No, what? Yeah. --------- Jeff. How long has everybody known? I'm the last. Oh, I'm happy for you but I'm I'm sad. Hi. They didn't tell me. What?
That's fantastic. Oh, yes. But not here in town. Right, but then you get your passport and then you don't work here. Yeah, but it's like So, right. Yes. And you've got Medicare. That's what I That's what I thought you
meant to say. You're so far away. Oh my god, why? Who are you? >> [laughter] >> Yes. Oh my gosh. So, you don't have an update for us, huh? So, like no update. >> Hey Jamie. Don't have C9 for the morning yet. Tony
is over Um so I don't know if Well, heart rate was regular right up but I don't know what items they're running it downstairs now. For pre-op, yeah. Yes. Hi. Good, how are you? Oh, yeah. This one popped up on it.
I think it's Brandon. Brandon. So, I have an item to hold unless something happens by then. C9 and it's So, there's half. Yeah. We can get that again.
We can get that again. Yeah, but we don't have them here. By the way, Is it? Oh, yes. Well, I'm not trying to go to the Um I have to We should So, Sometimes it
No. Brandon said I should Brandon? Brandon? I do. I I go for vouchers. Yeah, yeah. I probably do. I used to have a drawer in my house Yeah? I told Brandon he had to get past the past Yeah, I like
I'll just keep I'll just go for you to talk. We're late. Everybody's off having a I didn't sign Hold on. Please sign in. Hold on. Is it good to go? Is staff predominantly
Got it. Okay. Good morning. I'd like to call to order the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners 10:00 meeting on April 21st, 2026. At this time, please sign in silence all electronic devices and mute your phones. Please rise for the invocation and pledge of allegiance.
Good morning. Let's pray. Our Father, we've come together again today for another important meeting and as I looked at the agenda, I see that a number of groups are going to be recognized today and I just thank you
for those groups, all of the people that are represented and all the service that they do for our county and uh I see that there's a number of people from the extension and garden people here, Lord, and I just thank you so much for them. It's nice to know there's so
many green thumbs when people like me have black thumbs, Lord, so I just thank you so much for them and uh their attempt at keeping our county beautiful in the midst of the tremendous growth that's going on. And many other things on the agenda as
always, Lord, so I just lift up this day and ask that you uh give us open hearts to hear concerns, that you give us wisdom to make decisions, and that when all is said and done, we'll all be able to look back on this day and say that we
did the best that we could. And I lift this up in your name. Amen. I pledge allegiance 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 Madam Clerk, please call the roll. District 1, Commissioner Oakley. Here. District 2, Commissioner Whitman. >> Present. District 3, Commissioner Starkey. >> Here. District 4, Commissioner Yeager. >> Here. District 5, Chairman Mariano. Here. Now is the time for public comment.
Citizens are given an opportunity to comment on any current or future agenda item coming before the board and on other business under the board's purview. Today's public comment will be handled as follows. First, we'll take public comment for those who are here in person. Then we'll take public comment for those who are pre-registered for an
online link and currently on queue. We request that when you address the board, comments are not directed personally at a commissioner or to a team member, rather directed at the issues. This provides mutual respect between the board members and the public. After stating your name and address for the clerk, a 3-minute timer will be
activated and a green light will be shown on the podium. After 2 minutes is up, a yellow light will indicate that you have 1 minute left. When your time is up, a red light will be displayed, three beeps will sound and you should close your comments. Online participants will be disconnected automatically when their time is up. Madam Clerk, do we
have anyone signed up for public comment? Mr. Chair, we have four people who have signed up. We have Alan Rose, if you'd please step up to the podium, followed by Marcy Esper, followed by William Sapp, followed by Logan O'Leary. Thank you. Good morning. Alan Rose, 10221 Hilltop
Drive, New Port Richey, Florida. For the board, I have some papers. We are receiving and filing. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Motion carried. Well, good morning. Today is a little something we brought before you before, zoning. Zoning
regarding Golden Acres. Golden Acres is a community stretches from Moon Lake all the way across to Little Road. All the homesteads in in Golden Acres are 1 acre to 20 acres in in size. And we're always under pressure for
rezoning because developers want what we have, land. And uh we are zoned ER, yet that constant pressure is there. And uh the past 2 years because we saw what happened with Tanglewood, we have been watching carefully and you see us
whenever there is somebody's some something coming up to rezone. Then there are others that figure a way around the zoning. And they call themselves hobbyists. They build over 3,000 square foot commercial diesel shop within our
community, within 40 ft of a neighbor's back back door, so they're getting diesel smells, diesel fumes right in their right into their home. Yet this was permitted because it was a hobby. And because it got past that part, they didn't realize that we had our uh
land covenants in place. They built within this within the county in accordance with 5 ft of the fence line. If you're within Golden Acres, our our covenants our land rights say you can do 25 ft to the side line because we all have larger
properties. You don't go 5 ft. 25 ft to your fence line. From your front, it's 50 ft. From your back, it's 50 ft. But because they got skipped, these are old, so they're people don't always catch them. So, this hobbyist saw another hobbyist get away with this over
in Osceola and that place [clears throat] looks like a disaster. But he was done before all of this. And we just want to preserve what we have. So, we're just asking that you when you see these different things people should pay attention and understand. He may be a hobbyist, but what's this hobbyist going to do? He's
going to put a 3,000 square foot shop in his backyard. It's it's tough. Um we uh so and it it also is supporting his commercial fleet of of owner-operator trucks that aren't registered under him. He's got them leased out. They're all
all showing other places. So, now you have a hobby supporting a commercial fleet. diesel trucks All right. And uh so, what I would close with this today's package just to show you copy of where he's located.
Copy of our land covenants from way back when. I believe the next time they go for renewal will be in uh '28. Then we have the building permit for this particular building site. And uh it just goes on and I even included a
conversation I had with this gentleman because I was trying to see where we have to go. So, because this is this is not under uh cer- certain perviews, it's becomes a a civil matter. So, now you have a neighbor that's going to have to take this other neighbor to court
because he was able to build this so fast, he got it up and and operates this. And it's it's it's impeding. So, I just want us to be a little more cautious when we see these types of zonings coming in and these types of developments coming. Please keep in mind, we're we're a rural
community. We all like I said, we're all on acreage. We don't need people 40 ft from our back porch bringing diesel fumes right into our our homes. Thank you. And before you leave, would you talk to David Allen, especially if there's any violations going out there, David would like to address them for us.
Thanks. Thank you. Thank you. Marci Esberg, if you would step up to the podium followed by William Sapp, followed by Logan O'Leary. Good morning, Commissioners. Marci Esberg representing the Pasco County Continuum of Care, co-located with the lead agency at 5652 Pine Street in New
Port Richey. For 17 years, the COC has been a driving force in our community's efforts to address homelessness. The COC exists to promote community-wide commitment to making homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. To provide
efforts for funding for non-profit profit providers to quickly re-house those experiencing homelessness while minimizing their trauma and also the impact on our community. And also to implement a housing and
service system that meets the needs of those experiencing homeless in our community. I want to thank Pasco County for the important work you continue to champion in our community, including the many things you funded, homeless outreach,
data management, case management, permanent supportive housing, initiatives with Pasco Hope, shelter acquisition, improvements, and operations. Also, the county has included making homelessness rare and brief in their
strategic goals. Thank you for investing in this community and this important issue. Today, I want to introduce you to some of our nonprofit partners who are helping people experiencing homelessness here. The Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco
County helps individuals and families move from crisis to stable housing. They provide direct assistance, coordinated entry access, housing navigation and case management, emergency shelter connections, homelessness prevention, and linkage to
essential community resources. As a lead agency, they play a central role in bringing providers together, outreach teams, public partners, and together creating a more effective and compassionate homeless response team.
In addition, we have One Community Now who's dedicated to ending hunger, preventing homelessness, and empowering individuals. Their Veteran Support Center offers a safe and welcoming space where veterans can shower, have laundry, and access case management while
building community. By filling gaps, removing barriers, and keeping the focus on housing stability, these agencies serve as two examples of Pasco programs providing practical, life-changing support for our homeless
neighbors moving them from crisis to housing stability. Commissioners, thank you for the work you've already done to combat homelessness. We urge you to continue to lead with evidence, compassion, and funding so that every Pasco neighbor has
a safe place that they could call home. Thank you. Thank you. Willams William Sapp, and I'm sorry for pronouncing your last name wrong. Um followed by Logan O'Leary. I'm not [clears throat] good at this, but uh good morning, everyone. Um I'm
here to ask questions or something maybe it would be answered here. >> for the record. I'm sorry. Name and address for the record. >> That's okay. Uh William Sapp, uh 13117 Lauderdale Street, Hudson. And and just so you know, as you preface questions, we don't respond to them. >> [cough]
>> We just take your input. >> Yes. Okay. Sorry. >> [clears throat] >> Wanted to see how things could go um about a homeless lady in our little community that we have over there. It's called Terrace Gardens. Um right behind
Suburban Propane. The Sheriff's Department was called by my wife because of a lady relieving herself or defecating herself on the side of the road across the street from where we live. Um And and during the daylight on March 1st, uh
12:43 p.m. and was caught on our cameras. My wife spoke to the officers um and asked them to help her, she needs help or be arrested for defecating on the side of the road. Um she has some
issues. Um they spoke to her and after finding her, she was um back pedaling here, but um she was hiding in brush when they saw her And um >> [clears throat] >> I just, you know, can't believe that um
I'm not calling people out, but why no one did anything about this lady doing what she did. Um which she does need help. But um This is not good at this, but uh I mean, we pay taxes in our in in Pasco and
something has to be done with this. We have another incident on Terrace Drive where the ambulance was called this past Saturday twice on the lady sleeping on the side looked like she was not breathing. Um so, people are concerned. Um but I feel that something
should have been done when Pasco sheriffs were there. Um have another issue with the uh New Hope Church on Terrace Drive having a food pantry 24/7 giving out food to um homeless people. That is fine, but
should not be 24/7. It should be a time limit. Um there's debris. We have to pick up food in front of our house, baggies, garbage, all that. Um I'm ashamed to have people come visit us from out of the area that, you know,
relatives, friends, and they see all this stuff, people laying on the side of the roads and stuff like that. Sheriffs drive right by them, don't do anything. They I mean, there should be something put in place for this. These people need help. Um
I'd appreciate if somebody would look into this. Before you go, Chase Daniels. Chase is standing up right there in the back. He'd like to talk to you. Kathy Pearson as well and maybe David Allen would like to talk to you about those issues and they might be able to address it quicker and
better. Thank you very much. Thank you. We have Logan O'Leary. Hi everyone. I hope you're all doing well today. I want to say thank you all for being here. I'm very glad to be here to support my community. My name is Logan O'Leary.
I'm from 12309 Eagle Chase Way. So, I'm here as a environmental science student from SPC and a representative for the Fighters for Florida. I'm here with my teammate and I'm very glad he could be here with me
today. So, I wanted to talk about the pressing issues that are actually coming as close to my backyard. When I walk outside, I used to see this beautiful pond with
lush green vegetation and dozens of animals. Today, what I see is grass clippings and the dead plants that used to be so vibrant there.
I have seen the landscaping company spray harmful chemicals into my pond and is now overrun with algae, which is starving the spawning beds for the bass from their oxygen.
This can also cause many other harmful effects to the rest of the animals in this ecosystem. When I go to school I see the storm drains are filled with orange algae.
This developed after I saw a Pasco County truck spraying green chemicals into it. This can be toxic to individuals to animals
and it's very concerning to me. I want to be feel safe and be proud that my community looks nice and clean and that there are animals
supported just like they're the rest of our community. I am wondering if the investigation in section C19 of water quality will address these issues. I'm really hoping they will. I'm very optimistic about it.
So, going forward, I'm going to be very active in the community when I can be. Again, thank you all. And God bless you all. Thank you. Logan, I appreciate you coming forward. If you would talk to JP Murphy sitting right over there.
Um or actually no, Branford. >> [clears throat] >> If you can find out what that pond is and let's go take a look at that and see what's going on and keep up the career. We need good people like you out there doing the work. Quick question, how old are you? I am 22. Good job. >> [applause]
>> So, Mr. Chair, that's all what I had signed up. I don't know if you want to make a call to see if there's anyone else. Anyone in the audience would like to address the board? Which one? Okay, come forward. Are you Ms. Marquee? I am. Okay. That's going to be my next question. >> [laughter]
>> I'm Lori Marquee. I'm 6824 Puffin, Hudson. And I want to start with saying that I'm not talking about the people who have been affected by the hurricane. I know they're allowed to have campers and RVs and such on their property while
they're getting their lives back together. I've no issue with that. It would be nice if the county would offer a sticker or something to put on those units to make sure everybody in the community knows, "Hey, leave me alone. I'm still rebuilding."
