through emails. And you know, there had to be retractions.
There were retractions to that email. I can't say anything more than than this was just wrong done in the wrong manner. And if there's no proof that Commissioner Pro has broken any law, then he deserves an
apology. >> Commissioner Pro. >> Yes. I just want to finish with this. I respect the city manager's office. I have nothing against the city manager. What I have against is halftruth or lies. And this is not the truth that was
presented in that email. It was refuted by multiple people by sworn affidavits. In my reply in my email, I said sword affidavit. Now, you know, I didn't use an AI. Um, but Mr. Trump did a sworn
affidavit that can be used in the court of law. My brother did a sworn affidavit. I did my own reply that I can still do. I do believe this is wrong. I'm not trying to
play games. I really serve with genuine heart. >> [clears throat] >> Um, and I just have to wonder what's the what's the motive or genuine motive behind this as far as the
the address uh my personal address being listed. Um, well, first I have not built a single house in the city of Northport. I'm still finishing up my own house which is owner builder house. Uh not my
license, not through my company's license, not through my individual license. And I the house that I'm finishing up three years and I still have not moved in, but I listed my brother's
address as my current residence. So that's why he gets mail because he lives with our mom still. So that's the answer to the public. Let the court of public opinion judge this. That's the only reason I listed his
address as my personal address because with my family situation, it's really hard to work um besides being commissioner on my own house that I'm finishing. So I conclude with this. I really enjoy
being commissioner. I really thrive to be more transparent and this is good. Let the people see I'm fine with that.
Uh so but the way it was done it's not appropriate way. And I just wonder what's the motive behind that and when it's it was refuted by multiple people
and let the people decide I but if I have done anything wrong if I've done anything unethical I can be referred to ethics commission if I violated any sunshine law
state that. But this behind the scenes thing, I don't think it's appropriate. I would not want to do that to someone or be in that situation. But I'm more concerned about Mr. Drum's name because his name is at stake, his
reputation. His father started his business at 1989. He took over a few years later. He has done some favors for the city as engineering firm long before all of us.
He loves the city. He told me he loves the city and this geotechnical thing. He didn't take advantage of the people and collected money. That's why he confronted Mr. Greenbomb. And by the way, when the requirement was
dropped for geotechnical surveys, it was cited that because of neighboring communities do not require that. [snorts] Um when he was told otherwise that neighboring communities did require or municipalities did require that.
Um that's all I have. Thank you, >> Commissioner Stokes. And then we're going to wrap up. Yes. I I just want to ask Commissioner Petro a question because nobody's actually asked him this. Um and I agree. I mean the the
[sighs] to be judged in the court of public opinion is it's the worst possible thing. Commissioner Pro, would you like this body to authorize a full-blown legal investigation of this matter where
everyone involved right down to the staff is deposed and under oath and we get to the bottom of this? I mean, it's going to cost some money. I I don't think it's going to cost a fortune, but it's going to cost some money. And it would get to the bottom of everything.
All the facts would come out unequivocally. Would that be your desire? >> I certainly would not oppose to that. Certainly would not. If the board, this is the board's decision. If the board
decides, I'm all for it. I'm not objecting. Not at all. Not at all. Do not object. I do not object. All right, we're done with us. Uh, city
clerk, public comment. >> I have Tim Doyle, Tim. >> Tim Drum and Mark Brown. [snorts] >> Obviously, some of you know my background, some of you don't.
I've had what 30 to 40,000 people work for me over my career. Worked with me, for me, or vendors. And just sitting here listening to everybody, sounds like you handled this all wrong.
I mean, if you're going to do an investigation, it's a little late. Everybody's compromised. Everybody's already been talked to. Everybody already changed the stories. [snorts]
The one thing I will say about this, I know nothing about it. I will say Mr. Fletcher, am I saying your name right, sir? The city manager, it's a very good topic to bring up.