So that my next comments will not have them being disturbed over and over. Since the hurricane, even a couple before the hurricane we've had people moving in RVs and campers like it's a campground over there. Empty properties that never had
structures and now we have RVs and campers. They come on the weekends, they open up their stuff like they belong there. Now maybe they own the property but that still does give them no absolute right to have camper there
acting like it's campground according to our bylaws. So, the other problem with that is we believe some of them are emptying their black tanks right into the canal. So, anybody who has camped knows what
the black tank is and it's not good. So, we really need those campers addressed and addressed quickly. And sometimes you don't see them. And this is the part I hate to say out loud, but
code works Monday through Friday unless they're called. We need weekends, we need nights, we need them to see what's happening in the community in real time. 100%. Um and the other problem is we have to
call, we have to complain. We called about a couple months ago about a corner property on our street. It's hard putting your name out there. I'm getting out of my car about 3 days afterwards. The man comes running down the street,
bulked up, screaming at me. Now I'm thinking he's he's going to attack me. Thank God my husband heard him and he come out and as soon as he saw my husband who is 6 ft tall he stopped and started talking to him calmly. But
for us to have to put our names out there every time there's a problem we need code to ride those streets. Not just work on complaints. They need to ride and start writing it up without us calling. Agreed. 100%. It's it's
terrible and we shouldn't have to put ourselves out like that even though the law says we should. I had mentioned to my sister and I think she mentioned it to somebody about a citizen's unit. And apparently the attorney for the county said that can't be done because
of whatever reason. But we're not talking about residents contacting residents. We're talking a community of residents who can contact code enforcement and say "This is what we're seeing. Can you please come
through with our community?" I would love a sweet through Vista Del Mar sweep because it needs cleaned up badly. There's at least seven. Okay. So, before you go, JP Murphy's right there. JP actually helps get a lot of things set up. And
there's our code person back there. Okay. All right. So, JP Murphy he he can talk about this far as these campers that were approved and permitted and that's supposed to be set up with all the connections. So talk with him and then as far as code doing a sweep out there, this is a good one that needs
So, we will roll with that. >> They're all good. What are you talking about? Well Thank you very much. >> Some of I got I got other issues like homeless I need to take care of, but this is an issue that we need to address. So, thank you. Thank you. All right. Anyone else in the audience would like to speak? Okay, and there's anyone online?
No one's online. Okay. I will close public comment and now we'll go to resolutions. Start with RS1. All right. If you are here with a cooperative extension volunteers, please step up to the podium. There should be
quite a few. >> [laughter] >> Well, more than right. All right. So, I'll start and by reading the resolution. Resolution number 26-191, a resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida
honoring County Cooperative Extension Volunteers for their commitment to Pasco County. Whereas Volunteer Appreciation Month is designed and is designated in April to honor volunteers worldwide who strengthen communities and recognize their impact on the community. And
whereas Pasco County 4-H volunteers have demonstrated outstanding commitment by providing guiding guidance and positive experience to Pasco County's youth with more than 6,040 volunteer hours in 2025. And whereas Pasco County Master Gardener volunteers have demonstrated outstanding
commitment by providing exceptional education and outreach impacts to the citizens of Pasco County and contributed more than 9,691 volunteer hours and 2,145 continuing education units in 2025. And whereas Pasco County One Stop Shop
Pantry volunteers have demonstrated outstanding commitment through the coordination and pick up, packaging and loading of donated pantry food for more than 80,000 Pasco County citizens just 2 years and contributed more than 6,753 volunteer hours in 2025. And whereas in
2025, the livestock program extension volunteers contributed 140 hours to the program by assisting with Pasco County Fair responsibilities, youth education, on-site consultations and contest for for for producers.
And whereas the Sea Grant program extension volunteers assist with the education of citizens and new initiatives designed to strengthen Pasco's resilience while improving the coastal environment through programs such as coastal cleanup and contributed
1,954 volunteer hours in 2025. And whereas Florida friendly landscaping volunteers have demonstrated dedicated service by assisting with with event setup, education, and construction of rain barrels among other duties by
contributing 535 volunteer hours in 2025. And whereas their efforts have significantly advanced the mission of Pasco County Board of County Commissioners and the University of Florida by providing rich cultural and educational experiences meeting the needs of Pasco County citizens and by
meeting those citizens where they are in life. And whereas their combined volunteer contributions of 17,567 donated hours in 2025 is the equivalent of $579,711 in donated services provided to Pasco
County. And whereas we are honored to recognize these volunteers for their outstanding service and dedication to Pasco County Cooperative Extension, the citizens of Pasco County, and [clears throat] the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners. Now therefore be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida that said board hereby
hereby honors the Pasco County Cooperative Extension volunteers and thanks them for their dedication to the citizens of Pasco County. Done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this 21st day of April 2026. Move approval. Second. All in favor say aye. Aye.
Mr. Oakley. Yes, sir. Geez, what I expected maybe to see Dr. Elmore. >> [laughter] >> Apparently she here for all the efforts >> [laughter] >> worker bees she has and I'm sure y'all done all those hours in only about a month.
I think what y'all could do in a year. [laughter] But it's great to appreciate for citizens for you being able to help the citizens of Pasco. A lot of times people are not close to what they really feel like they want to do in life even in life as you get older, they want to
do things and you make it available for them to be able to do these things. Cuz I know for a fact I've called Dr. Elmore and want to know about a community garden and then what I had a had a gentleman come out and visit me. So I know the education is there and and
y'all do a lot of good work for a lot of people and helping them you're helping them teach them how to provide food for themselves, especially on the community garden, but there's many many things that work right in with community garden and
I certainly appreciate all of it that y'all do that. It's it's kind of the unsung heroes. You do all this work and then mean that many hours and you say, "Oh, nobody even realized we do this." But yes, we realize you do it and it's been going on for many many
years in Pasco County. A county that's been very rural in the past has moved moved because of a lot of people that people say, "Oh, it's if they would just quit building they they won't won't come." But they're coming because we have the best way of life here in Pasco
County. And I've been here my entire life and I guarantee you that I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. Pasco County is my home and be my home for ever. So but it's great that y'all are helping the citizens of Pasco. They're very uh
much needed and y'all done a great job in in making your presence especially all the hours and all you're putting out there. So this is unheard of fact that how many hours you put out there. A lot of people go around and don't realize you're even out there
doing it, but there's a lot to be done and a lot more to be done cuz that train's very important for our citizens. Thank you. Y'all have a spokesperson? >> [laughter] >> I knew that was coming. >> [laughter]
>> First of all, I just wanted to thank the board for recognizing these volunteers. Um I am proud and honored to stand here with a very small legion of our hundreds of volunteers behind me. Um the Florida Cooperative Extension
Service is a proud well over 100-year-old institution operated by the land grant university system and the mission at the end of the day, regardless of the program area, is to make people's lives better. And sometimes that looks like helping,
you know, just kind of identify an insect or if a plant is invasive or something like that, all the way to um you know, think livestock for Pasco County. And yes, there are still lots of cattle in Pasco County. Um but helping them to maybe expand
those to expand their business and to be um more effective and to earn more money and to keep that local. Our 4-H volunteers helping to develop the next generation of leaders here in Pasco County is tremendous
tremendously impactful and important in so many ways. Our master gardener volunteers, I want folks to understand this is not really about gardening. That is a very surface level concept for that program. It is about environmental
education and benefits and certainly about water savings. That is really what their program is designed to do and they do it in a phenomenal way. Our one-stop shop volunteers that help to feed thousands of folks, help to start new
businesses, help to connect our citizens with other resources that the county provides. It's a tremendous service. Um and it serves all of Pasco County. We are all across this county in every little nook and cranny. Um so I am honored to stand here with
them and and be the spokesperson for folks that have such a tremendous impact in this county. I am so proud of them. And again, I appreciate the recognition that we're providing them, but I want to thank them for what they give. I mean,
it's blood, sweat, tears, and money that they put into this county. And um without them we would have nothing. So thank you all. And it's it's a great thing that you're an extension of the cooperative services cuz it wouldn't be done if if y'all hadn't volunteered to
get out there and help do it. Cuz there's a lot of people to meet, a lot of people to to see. I was just thinking through all the workers with 4-H and FFA students all over the county and through the fair, there's where you see a lot of projects.
People learn how to take care of animals. That if it hadn't been for a project like that, they may not have ever had an animal to take care of, a hog or or a steer or horse or whatever, you know, they might be involved in. But I was thinking the
other day I'd given back to FFA and 4-H students in my lifetime for 63 years through the fair helping them with their projects there. So it's it's great that y'all do the work you do all over the county. No matter
what [snorts] it be, we thank you very much for all your service. Thank you. And please join us on October 3rd >> [laughter] >> at Wesley Chapel District Go ahead and speak in front of the mic and please introduce yourselves. >> [laughter]
>> Please join us October the 3rd at Wesley Chapel District Park. We are having gardening festival 365. We have many many many of the Pasco County employees and organizations that will be
there as well, but we would love to see every one of you there. So now I need you to introduce yourself. It is our 10th year. I need you to introduce yourself and then um the lady who spoke beforehand if you could also the record is audio. So we need we need your name and if you'd like to say something. Brenda White and I am the uh chair for
365 that will be held on October 3rd >> [laughter] >> at Wesley Chapel District Park. Good job. Good job. Very good. Nice job, Brenda. And Dr. Elmore, we need you. Yes, please if you'll just state your name and um for the record for us so you can introduce yourself. And if you would say
your name again. Send an email about the event, too, so we can like we'll publish that on the county page as well. So I will be sure to get that to you. For sure. Thank you. And I will be sure that she gets it out. She she will. >> [laughter] >> She won't ever forget it. Whitney Elmore, I'm the Cooperative Extension Director here in Pasco County. Thank you, ma'am.
Let's go up for a picture. If you'll let would ladies come up in front here. We're going to stay back here. >> [laughter] >> And then just make sure anyone standing in the back row can see me and not the back of someone else's head. Can you step back a little bit? There you go.
Ready? All right. >> [applause] >> At least 10 times a month that she went to our place. >> Okay, next up is RS2. So, resolution number two, if you are here for National Military Appreciation Month, please step forward to the
podium. I see some I see some movement. Okay, how many we getting? Where's Derek? Oh, but he's a chaplain. I know we have seven deployed right now. Oh, really? >> Wow.
Wow. All right, I'll go ahead and read the resolution. Resolution number 26-192, resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, declaring the month of May 2026 as National Military Appreciation Month in
Pasco County. Whereas, designated by Congress in 1999, Military Appreciation Month is observed every May and encompasses several military-focused holidays, encouraging nationwide recognition of the contributions and
sacrifices made by the Armed Forces. And whereas, Military Appreciation Month plays a crucial role in fostering awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by the military community and provides for education and dialogue about the experiences of service
members, veterans, and their families. And whereas, throughout the history of the United States, the men and women of our Armed Forces have stood in defense of our freedom, serving with honor, valor, and the distinction in times of war and peace. And whereas, Military Appreciation Month honors every person
who has served in a branch of the US military and reminds us that we owe many of our freedoms to the sacrifices made by military personnel. And whereas, in addition to keeping the country safe, the US military also conducts important research that has led to many important
and useful civilian technologies that we use every day, like GPS, canned foods, and jet engines. And whereas, Pasco County is home to more than 50,000 veterans, as well as many active duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members, each of whom represents a
legacy of service and strengthens our local communities and contributes to the security and well-being of our nation. And whereas, the Pasco County Veteran Services Office, in partnership with community organizations, remains committed to supporting our veterans, service members, and their families
through outreach, advocacy, and comprehensive services. And whereas, the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners is grateful to our Armed Forces and shows gratitude for the service and sacrifice of military personnel, veterans, and their families throughout the entire month of May. Now,
therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said board hereby declares the month of May 2026 as National Military Appreciation Month in Pasco County and calls upon citizens to honor and express their gratitude to the members of the United States Armed
Forces, our veterans, and their families for their selfless dedication. Done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this 21st day of April 2026. Move to approve. Second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Commissioner
Starkey? Yeah, well, I'm really really proud to be the sponsor of this one as a active military son-in-law. Um and we have so many, I had no idea. And we also have many who served who who served
in the past, and I I think at this time I'd just like them to stand up, too, and be recognized. Former military here. Um >> [applause] >> I want to thank all of you. >> [applause] >> We're we're very grateful for your service, and um rather than me just tell
you how grateful we are for all of you, I want to hear who you are and how you serve, if you wouldn't mind coming up to the podium. >> [cough and laughter] >> I'll start off. Uh I'm not a stranger here. Uh Dave Gerson, I'm the manager of Veteran Services.
Um I'm I'm here proudly serving all the veterans in the county, um and welcome my fellow veterans uh and uh and county employees. >> what force were you in or are you in? >> I served in the Marine Corps for 33 years. Wow, amazing. Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much. I'm proud to be here.
>> And Dave, I want to thank you while you're here. Yeah. Oh, this is kind of this is unexpected, but uh I want to tell you he was with me this morning at 8:00 at a veteran's home that's 101 years old trying to get some help through one of the programs out there and took his time to get out there first thing in the morning before the board meeting so we can make it happen. So,
thank you for your extra effort to to help that veteran. >> Yes, sir. Whether whether they're a four-year veteran or a 22-year-old veteran or 101-year-old veteran, we're going to be there to help them out. Appreciate it. >> the support. Good morning, I'm C.J. Allen. I work in traffic operations. Um United States Army,
uh 26 years, seven months, 30 days. >> [laughter] >> I'm uh Scott Burke, uh Parks and Recs. Uh I did 10 years active duty and currently serving in the Florida National Guard. 23 years total. Wow, great. Thank you so much.
How are you guys doing? Uh Chris Rommel, uh Public Works. Um currently serving in the Army Reserves, did eight years active duty, so um 26 years so far. Which which force? Uh Army, ma'am. What? Army. All Army. Well,
is >> Guard, it gave it away. >> Is Marine Army? I don't No. It's its own thing, right? Uh What what is Marine come out of? Is its own thing? Uh Yes, ma'am. What?
It's its own branch of service. I think we need to move on. >> [laughter] >> Sorry. I always thought it was under one of the ones. Special people under a certain one. It's uh Derek Berger, Office of Economic Growth. I'm pretty green to this. I'm a Navy um chaplain candidate. I actually
have more training in June, so um I guess technically the Marines falls under the Navy, but I wouldn't See, I >> Department of Navy, but I wouldn't call them Navy, so. Okay. [laughter] Well, I didn't I didn't Okay. I'll have to learn my Marine history. Um Camp Lejeune, right? Yes. Okay, I got
that right. Um Okay, so I have something for all of you, but since there's there's um five of them, I think we can all go down and thank our our Oh, I had one other comment. You said we have some people serving right now that are deployed?
Yes, so that list we had 45, I think, are active reservists. We have many, many more veterans that that serve in the organization, but seven of our reservists are currently deployed is my understanding. >> Do we do we ever send them like a a box of something? You know, a What do you
call those? Care package? >> Um I would check with I'll check with our human resources. >> love to do that, right, guys? We can all put something in there for our our serving. Okay, I want to do that. All right, let's go down and thank these guys personally. This is mine.
>> [snorts] >> I know this is mine. Thank you. I'm going opposite. Thank you so much. Oh, am I supposed to have something? Hey, they didn't give me anything. Where are they? Who's got the uh
Is it right there? Oh, all right, I guess I'm going to give this to you. I don't know how to give this to you. This is National Library Week. We will figure that out, but I didn't get anything to give to these guys, so. >> [clears throat] >> Yeah, somebody
>> [laughter] >> That's a first. I want one for each. I'm sorry, I know that they're here. Okay. But they're all life size. And then we'll get we'll figure out how we get this to everybody. I'll take mine. There you go.
All right, ready? Three, two, one. All right, thank you. Thank you [applause] all. All right. That was RS3. I'm going over there to get it. All right, if you are here for as the winners of
cultural programming. Innovation and creative contribution award >> Thank you. Innovation and creative contribution award winners in cultural programming, please step up to the podium. That's a long title. All right, I'll go ahead and read the
resolution first. Resolution number 26-193, a resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, congratulating the Innovation and Creative Contribution Award winners in cultural programming. Whereas the Cultural Affairs Advisory
Council was established by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners in 2022 and was tasked with the development and implementation of an awards program designed to recognize outstanding cultural programs, workshops, and events that contribute signific-
contribute meaningfully to the cultural landscape of Pasco County. And whereas this past year the Council has has created the Innovation in Programming Award to recognize an outstanding individual and the Creative Contribution Award in Cultural and Arts Programming
to recognize an outstanding organization. And whereas the Council has nominated Anna awarded Lisa Campos for the Innovation in Cultural Programming Award. Lisa serves as a director of Invest- Investigation Station and has recently created Florida
Rocks, a walk-through geologic time exhibit for Pasco County citizens to experience for free. This innovative program embodies education the public educating the public through an exciting cultural topic. And whereas the Council has also nominated and awarded Center
Stage Youth Theater for the Creative Contribution Award in Cultural and Arts Performing. Center Stage currently offers over 18 program and has 600 students and has recently partnered with Pasco County Library System to provide
theater performances for Pasco County citizens at the Starkey Ranch Theater Library Cultural Center. And whereas the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners recognizes the value of arts and culture to society and today we honor Lisa Campos and Center Stage Youth
Theater for their continued cultural contributions to Pasco County. Now therefore be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida that said Board hereby congratulates the Innovation and Creative Contribution Award winners in cultural program- and thanks them for
their contributions to Pasco County. Done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this 21st day of April 2026. Vote to approve. Second. All in favor say I. I. Mrs. Starkey. Thank you. We normally don't sponsor two, but as
you know I helped found this Council and it's really important to me as we bring some culture to the county. So I want to thank all of you for your contribution and um what a great idea to do these awards. So
I want to make sure that I get some stories and photos and I'll put it in my newsletter and make sure that we publicize this even more than here today. So thank you all. I'm not sure if you guys know who all these people are so I'm going to have
them introduce themselves and say what they do. So please everyone introduce yourself and except for our library director. >> [laughter] >> I guess we all know who he is. Not even say up but it's Spike but you don't need to introduce yourself to us.
Good morning Commissioners. My name is Marybeth Isaacson. I'm the chair of the Cultural Affairs Advisory Council. Thank you so much for sponsoring this Council. It's our privilege and our pleasure to advocate for the arts in Pasco County. Pasco County has long had the reputation
of being a cultural backwater. You had to go to St. Petersburg or Tampa if you wanted to see a theatrical performance or go to the orchestra. Well, that's not true folks. We have a thriving cultural arts scene right here in Pasco County and the award winners today are two
shining examples of that of the activities that are available for our residents here. This is part of what makes our community a thriving place and why people want to live in Pasco County and not in Pinellas or Hillsborough because they have the opportunities for these things here and it's part of what
makes this a premier county. I want everyone to talk to Campos. How are you? Good morning. Thank you so much for having us. My name is Lisa Campos. I am the director of Investigation Station and for the past almost 21 years now we have been linking
art and science for our Pasco County residents. We create interactive exhibits for kids and their caregivers to experience for free on their own time in Pasco County. We have a one-mile scaled model of the solar system in Starkey Wilderness Park. We have a
mobile STEM exhibit that moves through the Pasco County Library System and we have a water cycle themed splash pad at the Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson and we are currently working with the city of New Port Richey to create this new
geology exhibit called Florida Rocks, a walk-through geologic time. If you'd like to come and support us tonight Rooters is holding a fundraiser for us at Slice of Life from 6 to 8:00 p.m. Nice and I don't hear anything on the east side so Commissioner Oakley and Commissioner
Whitman we got to get some culture over there. >> [laughter] >> Any any given Saturday the Wesley Chapel Performing Arts Center at the high school is booked and full and the Pasco-Hernando State College Performing
Arts Center is often booked every weekend. We just had the Dade City Symphony play at Pasco Middle School. >> Very nice. >> And we just had the Heritage Arts Association annual event performance
a an afternoon and a evening matinee that were completely full. So >> I am shocked that Whitman is just like like that. >> [laughter] >> Whitman now do you have culture? He was ready. Lord have mercy. Whitman Marybeth
Isaacson Pasco County. Commissioner Starkey. Huh? In Pasco County when you live on the east side you're in heaven already. >> [laughter] >> All right, come on. Come on. Come on. Wait to hear how his program is going. >> [laughter]
>> Hi, my name is James Frow. I am the co-founder and executive producing director for Center Stage Youth Theater. We started in 2018 with 42 students and we have grown exponentially from there. My co-founder and I, Anna, have been
working hard to bring youth theater to this area and I would love to say it's all me and and her have done it all but truly the the rate at which we've grown and the programs at which we have. We had one
cast when we started, we now have eight casts, full casts that perform at Generations Christian Church and I will use this to plug my program too. We have Moana Jr. being done May 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. So if you want to see some awesome youth theater done that
there's no better place in Center Stage Youth Theater. But our our staff we have 18 staff members we have that do directing, choreographing, vocal technique for all of these students and
our our program wouldn't have grown without these wonderful people. This is really a a um an award recognition for them and our staff because we they work endlessly our volunteers and I look forward to continuing to bring all of this. It's
the most proud thing I've ever done and I look forward to bringing even more of it to to Pasco County for a long long time. Yeah, great job. All right, come on up. My name is Charles Adair with the Museum of Archaeology, Paleontology, and Science, MAPS, and I'm also on the board
with Marybeth and so we're proud of the work that these folks have done and when we're we're going to continue to recognize folks in the future for the work that they do. And if you haven't toured his facility and I hope you're going to be moving to that new big and better
We're working on it, yeah. It's amazing. Can you can you tell the Commissioners what you have? Yeah, we have collections from all over the world. We're involved in marine archaeology on land archaeology. I hope to see a couple Commissioners in Panama in June. We'll be we have a couple spots open for
that. We also work in paleontology. We have dinosaur digs in different places in the world and there's a lot of other different geology and things. We have some of the largest collections of pre-Columbian in the southeastern US with 7,000 artifacts and we have about
600 artifacts from shipwrecks including a Titanic spoon. We have a dinosaur egg with a baby dinosaur in it. So we have some pretty incredible collections and we are looking to move to a much bigger location so we're working on that for this year. So Yeah, that's awesome. It is phenomenal what you have. Yeah, really is awesome.
And if I could just say one more thing. I'd also like to thank Sean McGarvey, library director, Robert Spike from Pasco Libraries, Ben Deal, Pasco Libraries, Tenisha Auden, also Pasco Libraries, and everyone on the Libraries, Parks, and Tourism teams as well as some former library folks who
are here with us today who who helped make all of these wonderful events possible. We thank them so much for all of their support. I really >> So I see so I see Ben in the back so maybe the other Parks and Libraries people can come forward too and do the picture in front. That's right. [clears throat] All right,
let's Looks like they have awards that they want to present. Yeah, you have some awards to present? Okay, are you going to do that in our photo? Is that what you or how do you want to do the awards? It's up to you, ma'am. No, however you guys want to do it but you got to get up if you're doing it. No, no, no. Let's Let's present. Yeah.
Yeah. >> [laughter] >> All right, let's call up first Lisa Campos for your Innovation and Culture Programming Award. >> [applause] >> And then next up, we have Center Stage Youth Theater for our Creative
Contribution in our Teen Culture Awards. >> [applause] >> Okay, we're going to come down and take a photo. Well, why don't you just stay down there, Commissioner? We'll stay up here. Okay. And all the people will stay up here. Okay, I apologize. Only one of these is in a frame. We'll We'll run and get you get um
get a frame. Right now? Okay. All right, ready? All right. >> [applause] >> All right. Now we'll go to RS4. Okay. I do believe this is a surprise for someone special in this in the audience.
Eileen Mary Tiano, could you please come to the podium or anyone who is with her who'd like to also step to the podium. Wonderful. I'll go ahead and read the resolution. Ready?
Did I pronounce your last name correctly? Yes. Okay. Resolution number 26-197, a resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida. Florida. >> [laughter] >> Honoring the distinguished military and
law enforcement service of Eileen Mary Tiano. Whereas Eileen Mary Tiano was born on June 14th, 1943 in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania and was adopted at the age of four. And whereas Eileen graduated from Archbishop
Prendergast High School in 1961 and pursued business studies before beginning an extraordinary life of service and dedication. And whereas at the age of 19, Eileen joined the US Marine Corps and specialized in small arms and tanks. While in the Marines,
Eileen was stationed in Okinawa, Japan and volunteered her time reading to and writing letters on behalf of injured servicemen. And whereas after leaving the Marines as a private E1, Eileen joined the national the Army National Guard as a sergeant first class, later
joining the US Air Force and officially retiring as a master sergeant. And whereas after leaving the military, Eileen decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a Philadelphia police officer. After being turned away due to
age, Eileen won an age discrimination discrimination lawsuit against the Philadelphia Police Department, paving the way for others and removing the age limit for becoming a Philadelphia police officer. And whereas Eileen graduated
from the Philadelphia Police Academy and proudly served in the Major Crimes Unit. Her strength, resilience, and tenacity made a lasting impact on the law enforcement community. And whereas Eileen was married to her soulmate Jim for over 50 years and was a mother of
seven children, a proud grandmother of 16 grandchildren, and a great grandmother to nine with two more on the way. And whereas Eileen Mary Tiano lived boldly, loved deeply, served proudly,
and was a formidable woman and a force to be reckoned with. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida that said board hereby honors the distinguished military and law enforcement service of Eileen Mary
Tiano. Done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this 21st day of April, 2026. Move to approve. Second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Commissioner Rao. Oh, I'm holding back tears. Um
On Veterans Day, I had the honor of meeting your wife and Jim. And um I was just blown away by your wife. How she had served three branches in the military. Um her funny story was she tried to join
the Navy, but she was 12 lbs overweight, so you know, she said, [snorts] "It's fine. I'll join the Marines." And [laughter] her her service kept going. That's awesome. Something that I love is when she joined the police department, she got the same badge number as her husband, which I
think is very sweet. Uh they just renewed their vows in August. So that was very special. And um this guy here, Mr. Jim, he is 81 and um he still plays softball. So he he was
supposed to be at a softball game today and his daughter said, "I I have to I have an errand to run." So we wanted to surprise you, Jim, and honor your wife's legacy by by doing this resolution today. Thank you. So um if you would
like to And I also um I have a flag that was flown over the Capitol from Congressman Gus Bilirakis to present to you as well. But if you would like to say a few words. Well, that uh Veterans Day was very difficult
to get her there. She was in very bad shape. Just getting her in that that that Just getting her there that day was so very difficult. And she lasted about
20 days after that. Thank you. And she looked so beautiful in her American flag dress. Would you like to say a few words? Yes, thank you. I I so appreciate that all of my mom's efforts all of her life. She's had a lot of
difficult times. And it's unusual for women in the military, let alone serving three different branches, and then have the tenacity to join the police department even after being told you're too old. >> And how how old was she when she was told you 40. Oh my How old was Mommy? When she joined
the Did the man get She was 51 when she actually joined. It took It took several years for the lawsuit to go through, but when she joined, she became a a cop, she loved it. She was in the uh um Major Crimes Unit. And she enjoyed it
very much. And it was another honor to have my dad's badge number, 6832. It's very unusual to have that, but when you move up in rank, your badge number goes back into circulation. And when my mom graduated the academy, it happened to be available. And we were just kind
of like, "Hey, can she have it?" And she did. So it's it's wonderful and it's a connection. And um yes, my mom's pretty much a badass. >> [laughter] >> Thank you. Would you like to say anything? I just want to say thank you for
honoring my mother. Absolutely. You're so welcome. It was It was our honor honoring your mom. And Jim, I have a little surprise for you because I was totally blown away when you told me that you play softball still. My brother-in-law has his own bat, so
you have a Yeager bat for your game today, okay? Aw, with the flag. Okay. Thank you. >> [applause] [laughter] >> And this flag was flown over the Capitol. Aw, you're so wonderful. She's an honor. And then where's the resolution?