I have nothing bad to say him about him for bringing it up. I will tell you in my 35 career uh year career I saw whatever it's been 45 years ago I started whatever I've seen boards like you I've seen
building boards all kinds of boards all kinds of inspectors from the cities and when they get a hair across their derriè forget about it I've seen them go in there and tell one person they can paint a building red in
the very next person they can't. I've seen lawsuit after lawsuit. I've been to meeting after meeting when people put their mouth in their foot or something like that. There needs to be some safeguard on this
policy. That is correct. But it seems like they're all doing it for one uh reason because of one instance. When you make rules and regulations, you don't do it on a whim. [snorts] You don't do it because of one
situation. You look at several situations and you come up with the right laws or the right way to do things. That's what I see down here is a big problem with the laws down here. You guys protect corporations, you don't
protect citizens. Now sitting here, I don't see any law that was broken. No money got handed at anybody to do anything wrong. It's a bunch of people who work together don't like each other. Bunch of inspectors who don't like each
other or don't like a builder. Think that's the first time that happened. And special treatment for people like you. Damn, it happens every day. That's nothing new. We're tired of it. That's why I'm here.
Retired of all the special treatment. Have a great day. [snorts] >> Good evening. My name is Mark Franson. I'm a resident of the city of Northport. I've lived here since 2017. In all fairness or transparency, I
passed out over 4,000 uh voter guides endorsing Dimmitri for city commission. I invited him to multiple events where we allowed him to speak, allowed him to answer questions, and we believe that
we've given him a fair shake. Now that I said that, I also have to say, yes, three meetings ago, you said we can't trust government. your government. This point in time, the red flag is raised. Whether it was an error, whether it was
he said, she said, you know, uh we're we we stand today in a circular firing squad because it is a he said, she said, but unfortunately, it's come to the
surface and it has a stink to it. And someone made mention the optics. The optics. There was an issue. No law has been broken. Granted, but has special treatment been sought
out. We have no idea because again we said she said in regards to sunshine law and the the reason these things keep happening or the these questions keep arising is just a month
ago it was made mention from the dis that we have had a sunshine law broken when Dmitri made mention that he personally talked with David Dval. It's in our It's in our city records.
Nothing's been done about that. It makes us start to scratch our head and wonder what is going on. And we understand that we're not professionally trained as politicians. Uh although we do take courses, we do go to classes. Uh I believe every year you
do another uh uh class just on the sunshine law. But Dimmitri, I don't know whether you have or haven't broken the sunshine law, but that is a statement that is not
proper. And I have to tell you, we hear the statement constant and it's just how it looks. The optics, we hear the constant cont uh statement from certain members of this board. It's for the people. This
one looks like it is for the people. only unfortunately it's for the people under my roof not of the city and that becomes a majorly concern. I'm not asking you to resign but I'm asking to search your heart. I'm asking to search it deeply. Thank you. Have a good
evening. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. And to test the matter, I love the city of Northport. Um, we were probably the firm that's done the most work in the city. My kids live here, they play here, grew up here. I mean,
this is where I'm from. Um, I love this place and, um, I deal with individuals, contractors every day that come to me and they're like, "This is not how the city of Northport used to be." Um, it used to be easier to be here. It used to be easier to do business, work, and all
that stuff. And I do remember that. Remember my dad teaching me how to do stuff. I remember the previous building officials and all this stuff. This is not how it used to be. I don't think this is how it should be moving forward either. Um I would like to see resolution. I like transparency. The
only fact is there was transparency. There were multiple staff members that he's suggesting we should have had. They were there and they have attest that I did not do what they are accusing me of. So yeah, I agree with Jerome Fletcher.
There should be transparency. Unfortunately, it should be for the staff because the staff did not handle this correctly. It should not have been done sent out an email. They are slandering my name. There's no question about it. Their bias towards me has been evident for years.
And all I've ever done was try to stand up for the citizens of Northport to stop them from having to pay extra money for things they do not need. And granted, I'm an engineer and I'm telling them as an engineer, you don't need to pay engineers to do certain things. That
doesn't make sense to you, does it? Like, you're making more money if I say yes. But I'm not here to make more money off the people. I'm here to stop corruption, stop things that shouldn't have happened in the first place. And I told the city, some of you commissioners, I wrote you an email
years ago telling you about this issue. I'm like, this is a problem. You're causing thousands upon thousands of dollars for these people that aren't needed. It's not required in other local jurisdictions. I had building officials from Charlotte County, Sarasota County,
all these things tell you it was not required. But no, didn't wash our hands. It's not our our place to step in or do anything. I followed the rules. I got the rulings. They still weren't followed. And then eventually it just
all went away. Hush hush. and hopefully no one remembers it. Um, I think the city of Northport people deserve better than that. Um, and I hope there is transpar. I'm not here to make a problem for the city of Northport. I didn't join boards
to make a problem. I'm here to try to help. I've been educated. I've learned stuff. I listen to people and I try to take what I've known and make this place better. So, I do thank you for your time. And again, I'm not here to make a problem. If you want character
references, I can give plenty. Um, you can talk to me yourself any day. Come by, I'll make a cup of coffee. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. >> No problem. >> Thank you, ma'am. All right. Moving on to item C, 26-0431.