Did I read them? Oh, they're framed. Did you get it? Okay. Okay, we need just we'll get one more copy of the resolution and Ready? >> [applause] >> Thank you. Hey, you have to let me know if you hit
a home run or get on base with that bat. >> [laughter] >> All right, let me know. You playing on Thursday? Oh, okay. Bye-bye. Now we'll move to RS5. All right. Um is anyone here for Building Safety Month?
Come on up. Okay, I will go ahead and read the resolution as you are making your way to the podium. Resolution number 26-194. Resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, declaring the month of May 2026 as Building Safety Month in Pasco County.
Whereas Pasco County is committed to recognizing that our growth and strength depends upon the safety and essential roles our homes, buildings, and infrastructures play in both everyday life and when disaster strikes. And whereas our confidence in the resilience of the buildings that make up our
community is achieved through the devotion of diligent professionals, such as building safety and fire prevention officials, architects, engineers, builders, trade people, design professionals, laborers, plumbers, and others in the construction industry who
work year-round to ensure the safe constructions of buildings. And whereas these professionals and dedicated members of the International Code Council, a nonprofit that brings together local, state, territorial, tribal, and federal officials who are
experts in the building industry to create and implement the highest quality codes to protect citizens in the buildings in which they live, work, and play. And whereas modern building codes include safeguards to protect the public from hazards such as hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, wildfires, and
earthquakes. And whereas Building Safety Month is sponsored by the International Code Council to remind the public about the crucial role of our communities largely unknown protectors of public safety, our local code officials, and assure us of safe, sustainable, and affordable
buildings that are essential to our prosperity. And whereas in 2026 theme, I'm sorry, the 2026 theme for Building Safety Month is Build to Last, which encourages us all to raise awareness about building safety on a
personal, local, and global scale. And whereas each year in observance of Building Safety Month, people all over the world are asked to consider the commitment to improve building safety, resilience, and economic investment in home and in the community and to acknowledge the essential service
provided to all citizens by local and state building departments, fire prevention bureaus, and federal agencies in protecting lives and property. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said board hereby declares the month of May 2026 as
Building Safety Month in Pasco County and encourages all Pasco County citizens to join in participation of Building Safety Month activities. Done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this 21st day of April 2026. Move approval. Second.
All in favor say aye. Aye. JP, so glad you and your team are here today. Um, you know, building safety is everything. Everything we try to do is to try to get the inspections not for a bureaucratic process, but it's to make sure the work was done right, properly, and the people are safe and protected
down the road. And I want to say from the time that you got here, we used to have many, many conversations. I hardly ever talk to them anymore. Sonia, my assistant, used to take care of my permitting stuff. We had a whiteboard that was like full all the way through. Boom, boom. Nowadays, it's like if I have something,
it's like, "Check on this for me." And like the other day we had one last week where a building was coming up and CEO was important to get it within a a fair amount of time. Lois says, "I don't want to get involved in it. Let the process go." He says, "But the time is so sensitive." Sent us just a quick little light email. Later
that afternoon, CEO was issued. The type of service you're giving people nowadays, I want to just expand to say it's been phenomenal. Greatly appreciate you, the team, and hopefully new headquarters are working out. But what you guys are doing is far and away the best I've ever seen and then just keep up the great work. But I'd like to say a
few words. Yeah, thank you. JP Murphy, Director of Building Construction Services for the record. Thank you, Madam Clerk, for the wonderful recital as always. Thank you, Chairman Mariano, for for sponsoring this. Um, I I thank you for your comments. I can't take credit for that. Behind me and and
certainly at our our our three offices is an outstanding staff, which this time of year we take time out to celebrate their accomplishments and their dedication, to their professionalism, to not only to the code, but to the people of Pasco County in keeping them safe and resilient. Um, so much of what we do is
is not only about just getting through a process quickly and efficiently and and explaining it, but it's really about making sure that construction is safe, not only from hurricanes, but from fire, from everyday things. A lot of the stuff folks don't realize we also work on accessibility. So, people of all
different abilities can come and enjoy our public spaces, our businesses, and live safely in homes. We do a lot of great work with some veteran organizations in making sure that they get some housing that would that works really well for them. But all of that starts with the team behind us. They they put in the hours. They really see
the intent of what we're trying to do. Um, not only is our internal goal to to make Pasco County BCAS the best building department in the nation, a promise which we've taken a great step this past year in becoming IAS accredited. Again, just to remind you, only county department serving
a population of 600,000 to 1 million in the United States that is IAS accredited. So, we're very proud of that. Um, and we're going to continue that great work. We're going to have a a fun month here in May starting on May 2nd with uh we're going to join the Disaster Expo. We always do some fun stuff for kids and make ourselves
available to explore different things from flood plain regulations to how to make your homes disaster resilient. We're going to have some open houses for our contractors and bagel with a bagels with a building official and we're going to have some some other fun towards the end. Uh,
we've been doing a lot of fantastic work with the Brighter Futures team. Um, we feel like we're marching in lockstep with them to make sure that those projects go through and we're going to use the month of May of May to celebrate all the hard work and effort of this team behind me. So. So, again, greatly appreciate you, you
the the whole team cuz it takes a team. You can set up the table for everybody, but they've got to do all the work and for the team members, I want to thank you all for the great work you're doing. Uh, David Allen, since you've stepped in as well, it's been a great transition. It was tough to see him leave the utilities, but I think your leadership there has helped the team get better.
And Mike Carballa, uh, since you've become county administrator, by the way, happy anniversary for 12 years today. Um, for that, yeah. >> [applause] >> Uh, for all that teamwork to make this county premier and make it better and better, it takes everybody and as work.
And what you guys have done, I want to take the the moment again to say you're doing a phenomenal job and we greatly we greatly appreciate it. Thank you, Mr. David Allen, do you mind coming up? Do you want us to come up? >> [clears throat] >> I'm sorry.
I will. I think I think we have the best reputation of anybody in the office. Okay. >> [snorts] [applause] [snorts] [laughter] >> All right, IRS 6. All right, if you are here for National
Library Week week, please come up to the podium. Shawn, you can come front and center this time. I'll go ahead and read the resolutions as everyone is making their way to the podium. Resolution number 26-195. A resolution by the Board of County
Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, proclaiming April 19th through the 25th, 2026 as National Library Week in Pasco County. Whereas National Library Week is a time to highlight the valuable role librarians, libraries, and library
workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities. And whereas libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, and inspire lifelong learning, offering a space where individuals of all ages can find joy through exploration and discovery. And
whereas libraries serve as vibrant community hubs, connecting people with knowledge, technology, and resources while fostering civic engagement, critical thinking, and cultural enrichment. And whereas libraries provide free and equitable access to books, digital tools, and innovative
programming, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have the support they need to learn, connect, and thrive. And whereas libraries partner with schools, businesses, and organizations to maximize maximize resources, increase efficiency, and expand access
to essential services, strengthening the entire community. And whereas premier libraries attract and satisfy customers through outstanding and responsive customer service, an excellent selection of materials and source resources, and an environment that encourages personal and community betterment. And whereas
the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners has made a commitment to libraries by opening the new Wesley Chapel Library in February 2026 and beginning [clears throat] in renovations of the Hudson Library. And whereas the citizens of Pasco County have repeatedly shown how much they love
the library system by consistently ranking Pasco County libraries as a premier community resource in Pasco County. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said board hereby proclaims the week of April 19th through the 25th, 2026 as National
Library Week in Pasco County. Done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this 21st day of April, 2026. Move approval. Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. >> Aye. Well, this is a one of my favorite resolutions, as well. Um,
you know, library week is is important. Libraries are so important. I um you know, growing up to read was getting to books was was hard to get. You couldn't couldn't afford to buy them, but you go to library and get them and read it and help you do homework and and and do better. And I know my girls um
benefited tremendously with library. From the reading stories in the morning, getting acclimated to books, like who could read the most books every summer. I mean, just was such a such a benefit. And with all of everybody in there, I see Ross, Susan, Barbara, uh from way, way back as far as I can remember
pulling the libraries out for our children, our families, and the great work that it does to make Pasco premier. Um your everyone's dedication, I want to say say we greatly, greatly appreciate it. The new renovations, um I think were a great testament. I mean, let's face
it, when the voters decided to go back libraries with the GO bonds, that is that that means so much to our community that this is the quality of life people want to see. So, I will tell you when we deal with our state issues as far as what they want to cut cut and cut. Remember years ago, parks and libraries took the
biggest cuts of 30% and we battled to get it all back. And this board was great in making all that happen to get them funded again. We're going to fight those same battles again coming up because we need quality of life and libraries are a huge part of it. So, would like to say a few words?
Thank you, Commissioners, for the recognition, especially during National Library Week. And today is National Employee Library Employee Day. I may repeat some of the things that you've already said, but I think it's important because
weekly I'm approached by people who did not know what our libraries do. They still think it's just books. So, I'm Elaine Basinger. I chair the Pasco County Library Advisory Board. 11846 Orange Street, San Antonio,
Florida 33576. In 2000 I have to put the glasses on. I'm trying not to be vain. In 2025, our libraries welcomed more than 750,000 in-person visitors, along with an
additional 440,000 digital visits. That means well over a million touchpoints where residents turned to the library for learning, connection, or support. Over the past year, Pasco County residents checked out nearly 1.2 million
items, books, e-books, audiobooks, digital media, and more. This level of use shows that our libraries remain one of the most trusted and relied upon public services in the county.
Our programming continues to grow, as well. More than 119,000 residents participated in at least one of the library's systems, 4,570 programs and events last year. These
programs support early literacy, STEM education, job-seeking skills, small business development, technology training, and cultural enrichment for all ages. Libraries also provide a strong return on investment. Studies show that Pasco
County Libraries generate $3.09 in economic value for every dollar that is invested. That value comes through workforce development, digital access, educational support, and the many ways libraries strengthen families and neighborhoods.
Beyond the numbers, our libraries serve as safe, welcoming community hubs. They provide free Wi-Fi, public computers, printing and scanning services, and access to online services, especially important for residents who
may not have reliable internet at home. They also preserve our local history and offer climate-controlled spaces where people can learn, study, and connect. In short, Pasco County Libraries are not just buildings with books.
They are essential community infrastructure, supporting education, economic growth, digital equality, and quality of life for residents across the county. Thank you. Thank you for your continued support of our library system and for
recognizing the vital role it plays in strengthening our premier county of Pasco County. Thank you again, Commissioners, and we would like to present you with a gift. Okay. Before we get to that, Sean, do you want to add anything? Sure, please. Okay.
Thank you, Elaine. Sean McGarvey, Library Director of Pasco County. Uh as mentioned before by Ms. Basinger, our wonderful Library Advisory Board President, today is Library Week in the nation, but it's also National Library Staff Today. And I would be remiss if I
did not call attention to the wonderful staff you have enabled in this county to do incredible things. From our marketing team, which turns out um viral video hits, to our events team, to our staff at all eight of our locations
doing programming, helping our citizens, uh you've created a premier institution. And I know that because over the weekend, I did a outreach at an event in Hillsborough County for local regional thing. And to a person, every person that walked up to
me said, "I live in Hillsborough County, but I have one of your library cards." >> [laughter] >> Or I come to your stuff because it's really cool. Um and that's because of the work that the staff has done, because of the
public services staff, and the administrative staff, and everybody. I can't thank them all enough, as well as all of our volunteers here, which you see behind you. These people give up their time, they give up their effort, and they do so much for the library
system and this county as a whole. As you said, Commissioner, many of them you have seen in other lights because they continue to give to this county that they love so much. So, I thank them. >> And Sean, if you could talk briefly about the the cultural aspect of like at the Hudson Library, you have the
groups that come in. We're going to improve that as well, and the bands that can actually now be recording coming up. I would love to, sir. As well as mentioned that other commissioners have also asked if we could do concerts on their lawns at certain locations, and we are working on that, as well. I don't
want to feel anybody to left out. >> [laughter] >> Um yes, uh thank you to you, Commissioner, and the rest of this board, and county administration, and uh Administrator Carballa for putting uh love behind Hudson Library, which was
our biggest library and still will be. Uh it was built in the 1980s and opened in the early '90s, and it is really a marvel with really beautiful wooden floors and high ceilings. Um we plan to continue and expand concert
series that we've been doing at Starkey Ranch Library. Uh and we plan to expand to Wesley Chapel, as well as Hudson, because they are so popular. Um people may not know this, but Hudson is a surprising music mecca. We regularly
get 3 to 400 people attending concerts at Hudson Library for things as eclectic as Irish folk singers to rock bands. It's really incredible. Um and I'm really proud because we have something for everyone across this county, whether it be a clay studio or
an art studio or woodworking or our children's Discovery Center or our kitchen in Regency Park. Um it's really amazing what what you have here, and it's a gem, and um we plan to make Hudson we look forward to making Hudson a new
sparkling jewel in that gem. So. And we we've been doing our resolutions where just the commissioner sponsors speak to move it along quicker. It's not working too good today. >> [laughter] >> But I Nikki was trying to put words in. Add something, it's okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I did.
I said, "Can I say something?" I love our libraries. I think it's such um I don't know, a gem in in Pasco. And thank you to the friends of our libraries. Thank you so much. I appreciate everything you do. So, quick story. Um my mom went to the library in Off
Collier in Land O' Lakes, and they were offering, you know, how to become an author, how do you write, you know, better. And she wanted to write my grandmother's memoirs. So, she took the class, and I have to tell you, she's in the process of publishing her book. It'll probably be published at the end
of this year. I'm so excited. Can we steal a copy of that, please? Yes, I'm going to tell her yes. So, um it's it's a beautiful book. I I actually just did the last reading edits of it last night. She let me, so I was really excited about that. And in that class,
um they wrote a poem. That that was one of the things, "You have 10 minutes to write a poem." And then they explained, "How do you write a poem?" My mom was like, "I've never written a poem in my life." In 10 minutes, she wrote this most amazing, spectacular, beautiful poem that brings chills when I read it. Um and it's beautiful. It's about my grandmother, it's about Cuba. She She
melted all together. Now she's put it in and she created a song out of it. So, it's it's like all part of the whole book package. But I just wanted to tell you that is what a program in Pasco County Libraries has done and and impact it had. So, I just want to say thank you. I could not have asked for a better
[applause] advertisement. There you go. Um I don't want to call her out, but the president of the Land O' Lakes Friends is here and I am sure that just touched her heart. Thank you. No, thank you. Um yes, sir. How are you? You want to run? So, uh
for Mariana goes down, if you want to know how important libraries are, just close one down to get it remodeled. >> [laughter] >> Sorry. All right. If you're in my back line, just make sure that you can see me and not the back of someone's head.
All right, ready? 3 2 1 >> [applause] >> Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Ross, keep in touch. Thank you, Vivian. Oh, thank you. Oh, it's it is. It's so good. I'm so proud of her. Thank you for the gifts.
And the next order of business is consent agenda. There's only one item to pull. That's I've got C-14. That's just for a quick discussion. Any other items to be pulled from the consent agenda? Move approval on all of the items on consent agenda. Second.
All in favor, say aye. Aye. Thank you. >> Okay. And item C-14, Genie of pictures. I just want to say I'm very happy to see the sidewalk construction program coming on. It's going to be done before the road. And I just want to show you a quick picture of the road so that we can actually took take a look and maybe just
improve the project just a touch. Um so, there's Johnson Road. This road connects to US-19 all the way over to Zimmerman. It's going to be a great addition because when people will travel this road, it takes a lot of traffic off 19, probably less stress off 52 as well
as down even further to the south. So, it's a much needed road. There's a road right beside it called Rampart that needs a little bit of addition. And Jason, if you can I'm not looking for that now, but just want to bring it to your attention. If you can maybe add that to it, it will help another little connection to help disperse traffic a
little bit. Good morning, commissioners. Jason Mickle work works director. Yeah, I thought you were talking about the sidewalk. No, I'm happy with the sidewalk project, but I know they're doing the sidewalk and then the >> And they're doing the road. Exactly. And I just want to say as we look at that, this is a great project. I'm glad it's
coming forward. But after that gets done or during that, if we could we could do the paving part, take a look at that little connection. >> We'll certainly take a look at that. Absolutely. All right. That's all I've got. Uh someone make a motion to approve. Move to approve. Second. All in favor, say aye. Aye.
Chair. Just one moment. They should pull that. I just I think it's important that whenever projects like this come on consent that if it's in whose ever district it is, it's important that we highlight actual infrastructure work that were done. So, um good pull, chairman.
Thank you. Okay. Now, we'll go to item number R-32. Excuse me, R-31. Hershey, thank you, commissioner. Let me get a little Thank you. Um so, [clears throat] R-31 is a R-31. Check check mic check. There we
go. That's better. Thanks, Khalil. All right, so item R-31 is a is a resolution to the Board of County Commissioners regarding an the initiating resolution, the city of New Port Richey, Florida regarding an inter so interlocal service boundary agreement. So, on on March 17th, the
city of New Port Richey adopted a resolution that passed the county enter into an interlocal service boundary agreement. I I won't get into the legalities of that, but it's under it's under an act of of state law. It's a very formalized process where we
would enter into a negotiation over over boundaries. The subject of this particular resolution is that the city was asserting that their recreation and aquatic center actually services and provides substantial benefit to the unincorporated citizens and surrounding the city's New Port the city of New Port
Richey's service area. So, they may have I'll show you on the next slide a map of that proposed service area, but they're basically proposing that their their aquatic center provides service or value to the unincorporated citizens within these boundary areas. And as such, they want
to enter into a negotiation with the county to discuss of many things of all things probably providing additional funding to support that aquatic center. Under the law, we are required to file a response resolution and
and and formally adopt certain things. So, in our response, we are we have identified that the the county actually also provides substantial parks and and recreational benefits to those citizens of New New
Port Richey and that we can also identify additional issues for negotiation. And we we have identified in addition to the city's um request to discuss funding their aquatic center that we talk about the city's fiscal responsibility to the county
for the parks and recreation natural resource areas that we have surrounding the city. I'll show you that on a map in a second. As well as the city's participation in the parks MSTU and that you would then authorize the county administrator to enter into these negotiations. It's a very formalized process. So, in other
words, the city wants the county to uh perhaps contribute to their aquatic center. In in return, we're we're saying that well, now well, we need to talk about the parks MSTU amongst other things. I would say I will say that it is my understanding that
unincorporated citizens I'm sorry, unincorporated folks that use that aquatic center are charged a fee. I'm not certain if that fee covers their expenses, but we'll we'll get into the nitty-gritty of it once we pass this resolution and allows me to to go ahead and enter into negotiations with the
city. This is the map that our parks department has put together. The stars represent amenities and park amenities that we as a county have have within this general generalized service area. And you can see there are a number of them.
And with that, I'll take any questions or any discussion from the board, but I do ask that you approve the resolution to allow us to move forward. All right. So, I'd like to make a couple of comments to get started with this. So, and it's 80% of the people of memberships there are from the city itself.
So, according to a 2012 report that was that was done by city consultant, yeah, approximately 80% were, but those additional 20% are are charged a fee is my understanding. So, as far as far as the basic, it it is pretty much for for their folks. And I think this
past couple of years, we took over Pine Hill Park, which is a park that was in the city, was owned by the city, run by the city. And how many millions of dollars did we spend redoing that park? >> it was 6 to 7 million dollars that the county reinvested into that park and it is beautiful. And and and I think in the in in the part of the exchange, we also
gave them an office building. That is correct. When I look at we used to put money into the park between 50, 60,000 a year to help run that park at Pine Hill. I think we're making a pretty good contribution then. At this point, I think I'd say still about 99% considered blighted, which
funds this CRA, which gives them a lot of money to go kind of redevelop. So, their their CRA, my understanding covers pretty much most of their municipal service boundaries. That is correct. All right. So, I I think you should you should have the conversation coming up. Let's go look at that CRA. We had Port Richey pull out a lot of
property from there, probably still not enough. But we did have them take money out of the CRA, which takes money from our regular taxpayers to go into the city itself. So, I think that should be part of your conversation as you're as you're going forward. Okay. So, Commissioner Marian, you'd like to amend that resolution to include
another topic of discussion, CRA boundaries. Oh, I think absolutely. Let's let's go look what's really blighted there and what should be coming out. I I don't have an issue with that. Yeah, I'm okay with I wouldn't mind seeing what that boundary looks like again.
Just to refresh my memory of where It's pretty much the city limits. Well, it can't it can't be Gulf Woodlands, I hope. No. I don't know if we have CRA boundaries as a layer in the GIS or not. So, how do we go about adding that
language? I I would just if you just want to make a motion and and amend the resolution with that, Jeff. I think that would be appropriate. I'll prepare a revised resolution including that as an additional topic. I'll move. Second. A motion a second. All in favor, say aye.
Aye. Any opposed? Okay. I I have a question on that. Wish you'd start with On this on the CRA, if they're defining so many neighborhoods as blighted, are they required to fix those neighborhoods? Or are they allowed to spend the money in other places and not fix the blighted
neighborhoods? In theory, they're given CRA revenue to fix blighted areas. That's correct. I don't know that that's how any CRA operates statewide in practical in practical matter. Now, the board has has asked for
Yes. reports. And and so certainly we have collected, I know through our office of management and budget, they've collected those reports and distribute them as we as we receive them from the from the various CRAs and we'll continue to do that. But with this, we'll pay some extra We'll have some extra discussion on that
with the city. The biggest I'm aware in New Port Richey of of a developer or builder um uh gosh, the dad had a famous builder name. Really quality stuff that came in that wanted to build some really nice town homes. And you know, five people came and
objected, so they denied it. But it would have elevated some of the housing stock around downtown, which they need badly. And that's how you get rid of blight. I mean, so I would I wouldn't mind seeing if we do a little comparison. Let's go see what the percentage of
uh properties in other cities around the state you know, what they actually total to as far as how many of them what percentage are they blighted? Are they 10%? 15%? Whatever the numbers are. We just pick a few different ones randomly and just kind of get a feel for what um others are doing with their CRAs as
well. Okay. Okay, so we're going to go to R33, Bill Cronin. All right. Good morning everyone and happy Tuesday. It's a great day in Pasco County. You all have had great morning so far. Hard to follow some of those resolutions. Um
going to bring my Kleenex with me next time because some of them were pretty moving. Uh permission to present um uh our metric packet to the >> receive. Okay, second. All in favor say aye. Aye. We're now including those in person rather than putting them in your packet
ahead of time uh just like the other presentations that you get. Uh as she's putting those out, you'll notice that we are getting ready to report on quarter two, which was a another robust quarter for Pasco EDC and Pasco County.
Uh I'll remind you that this is the second of those presentations where we reported uh a consolidated uh report because now everything is funded through the penny and not through general funds, so it's under one document. And then secondly, we changed
the ordering to reflect our start, move, grow uh in that order. So, you're going to hear about our startups at SmartStart, uh our recruitment efforts, and then our expansion efforts to help companies grow. And then secondly, the impact that
those metrics create. So, there's activities that we do, and then there's the impact. And the impact is usually the things that we love to brag about. Um by the way you're talking about cultural items, pretty soon we're going to have a uh um a ribbon cutting for Bauducco over in
Zephyrhills, which will be June 26th. I was just visiting with the company in Brazil, and I can tell you it smells great. I mean, that that whole community is going to smell really really good. But they are extremely thankful uh for how things are going here, and they send
their best regards to you today. I'm tell I'm telling Bill I just had some of those snacks over the weekend. We had a sports course event, and the snacks are delicious. Yes. Yes, so I think our gym membership should also go up collectively as well, too. Um but that is a culture in Bauducco
really has been teaching uh North Americans how to eat panettones. I mean, before that, uh nobody knew what a panettone is. Now around Christmas time, if you say yellow square box at Publix, everybody knows exactly what you're talking about. So,
uh looking forward to that. Uh our first quarter this year, we had uh several new loan applicants. We actually closed uh three loans uh on the microloan committee. And again, this is one of our most beneficial programs because these
are companies that can't get financing from traditional financing and banks. Um they're past that friends and family stage, and this gives them the opportunity uh to become bankable. So, we we love this program. Uh it's where the um
where where we hit the road running uh to help these companies and they're extremely loyal in doing that. Uh coming up, we've got 631 participants so far uh in our different events throughout the year. Our goal is 650, so
we're trending really well in our SmartStart categories. And then also the um uh attendees to to go out and make presentations to the community, we're keeping up to speed there. So, what does that mean in terms of impact? Uh so,
this last quarter, uh we've had 18 companies launch out of the SmartStart program. Uh to date this year, and that's just two two quarters, 34 companies launched. And from that, three of them came from the West Pasco Center
in Holiday uh co-located with AmSkills, one from the Grove in 14 from East Pasco, and that's the kitchen. There's something about food again here uh that we're doing really well with our local small businesses in food.