Um, Miss Fos, will you uh let us know about this item, please? >> This item was requested by Vice Mayor Langden if she wanted to speak to it. I saw that, but I wanted you to say it. >> Vice Mayor, this is your item. >> Yeah, thank you, mayor. [clears throat]
Um, as we are all well aware, um, up in Tallahassee, decisions are being made for state appropriations for different organizations um, within the state. And um, at a
recent board meeting at Teen Court, [clears throat] I sit on the board of teen court. uh the issue of appropriations came up and the fact that I I believe our chief has already submitted a supportive letter. He's
nodding um to the governor uh to continue the state's support of teen court. Um and I believe the school board has done something similar. So, at that board meeting, I offered to talk with
all of you to see if you would also like to submit um a letter to the board. And I thank uh city clerk staff for helping me pull a draft together. I believe it was attached to this agenda item.
Um so, if you would look it over and let me know if you're willing to do it. I would love to sign it since I'm a member of the board, but I know it is customary for our mayor to sign these kinds of uh
letters or correspondences. And so I'm perfectly happy if the mayor signs it also if we all agree to that letter of support. So uh what thinkkest you? >> Well, I think Commissioner Stokes
thinkkest first. [laughter] think it's this is a good idea. I'm all for it. >> Great. >> Thank you, mayor. I'm in support of it. Anybody else? >> Got any public comment? [clears throat] [snorts]
>> I guess the teen court is an alternative type of thing. Am I right? I don't think locking up kids in jail is the right thing. I'm going be honest with you. You take them and you put them with
people that are worse than them, they just come out educated. So, if there's programs out there that a teen could go to
that might help them move, be better in life, and I'm all for it. I'm not going to sit here is um I've seen too many people go the wrong way.
I grew up above a funeral home. I hate to tell you, I know some things about my friends, brothers and sisters, that they don't even know, cuz I can't touch a body without a death certificate.
And what goes around sometimes in town isn't exactly the truth. There's a lot of problems out there. and uh a kid messes up,
you got to figure out a way to get them on the right path, not put them with other people. So, I'll leave this one alone on that. I support it. And I think these are the type of things that we should be doing in our community to help
our people. Thank you. >> I'd be looking for a motion. >> I'm happy to make up. Go right ahead. >> I move to approve sending a letter of support on behalf of the city of Northport and its commission in support
of the teen court program to the governor of Florida. >> Second. >> I have a motion on the floor made by vice mayor to approve sending a letter of support on behalf of the city of Northport in support of the teen court program to the governor of Florida. That
was made by Vice Mayor Langden and that was seconded by Commissioner Duval. If there's nothing to that, please vote. And that passes five to zero and pass the gabble to you. Want to make a motion?
Like to make a motion to go outside of our normary procedures and have the vice mayor sign the letter going to the governor. Yeah, I'll second. >> Okay, we have a motion on the floor made
by Mayor Emirich and seconded by Commissioner Stokes to have the vice mayor sign the letter of support to the governor on behalf of team court. >> Now tell us to vote.