As it relates to business recruitment and and recruit uh development this is one of the areas that I think most people still know us for because of the groundbreakings or ribbon cuttings and things like that. Um but it's honestly, it's not where we spend the most of our time. Most of our time is still working
with existing businesses. Um but year to date, we've had 34 meetings uh and hosted organizations to present our business uh opportunities for people to come and invest in Pasco County. We've had uh a
couple of new sites submitted for our ready sites program. We need to get two new candidate sites for this year. Uh and again, it's all about making sure we have enough product for these companies to when they locate. And then promoting the benefit of locating
uh and expanding, that's when we go talk to site selectors. And the site selectors are those consultants that bring us projects that sometimes we don't know the name of them, and we need to make sure that they know everything that we have because they might have not just that project, but another project in the future. So, that's one of our
multipliers, and getting in front of them is extremely valuable. So, what does that do for an impact? Well, 13 new leads uh this year so far. We've had 21 new leads, and that's not including projects that we're already working or leads that
we already had. 16 new projects uh just in the quarter, 34 new projects for the year. And eight RFPs submitted this quarter, 22 so far in the year. And those RFPs are usually from those same site consultants that I mentioned before where they're looking for our best
package, and we're getting uh narrowed down in the process to hopefully be a finalist and duke it out with some other location. Um our ready sites program, we've got uh 13 that were submitted this year in
those same packages. So, when somebody's looking for a place to go, our ready sites are still some of our best things to put forward uh because they know exactly when they're going to be ready. They know uh that they've been vetted, they've been assessed, and they've been evaluated. Uh engagement sessions, nine this
quarter, and that's actually working with somebody on a confidential project that that uh um that's going to grow into something later, hopefully a win. We have 18 year to date. And then on to the grow, and that's uh
where I mentioned uh most of our time spent with our existing business. So, working with existing business, company meetings, uh 33 to date, and um our goal for is 60 for the year. So, we're halfway there. We're trending
well. And uh I'll talk a little bit later about what those uh meetings entail and what the companies are talking to us about locally, so you know as well. Um one-on-one counseling sessions, eight to date. And this is for exporting, and uh
that's low number for for us. That's a number that what we're learning is people are are less reliant on international markets or they're less reliant on using other resources, and they're doing it on their own. Now with tools at their fingertips, they can do a
lot of these things on their own. And a lot of that's thanks to COVID. They don't necessarily have to go overseas anymore to make that connection. Sometimes they're doing it through um uh Zoom and Teams and things like that. And they're getting deals done. So, becoming more efficient, we may actually look at
different ways to provide counseling and services for companies since there's less people actually traveling than previous. And then uh one event for convening businesses, and that's for our local existing businesses. Uh 45 attendees for
that event, and that was with the sheriff's office uh talking about security and economic security uh business intelligence. And then what did that impact? Well, we had 17 visits I mentioned earlier this
last quarter. Um 24 different issues that they wanted to talk about. And I think that's one of the things that is most important for all of us to know is what kind of things what kind of issues or obstacles are companies still dealing with here or um things that we might be
able to programmatically address. The number one this last quarter was technical assistance, and that's not surprising when you've got a lot of new things coming about like AI and things like that um that companies are looking for ways to improve their process.
Second though was still the same as workforce assistance and that is always going to be the case of making sure that they get the right talent for those jobs. Incidentally last week at the Balducci job fair we had 650 applicants
waiting at the door at 8:00 before they even opened and they got the the video footage all the way down in Brazil talking about how we can deliver for jobs. So we're we're getting a really good reputation of being able to provide the
workforce that people need when they come here. You remember Gary Plastics we had the same thing where they were lined up around the block. The difference is of course Balducci had snacks to give them while they were waiting in line. And then also permitting and If I could just just a touch on that real quick. I
just was meeting with the veterans group this morning that's helping us to some of the small building. There's some new programs coming from the feds for work assistance. Yes. Coming your way. Yes. Yeah, and that's again still our most important thing we have as people. I mean we've got we've got land, we've got
great political leadership but it's the talent at the end of the day and so many of them transitioned out of MacDill, SOCOM, CENTCOM. One of the things that we don't want to be a secret and I'll put this sound bite out for you guys too is our region has
the most second highest number of top secret clearances in the United States second only to Washington D.C. Virginia area. Well that's going to be big that in a couple of weeks. >> Yes, so when we go to SOF Week and we we we try to recruit those companies that
are doing business with SOCOM on average it cost about a cost about 250,000 to get top secret clearance for each employee. So if you've got people who already have that here, that's a huge savings for companies. I'm not allowed to either.
You're not allowed to apply. I think you're you're busy here. The other thing of course is is permitting and a lot of that is a lot of changes. You know that people need still need help to who to call. We're still a great entryway into working with the county
staff and throughout that we also had an expansion already this quarter. So 12 existing businesses expanded last quarter another one I'm sorry first quarter another one this last quarter.
We're hoping for 21 I'm sorry 21 year-to-date that we've had so far that have expanded. And then bigger overall development. You remember I used to lead with this impact is our pipeline and where we're at with this. I think
right now we're we're at about 160 projects in the pipeline and that's active projects. That's not leads, that's people who actually are going to build something somewhere or lease something somewhere and we're competing with those other communities
around the United States. Of those that came in in the last quarter international still pretty darn high. A lot of companies and again other people's money coming into our community is always better than just recirculating our own. Domestic recruitment still also pretty
high and retention and expansion great testimony to how our businesses do here. All of those numbers I'm I'm proud of. The wins right now eight wins so far. And of that you'll see that five of
those were retention expansion that's demonstrates our soil conditions here. One foreign direct investment and three domestic recruitments. 167 leads right now as well behind those projects. So we're trying to make those leads into
projects to see that pipeline even grow higher. Of those nine wins you see the project successes at Vance Manufacturing, Logistics and Distribution and High Tech are the winners this last quarter as far
as the most activity that we've had. 260 new jobs, 57.9 million dollars in new capital investment to Pasco County. And then marketing this is one of the things that is always difficult to measure. So we look at things like
clicks and things like that. But overall our earned media value we're at 2.9 million dollars. That's when somebody other than us tells our story. So it's always better if somebody else is telling our story as long as that they're repeating what we want them to
say not making up their own stuff. But this [snorts] is earned media value that we can't necessarily cash it and put it in our pocket but it multiplies our efforts in what you pay us to do as a marketing agency for the business community. And then year-to-date 617
new social media followers. Our goal is to increase year over year in those types of scenarios. We don't have canines like the sheriff's office does. So social media is a little bit different than our users but we do get a number of hits from our local businesses
that want to learn more about how to grow their business. And then we had one paid advertising campaign and that was a Florida Trend Pasco edition which came out last month as well which is a really nice way to be able to see a
lot of different things about Pasco in the different sectors and also the movers and shakers in our community and that goes out internationally to the Florida offices abroad. Top landing pages still home page grow Pasco smart start no surprise there.
Balducci foods press release jumped up 24,000 website users and the top locations by state Florida, California, Virginia, Georgia, New York. California slowly been sneaking up there. I just as I was
driving here saw a convertible with California plates on it. I was really tempted to say don't California our Pasco but they looked like they were enjoying their their selves here. And then lastly our private funding and our private partnerships 91 current investors
that we have on the private side and 47 policy council members and then um seven new ones year-to-date. So we're up to 388,000 dollars on our private sector
contributions that includes donations from those companies CRA funds from banks for example because we are an easy way to check that box for CRAs. CRAs aren't just buildings. They're also job creation and and activity like that. And then our events
too also count towards that private contribution. Speaking of events we've got the annual awards coming up this year which is going to be October 1st a little bit later than historic so that hopefully it can be a little cooler. Hopefully be past
any seasonal storms and we'll be at the IPAC again this year. You remember last year we were at Saddlebrook. We're going back to IPAC. We felt it was a much much more concise program easier for people to get in and out and again a quality
location as well too. With that I'll stop and ask if you have any questions. Any questions? Question waiting. Thanks chair. So something I think we need to there's always emphasis on this but I think we need to renew emphasis. So
Florida's unemployment rate is up 4.6%. Mhm. And unemployment has increased a point year over year from February 25 to February 26. Particularly as it pertains to Pasco rooftops are here. There's no question
about that. Mhm. Um what can we do within our role as government and working in a public private partnership to re-emphasize to folks that capture their and their obligation the existing obligations connected city.
Mhm. Jobs that were committed there. Moffitt jobs that were committed from it. Do we need to go back in and and and recalibrate or have a a conversation with the stakeholders that have committed x amount of jobs based on the evolution of AI?
That way we understand what is what was committed and what's actual based on today's market. Um that way we know okay what we might be losing today I today. I mean Amazon's close to opening. Um I suspect that they'll probably be more
digital than what they probably initially committed. Uh and so on and so forth. So I I think it's important that we if if a business that we've we've incentivized to come here that we just touch base
with them and say hey what what are your actuals? What's your plan? We're not in trouble if you're going to AI or whatever, you know. On the incentive end I think we should recalibrate that. Otherwise they need to fulfill their obligation. I'm I'm concerned that technology is going it is
going to put a lot of people out of work. Mhm. And idle hands could lead to an even more challenges and over capacity jail which we don't want to see, right? Mhm. Particularly in certain segments of the population. We have a large population
here. So I think it's important that we we spark our new interest in jobs jobs jobs back in the Senator Scott days and then go go talk to our partners that we've helped come here and say hey what's your plan? What are you doing?
What are you seeing? And what's your hiring?" That way we know what we're working with. Yeah, so so to answer in two two parts to this to address. One is unemployment, but the other in general, and then the other is those those
companies that we've recruited over the years that have agreements. If they have agreements, there is a compliance piece to it and OEG works with them on compliance where they're putting their W-2s and actually counting that towards the job creation because those
incentives are paid um up after they've met their goal. So, they're not paid in advance. They're they have to actually meet their goal before they get those incentives. So, there's a good check and balance with that and usually if they're not going to hit the numbers, they're going to tell us well in advance and if they're laying
off anybody, they have to tell us in advance. Um the the point about how do we lower unemployment though in general. And I think that there's several different ways that people measure it and one of the things
that we're still seeing is a lot of following spouses that are coming along with the people that may be moving here for a job. So, we're still getting pretty close to a thousand people a day into the state of Florida. Not every one of them had a job with them when they
came here and a lot of them are spouses that are coming, but they're choosing Pasco to set up shop and then they're going to find a something for their their spouse once they get here. The other is the way they count unemployment. You have to actually be out seeking and looking for a job to be
in those numbers. It's kind of a slippery slope. So, I think the bigger number for us to focus on might be something that some of our partners are interested in and that's the Alice reporting that we hear about so often and that's asset limited income constrained and
employed meaning underemployed people. We have a almost 46% of our county has falls into that area and it's been like that for about 10 years. And that means they have a job, but it's not as good a job as they should have.
If they miss one paycheck, they fall off and become a bigger burden to society and taxpayers because now they've got a family that used to be getting a check and they no longer are getting a check. That's probably our most vulnerable population rather than just
the unemployed that's out there is that what I like to call underemployed, but it's it's what United Way calls the Alice reporting and I think that's probably where our biggest work is is helping incrementally grow the the the salaries of the people who are already
here and making sure that they're getting a good job, not just a job to get by or two jobs. Great question, sir. Commissioner Starkey. Um couple questions and maybe one's a comment. You know, we have opportunity with
opportunity zones coming up. Last time we totally missed the mark because we we got our input was totally discounted by the governor. And so, we didn't get one project in Pasco County that I know of. Um and so
I'm hopeful we're doing a better job this time and uh we need all the support we can get to make sure the ones that we know will lead to good outcomes are are selected. So, all hands on deck on that one. And and today today we're actually all hands
on deck. So, at 12:30 um we have a workshop together with Ben Latham from Commerce, the Greater Pasco Chamber and Pasco County government. Derek will be there talking about the sites we've all submitted collectively, but also talking
to potential investors, too. Good. About what kind of things they're looking for for those long-term investment opportunities, but you're absolutely right. We did not get any of the ones that we had promoted last time around. So, it's really important that we continue to put pressure on them in in
Tallahassee to get the right ones. Um one of our goals, you know, in in getting all these companies here is to stop the mass exodus daily to Hillsborough and Pinellas. Are we tracking if that number is coming down?
It's it went down until until right after COVID and everybody moved here again. So, we ended up we were making a >> Approximately we're still staying the same? Uh we're still we're still got majority of the people leaving each day for other jobs. So, yeah, I need your
help to get more companies here to create more jobs so they stay here. Um you can look at the roads each day. It's a good barometer. If you go out at rush hour to see if it's going both directions and you are seeing that especially in our main arteries out there. It's really reflective of that.
But the main thing is especially like in the MPUDs, if there's an employment center in that MPUD, really push for the developers to get that employment center used maybe even first if they can um to get the jobs in there because once the residential and the other things are
in there, it's hard to get the employment center in it. The price has gone up. There might be protesters. So, having those jobs go in first helps us to make sure the MPUD has the employment center and that people aren't just driving from yet a new MPUD to
Hillsborough or to Pinellas because I think we're seeing a lot of that right now where you got a lot of new developments and the employment center piece isn't there yet. And on on SOFIC, I know AmSkills wants to be in. You guys have a booth or a table or something like
>> Yeah, we do we we we got a booth through the lottery system at SOFIC. We've been attending for about four years now and this is the first year we're exhibiting. Yeah, but in this and every other year it's a smaller and this is the big year, right? This is a big year. Last year was 29,000 people. Yeah, and this I plan to
go. Yeah. >> Um but I know we want to be there and I just texted to see who it is that's coming and what we need to get make sure we know what materials we need. But I think that it'd be really good to have a sign of what you just said with the um It's
on our sign. It is with the What was the number that we have the second >> the second highest um per capita or second highest percentage of of um top top secret clearances in the United States second only to the Washington D.C. metro area. That is
huge. Yeah. I I it's that's amazing. How do you even get that statistic? Top secret. >> [laughter] >> All right, thank you. Um So, I'd like to say that uh you know, the balance of everything we do is tough.
And if you have too much residents coming in without the jobs coming in with it, and I think that we're hearing a lot from our people is we need less apartments, need more in. Mhm. And and Commissioner Starkey, as you mentioned before, higher [snorts] level executive housing is something we've got to find a way to encourage to get to bring them
back. Uh those who haven't heard the planning commission meeting from one up in Hudson was coming in, they're talking about doing larger one-acre lots type of thing. That's the type of thing we would need to do. >> Mhm. I remember years ago, Bill, that I think it was with the partnership that they said there was like 32,000
jobs out there ready to be filled Yes. >> if the people were trained. Yeah. I'm going to say that I want to see AmSkills not only with the Holiday project, but um the Hudson project with the industrial park that hopefully we're going to work on with training there, but also on the east side to get more AmSkills out there
to get these people trained to get those higher level jobs where people will won't be under underemployed, but the growth can happen. >> them career. >> You got it. And that's that's what that's what it we need to do. I want to if you can maybe work with David, David Engel, and and Catherine,
but I think down at that Holiday comp area down there where they have the building, there's some land around it that with the CDBG money we should be looking at putting some housing in for people coming out of town that are trying to get trained with a no matter what they're going to get trained for. If they got a place to stay
while they get trained, to get their foot in the door, so be it. When we do the industrial park, we can put look and put affordable housing there as well to create these things where people can learn, train, and then get their own place and move on and help these companies, you know, get up and thrive because that's going to be critical if we're going to go.
Um So, hopefully we can keep on working with that. It's a great idea. >> I'm going to send you a great news uh a piece that was on the news last night on uh Okay. I sent to All right. Anything else? Uh speaking of
AmSkills, I'm not convinced that they're up to task, so an update from them would be nice Yes, it's coming. Wait till you meet our uh challenges. We have a meeting set up. Someone's to come meet with you. I don't want to say I'll just say
manufacturing jobs are there. You just need the training. Yeah. And more people as you say when they know we can have workers that are trained, it's going to instill instill them to come here quicker as opposed to waiting to say, "We got a program we're going to help you train." Exactly. Exactly. Yeah, it
it resonates with an employer if they know that we've we're thinking like them before they get here. That's usually their biggest question. Buildings just a building. I mean, no offense to our builders and construction people. It's the people they're they're most concerned with. I think years ago when your predecessor was here, we talked about what should the impact fees be on
manufacturing, etc. Mhm. And it was a lot easier to sell zero as opposed to a small percentage. So, the same thing goes. If we have the staff already trained, we're heading the right direction, we're business focused, it sends a big message. So, it will make us much more stable. Manatee County, by the
way, was not so worried about what the property tax was going to be. Like we're setting a joint joint meeting with Senator Scott's office and listening to those folks talk, they weren't so worried about it because they had so much more manufacturing jobs that that residential component wasn't going to affect us
or them the same way it was going to affect us. It was dramatic. Yeah, we can be upside down very quickly if if if we don't get our percentages right. So, greatly appreciate everything you're doing. We'll join for lunch. And And one of the I know you guys have been up and down all day. We're going to need to take a picture right here. Yeah,
we've got economic development week coming up. So, you all have us on upcoming resolution, but we want to get the photo so that we can use it for social media ahead of time. Of course. Yeah, no, you're fine. I was going to say you guys are in such
hands. Yeah, could you just Yeah, perfect. Thank you. Ready? 3 2 1. Headphones up. All right, ready? 3 2 1. Okay. Thank you.
Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. Thank you. Thanks. Thank you. So, here's the scotch. Yeah. You're welcome. Thank you. All right, you ready? Yes, sir. I'm ready. Oh, okay.
That's more important. Yes. Okay. Okay. Yeah, let's schedule or just talk. I know. I miss I miss my grandparents. What was that? Yeah, let's do it.
I want to make sure that We try to do this right. Part: 2
Yeah. Good. Okay. Okay. I had my team. I'm like, "Hey, please tell me." Cuz if before it started, they hear me, they can hear all [laughter] everyone talking. Yeah. We just need that. You did? >> [laughter]
>> It's blue, right? Yeah. That just one? Okay. All right. Thanks. I thought it was here. I just want to know if you had ever gotten it. We'll now resume the Board of County Commissioners meeting for 1:30. Um
and just for the board to know, um Commissioner Yeager had called up uh her son is not feeling well and uh she's going to be staying home taking care of him. She can come back in later if someone can watch whatever, but I told her to take care of her family and she's going to do that. So, she may or may not even call in. We'll see.
Okay. First ordinance is P34. Mr. Chairman Yes. >> Um you from your morning agenda, you have uh R32, which is a workshop on mobility fees that you have to do before you take up the ordinance. And
so, you might want to start with start your afternoon with that. Okay. Let's move to R32. Okay. All right. Thank you, Mr. County Attorney. Good afternoon. >> explain that to Nick, but >> [laughter]
>> We're all good. Um Well, good afternoon, Commissioners. Nick Yuran, County Engineer. Uh we're going to be talking about mobility fees and we're only going to be talking about mobility fees this afternoon. As context, the uh workshop item is an item that is mandated by state law anytime
that a local government is attempting to or endeavoring to increase their mobility fees above statutory limits. This is the second extraordinary workshop devoted to the proposed mobility fee rate increases. And I'm going to walk through the agenda with you as well as the content for the
workshop and then we can touch on the proposed ordinance that has the actual fee tables in it and the language the code language changes for the land development code. So, the um agenda is very simple. We're going to cover the statutory limitations
on the fee increases. We're going to cover the four extraordinary circumstances that are present in Pasco County justifying increases that exceed those statutory limits. And then we're going to turn it back to you and members of the public for any discussion.
So, statutory limitations, we are permitted to um propose fee increases based upon a plan to impose, collect, and use those fees. We are allowed to increase fees if they are less than 25% in two annual increments. If you
increase by between 25 and 50%, you need to do it over four annual increments. Some of the proposed increases in our ordinance presented to you this afternoon are increasing of between 25 and 50%, but in two annual increments. So, that triggers the requirement for
the extraordinary circumstances workshop. And any increases that go above 50% of your current fee also trigger the obligation for the extraordinary circumstances workshop. And we are proposing some fee increases above that 50% threshold. Statute also says you can't increase it
any more often than every four years. It has been more than four years since we've increased our fees, so we're in compliance with that criteria. The four tests for a local government to exceed the statutory limits are perform a recent study, hold those two extraordinary
circumstance workshops, make sure that your fee increase is approved by unanimous vote. And that will be very important. We'll come back to that point once more later this afternoon. And last, um make sure your fee increases are implemented in at least
two equal annual installments. And we are proposing to do that in compliance with the law. So, four extraordinary circumstances. The first one, we are growing faster than our last fee update anticipated. Last fee update uh talked about a
population growth of 230,000 people. We are now projecting 330,000 people to grow into that seven-figure number. We're looking at a potential of a million people and I've given you an example. This is the Sun Lake Boulevard corridor within Angeline. The first
aerial photo is from 2020. And [clears throat] when we click forward to 2026, you see all those homes that have been now platted and are coming out of the ground like mushrooms. They're growing rapidly in Pasco County. And it's our job to ensure that our mobility fees
are adequate to provide the roadway infrastructure, the transportation network needed to support that rapid growth. Our second extraordinary um circumstance is higher trip generation. There is an Institute of Transportation Engineers manual that publishes that gets
published periodically that looks at how many trips different types of land uses make on a regular basis. That Institute recently published an update and showed that several of our common land uses generate more traffic than we thought they would, than they previously were. And so, as we get more
data, we are responsive um responsible to adapt to that new data set and we're saying people are making more trips. Our third extraordinary circumstance is that infrastructure costs more than we had anticipated in our 2021 study.
We are looking at 31% increases in capital costs for the same materials that we were planning to use in 2021. That means that we need more money to build the same road network. >> Why you have put in ours up there? Why don't you put Ridge Road up there instead of >> [laughter]
>> Well, I wanted to show it it it there's meaningful There this is actually the overpass intersection with Old Pasco Road. And what I'm what I'm intending to show is this was also a 2020 photograph before we had begun construction. But in order to take that into the four-lane road that it is intended to
be, and this is a more current photograph of that same intersection where we're going to widen it out to a four-lane median divided road. We need that additional revenue. And and Commissioner, your point is well taken. We're spending a lot of money at Ridge Road. We're also spending a lot of money widening um
Wesley Chapel Boulevard right now. And those projects we got in on previous fee rates because those bids were taken a couple of years ago, three years ago. Uh the projects that we're looking at now are coming in at a higher number. Okay. And then number four, now our fourth
extraordinary circumstance is a radical decline in other revenues and particularly I want to emphasize the decline in state and federal revenues predicted to be available for our projects in Pasco County. In 2021, state and federal gas taxes and um documentary
stamps and vehicle registration fees combined to cover 38% of our infrastructure needs. In this update, they are only covering 11% of the needs. All that combines to say in an extraordinary that
more people are coming to Pasco, they're going to travel more, it's going to cost more to build the facilities to support them, and we have less other revenue to pay for those costs. So, those are our four extraordinary circumstances that we're presenting to you as part of this workshop. Pursuant to state law, it is a workshop
that is intended to allow for public comment. That's atypical to workshops that you would normally conduct. Normally, you don't accept public comment, but presuming the um statutory intent or legislative intent of that segment of the law, we are suggesting that you accept public comment
and then conduct any board discussion as you see fit. And I do have a separate presentation for the first reading of the ordinance, but I'm intending to defer that until after public comment on this item and board discussion, Mr. Chair.
Any questions for Nick? No. Okay. So, this this is a public hearing. We're going to allow the public to comment. Would anyone like to in the audience like to come forward to speak to this item? Okay. I'm assuming there's no one online. >> advertised?
>> Chairman. Is that Was this advertised? This was advertised as a public workshop with the opportunity to comment on these extraordinary circumstances. So, we can't let anyone come in. Is there anyone online that wanted to speak to this item? There's no one online for this item. Okay. This is just presentation only we
can't do a workshop anyway. That's correct. Mr. County Attorney, should we go to the next item to follow up with it? You might [clears throat] as well go to 36 and do the first first hearing on the ordinance. Okay. Mr. Chairman, can you do publication?
Please. Item P36 was published in the Tampa Times on March 4th, 2026. Thank you. All right. Now, we're going to run through a brief presentation summarizing the changes that are proposed to the ordinance including those extraordinary circumstance fee increases that we just
discussed. Am I ready to go? Okay. So, this is an ordinance by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners. Can I skip that one? Okay. All right. Let me give you the overview. The The overview is that mobility fees
pay for only new transportation facilities. They pay for facilities that are needed to accommodate growth and development, not existing demands. The revenue generated by mobility fees, this is all a reminder to the board, but the revenue generated by the mobility
fees is also supplemented by gas taxes. In Pasco County, we are fortunate to have a penny sales tax, a portion of which goes to transportation capital projects. And we also allocated portion of property tax revenue to transportation capital projects through the tax increment fund.
As I mentioned earlier, mobility fees can be updated no more often than every 4 years. And I want to emphasize again that the proposed increases in this ordinance will require a unanimous vote of the commission to implement them. We want to remind you that our projected need for transportation facilities is
nearly $7 billion because because we will add 330,000 new residents and we will require an additional 950 lane miles to support the demand for those 330,000 new residents. Our projected revenues even with the
current rates are short of that need by around with the current rates that are not adjusted by this proposed increase will be short of that funding that need by about $2.9 billion. And that's why we came to you in November, we presented increases, we got your feedback at a workshop and we are
now showing you the proposed fee rates for mobility fees for various land uses in this ordinance consistent with the following slides in the November workshop. So, highlights from the workshop. You told us by all means keep the 100%
subsidy or discount for hotel, office, and industrial uses. This is available to us as a Pasco County distinctive. We can use it for economic development purposes to attract these major employers to our area and entice them to locate their businesses here.
You told us to retain the the discount for single family and accessory dwelling units on five acre or more lots, rural lots. You directed us to increase the local owned small business discount, which we have done. We've added increased it by 25%.