>> Go vote children. And that passes five to zero. And thank you to the mayor for allowing more than sign. >> Now give me that back >> before you hit me with it. [clears throat] >> All right, moving on. General public comment. >> Debbie Mcdow. I'll be quick. At the last
meeting, the very first amendment to the new ULDC was approved 3 to2 to [clears throat] allow 247 activities in the CP and corridor zoning districts. The first motion was a compromise, but it failed. You were told the reasons to approve this amendment was to bring in jobs and increase tax base. All true, but at the expense of residential
homeowners who share property lines and their neighborhood, but it's been approved and there's no going back. However, you missed a golden opportunity to show residents you do listen and hear their concerns. you've missed an opportunity to find a compromise so businesses and residents win. The first amendment became another example of
tonedeafness. During that discussion, there were things you weren't told about this amendment. I doubt any of you knew there was a developer who wants to build a commercial establishment at Chamberlain and Gley north of I75, which requires the 247 hours to operate. I learned
about it by reading the public notice in the newspaper less than a week after the amendment was approved. That is not a coincidence. That's a calculated plan. Are you wondering how many new jobs will be created on this rather large parcel? Maybe two or three once it's approved and built. Guess how much additional tax
revenue will be added to the city's coffers. Nothing earthshattering. I can tell you the development is not all that glamorous either. As a matter of fact, it's just more of the same. The first business you amended the for is to build a storage facility. Yippi. I'm sure
that's not what you envisioned for 247 operations in these zoning districts either. Stephen Harrison, due to character restrictions, I had to make my public comment in two separate sections. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Deputy City Clerk Matt Pal for
his exceptional support. On multiple occasions, he has provided prompt professional assistance whenever I needed clarification or guidance, consistently going above and beyond to connect me with the right people and information. His dedication and professionalism reflect very positive on the city and his efforts have
significantly helped me conduct thorough and meaningful research. Additionally, I suggest updating the language regarding commission communications with staff similar to Venice, Florida and Charlotte County to state except for the purpose purposes of inquiry or information, the city commission and its members shall
deal with city officers and employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the city manager solely through the city manager. Overall, I believe the commissioner, city attorney, city staff, and the city manager are doing a wonderful job with just a few areas needing correction. Thank you for
your attention to this matter. And in person, Tim Doyle. So, Mr. Mayor, why am I so mad after what I found out this week? You don't need a permit in Northport to put up a fence anymore. 6 foot. You don't need it anymore.
I went and got the police report cuz I don't even know the people who came on my property. There's a 911 call. She called you. At least I believe it was 911. Started yelling, screaming. Someone is
on my property. Number one, that's factually inaccurate because I was on my property. But after getting the police report, sounds like she lied to 911.
Is on the police report. It says she is from Cape Carl. So some woman from Cape Carl came up to Northport to build a fence on my property. According to the police
report, [snorts] police come. She's yelling all kinds of stuff. Same situation when the guns were put to my head. I feel a couple those cops believed her and not me.
How do you think I feel? Again, not every cop I think bought it. I don't know if the woman works lives in the house or not, but on the police report says Cape Carl. I don't know what to [snorts] say to you guys.
I think it's disgusting. I come to this room and just ask you to take care of problems. I could shoot your butt off. You're talking about lawsuits. I could own this down. The vice mayor [snorts] did me wrong in this room. It's all on camera.
I've been done wrong all over the place. I'm tired of this. You guys, you know, they call me deplorable. You guys are despicable. I'm sorry. You You have a code department and
people are going out and you give out permits and because they can't figure out how to pull a permit or hold someone responsible to build a fence, you do away with the law. So now we got people from Cape Carl coming up to Northport to
build fences on other people's property. Are you kidding me? You guys are pathetic. You were supposed to hold people responsible in the code department and find out why they didn't do their jobs.
I paid for a survey. You have a stamped survey. I gave it to the cops to prove I was on my own property. We're almost out of time. This is going to go up for years. You people are despicable.
>> Thank you. >> Moving on to Commissioner Communications, Commissioner Duval. >> Thank you, Mayor. Last night, I did attend our city's town hall, which
I'd have to ask city manager, he was there. I thought it was well attended. Yes, sir. >> I was I was afraid that I might walk in there and there might be 10 people. Um I think there were 10 people that asked questions. Um
staff did a great job at presenting. It was about how government works. Um, the most important about thing about it to me was that it involved our citizens. To get our
citizens involved is very important to managing this city. Um, city staff deserves a pat on the back for that last night. [snorts] >> That it. >> That's it. Thank you, Commissioner
Stokes. >> Not a thing. >> Same here, Vice Mayor Langden. >> Nothing tonight. Thank you, >> Commissioner Pro. >> All right. City clerk. >> City attorney?
>> Nothing, mayor. >> And the good old city manager. How about you, sir? >> Nothing, Mr. Mayor. >> Thank you. It's 8:07. I adjourn this meeting.