You've directed us to create a new discount for long-term Pasco residents who are constructing new homes as owner builders and the the land development code allows for that. It's a new discount. We are also proposing to update the map showing the benefit districts where the fees can be spent
once they've been collected. We're proposing as part of this amendment to simplify the surcharge tables for our two special districts, the Connected City and Villages of Pasadena Hills. And lastly, we're trying to simplify the language as much as possible without altering the regulatory substance of it
to make it a little more readable and user-friendly to the people it's regulating. Question, Chair. Mr. Oakley. Nick, go back, please. Indeed. >> So, the the discount for the uh Remind me how we got to the five acre
lots. We just approved a number of uh essentially rural lots. Mr. Oakley talks about it. They're two and a half acres in minor rural subdivisions. Should that pertain more to the what's considered a minor rural subdivision
instead of at the five acre limit? How do we get to the five acre or more? So, I'm going to I'm going to defer to our chief assistant county attorney because the the five acre >> minor rural subdivisions. >> I understand your question. This needs to complement that ambition. I want to
acknowledge this is an existing code provision. It It actually >> ask Mr. Goldstein to reply? >> based on the minor rural subdivisions. It's actually It was something that's in the existing mobility fee and it originated, I think, in 2014 and it
it occurred because we had there was some concern that the rural fees were higher than the suburban fees and we didn't want to penalize somebody who was building in the rural area and they were building consistent with our rural vision. And so,
um in our rural vision, we basically said, well, if somebody's building on a lot that's five acres or greater, that's consistent with our rural vision >> [cough] >> and so we shouldn't want to penalize somebody for building consistent with our rural vision. So, we said they should be able to pay
the same fees as if as if they were in the suburban area. Um so, we had to come up with a lot size that would be consistent with that rural vision. That's how we came up with the five acre lots. Um not saying we couldn't
come up with a smaller lot size, but that was what we came up with at the time as the lot size that was consistent with the rural vision. >> Well, the rural hit northeast rural is comprised of multiple lot sizes for the rural vision in east Pasco.
So, and and it is true and I agree with you that if you want to live a more rural life, you're being penalized by paying more for less services. It costs more to deliver them. Hang on. He said there's four The people who live in the urban areas require 10 times as much service than the folks who want to live
more of a rural life. Therefore, I think it should be opposite and they should pay more because there's a higher demand on everything. But, whatever, that's a different conversation for a different day. But, if we want to encourage the minor rural subdivision life and rural living, land's a luxury item today. It wasn't
back in 2014. When did you say 14? There was a whole lot more land that was undeveloped then than it is today. And so, if we want to encourage the more rural lifestyle, I think number two needs to align with today's market.
Land's a luxury item today and it's highly expensive. And so, for someone to buy an acre or two acres of land, that's a pile of money. They're going to pay the highest impact fees, that's a pile of money. They're going to build a custom semi-custom home and then they're sitting on taxable value of probably a
million plus on the low end. In that range in the northeast rural area and based on real estate markets. So, because of that and if we want to encourage that, I think this five acres needs to come down and more align with
the lot sizes that are allowed throughout the definition of what northeast rural is, but I'll digress to Commissioner Oakley on that. Um that way we try to encourage that type of living. It's It's up to the board. I mean, really this goes to what
lot sizes do you want to encourage in the northeast rural area because that was the goal of this is is we're reducing the rate for these lot sizes in the rural area so we're trying to encourage this type of lot in the rural areas,
which we're basically doing. So, we basically we're trying to send a message that we were trying to encourage five acre lots and higher in the rural area. That was the goal of this. If you want if the board wants to set it at two and a half acres and that's what we want to encourage in the rural area, that's up to the board. It's really
trying to send a message of what lot sizes you want to encourage in the rural area. I don't necessarily think it's an encouraging of a lot size more or less than than more of an encouraging of the lifestyle, which is what minor rural living is. Well, lot sizes or lifestyle, I it's
if you if you reduce the fee for this size lot, you are effectively sending a message that that you're encouraging that lot size. Well, yeah, we we you want executive housing on acre Chair brought it up acre or more lots, but if we set two and a half
acres, look at that. This is just being flexible to the way the market shifted, right? It's incredibly expensive to live here in Pasco County. So, if you want to encourage and not have people come in and subdividing their
property, they're going to try to come and get more than five acres. We just saw it a couple months ago. People are going to continue continually push and push and push to get as much density on their lot sizes as possible.
So, you know, they may not do that >> [clears throat] >> if we're a little more flexible on the five-acre lot size. I just sent her an email. And it's down to the two and a half-acre lot size. my opinion, but I
Commissioner Starkey I got my hand up. I'm just starting out. No, I'm going to go to you. Let me finish. I love How long did you saw me? Just one minute. I got you. We can't finish with Commissioner Starkey. Um I'm not saying I'm against the two and a half-acre lot, but you just have to understand the facts of the cost of
suburban versus rural infrastructure. I sent Gina an email, if you could put that up, and I just did AI, which and I said, "Which costs less to deliver services, rural" and it came out last. But, it's supposed to be land, but they knew what I was talking about. Or suburban.
Um and so, you'll you'll see there that rural costs more. And but just thinking on the road side, think of how much it's going to cost to pay Bayhead versus the amount of people living on Bayhead versus a road here,
you know, how many taxpayers we have on I don't know. Pick a road. Darlington or whatever versus Bayhead, it's all we're subsidizing. Um you know, the costs per capita are much higher in
the rural area to deliver services. We've We've had a couple uh meetings here. I don't know if it was Glading Jackson or who that taught us all about these things. And that Those are some of the things you learn when you go to ULI conference
or the C and U conference about these kind of numbers. Um and I I don't know where Terry is, but Right behind Nick. You If you want to You're You're smarter on this than I am. I just know what I've learned. Um
I'm not I'm not saying I'm against the two and a half-acre, but I I don't know if I want to subsidize it even more than we are already. But, do you want to espouse on what I'm trying to say? Sure. Mr. Starkey's veto is planning development economic growth.
What I think Commissioner Starkey is uh referring to is the fact that when you have more people, more density, in other words, you have um more ability to spread the cost of the infrastructure. >> I understand it all. I get all that. [clears throat] I disagree with that paradigm.
I think it's hogwash, and I think when you go to these conferences, there's a level of brainwashing that goes on to fulfill the urban agenda [clears throat] and the high-density development agenda. We're specifically here trying to encourage a certain way of living that's
really expensive now. Land is a luxury item in Florida and especially in Pasco County. So, if in the comp plan, we want to encourage a more rural style living when they're already going to pay the highest level of impact fees, they're going to require the less services. Go look at the fire 911 call
log. You know what I'm saying? You see where I'm getting at. I don't need to go We kind of debated this in the other workshop. I'm just saying if we want to encourage that and we want to have that type of buyer come into our county, you know, this is one of the ways we can
do it because it's not cheap anymore. It's expensive. And if we want to have executive style housing come in, that's is one way to do it. I mean, there'll be a little bit on Wiregrass and others, but again, it's those folks aren't choosing to necessarily want to live in the more
urban areas of this county. Right. So, that's that's my point to this. I don't need a lecture on this. I don't think [clears throat] that from a planning perspective Um All right, Mr. Starkey. With the East Pasco rural protection ordinance, is it five acres that you're supposed to have
or is it two and a half? Or do we have to change those What What is the minimum that we set for that there? Right now in the northeast rural area, according to the comprehensive plan, one acre is the minimum rural acreage. Okay, so two and a half acres would fit already in East
Pasco rural. >> Okay. All right, so I'm going to jump in. I'm just going to Hopefully you don't have to go away. Okay. So, and and we talked about executive housing is is what we want. If we want to get businesses to move here, they got to have right places to go.
Um continually it's a it's a problem when you only have, you know, 60 ft 70 ft lots at best, where you going to go? Um between all that stuff. I think that it is more expensive to have the services when you're more
rural. However, you brought up a really good point. I thought you'd jump on it again. When they're paying a million dollars base taxes based upon a million dollar home compared to one that's 400 to 500, where are you going? There's money coming from that. The
demographics are better. The The whole attributing to to the value of the the land um gets better and better the more affluent the people are, it's going to drive the better service. To get your um fancy restaurants that you want to see
in here that want to come in, they got to be a demographic. You look You look at Hudson area. When Wesley Chapel was coming out of the ground, Gulf View Mall was cracking. And I talked to a jewelry guy that was there. He said, "I do about 70% of my business at the time." It was like 15 years ago, from people from Wesley
Chapel. Now that Wesley Chapel's got all their retail, guess what? The mall's not surviving. Now I'm wondering how what we're going to do with that mall. It's not cuz it's old. It's just demographics have changed. And I mean, you I I see CVS's and Walgreens is going out of business. Guess what's coming in?
Dollar Tree. What does that tell you? You want the affluent. I'm comfortable, frankly, to go look to really put a strong push out there to go make these this discount go from the five acres, not even the two and a half. I don't care if it goes for a grand then. I don't care where we put it in the county.
Because I want to see those better demographics to get things going. I've seen enough of my educational folks out here telling me how great density is. Go to Wesley Chapel. Go to Trinity Boulevard. Drive around in that traffic and tell me that's what people really want. I'm going to say I see a completely different world. There's a
great hearing we just had at the planning commission up on Denton, and people were pushing back about they don't want to see these small lots coming in, especially when you get larger ones beside it, to go forward. So, I think I want to definitely incentivize that forward. And I'm comfortable going down to an acre.
Nick. Uh Mr. Chair, I just want to echo our uh Chief Assistant County Attorney's position that it is a board discretion item. And then I also want to remind you that I'm seeking a unanimous approval of the proposed fee rate tables. So, if you
could make sure that I understand what the unanimous consensus of this board is, that will help me make the right presentation in May. I think we're still in dialogue. I think I was insulted so I'm pissed. I don't I don't need to be insulted up
here. I'm about to pack up and leave. This is the second time today, and I'm not taking it. So, my recommendation to you would be to to do a two and a half. Um I recognize that Terry did say an acre is allowed in northeast rural, but the comp plan also
defines that as a rural. So, I think two and a half is a good compromise for now. Um cuz I don't think the comp plan defines that as rural. I think the comp plan still defines two and a half as a rural level of density.
That would be my recommendation is to go to two and a half. Do you want to keep going or is that pretty much done? >> [snorts] >> I'm prepared to continue. All right, good. Our proposed rate table, I'm showing you a column for These are common land uses, and the The rates that
I'm showing you in this table are in the suburban area in a standard style or type of development. So, not a traditional neighborhood development, not a TOD, just a standard form of development. Uh showing you a column for the current rates that we are charging for these different land uses, and then
it based on the proposed fee tables, the rate that will become effective on July 1st of this year, and the rate increase that will occur 1 year from now on July 1st of 2027. Again, these fees are proposed to be introduced in two equal annual installments,
but we will not be able to increase the fees for another 4 years. So, the intent would be the fee established in July of '27 would be the fee that remains in place for the following 3 years. Uh highlights on here, we've talked about the single-family home rate. I did want to
highlight the proposed discount in this um code amendment for the single-family home by a long-term resident as an owner-builder. You can see that the proposed discount is substantial, recognizing the desire to attract and retain those folks who have resided here
in Pasco, grown up here. We want them to to make this their long-term home. Uh multi-family apartments, eliminating any subsidy as per the board's direction in November workshop, we are proposing to take that fee to the uh amount that the mobility fee study supports,
and do that over that uh 2-year period. Small retail goes up a a moderate amount. This is one of those in between 25% and 50%. The medium retail, these are the corner shopping centers that tend to locate on two on your arterial intersections or arterial and collector intersections. These are the real heavy
traffic generators, and the fees associated with them reflect the trip-making characteristics and the demand that they put on our road network. So, we're proposing those to increase. I I to mention that we are bifurcating restaurants into only two categories based on their physical construction. You either have a drive-thru and you are
oriented towards automotive customers or you don't have a drive-thru and you pay a lot less in mobility fees because you have less of a traffic impact. Very simple way to look at the restaurant our neighboring counties have done this. I think it was one of Commissioner Yeager's points in the November workshop was let's make sure that we're
implementing things in a simple and consistent way to our neighboring counties and this was something we borrowed from them and I think it's a good approach. We talked about convenience stores with gas pumps recognizing again they're driving a lot of the demand so we're charging them appropriately and then we are
introducing only for this use the high cube warehouse / distribution. We are introducing a mobility fee for this use where it is currently subsidized at 100% because we are recognizing that these types of uses are not bringing in the high paying jobs that we're seeking to
attract to Pasco County. And frankly a lot of these uses are using our roadway network as inventory storage for their products. And so we think it's appropriate and we heard from you in November that it was supportable to introduce a fee on this type of use only while retaining a 100%
reduction on traditional industrial uses because of their employment generation. Uh we talked about rate comparisons with our neighboring counties and I've provided a summary of the same land uses suburban area standard form of development. What are we proposing to charge and then what is Orange County
charging? What is Osceola charging? What is Hillsborough County charging? And I'm intending to demonstrate with this slide that we are right in line with our neighbors. We are appropriately assessing new development for the impacts that they're putting on our system and asking them to pay for those impacts through their fees.
Do want to highlight this item. We are proposing to change the boundaries of the benefit districts. We currently have a map that shows three benefit districts west, central and east. And we are proposing two changes to this. First we're showing the two special areas the connected city and VOPH areas because
the fees and the um the intention in the code already is to retain the fees generated within those areas for development and infrastructure inside those areas and we think this map should reflect that. We're also changing the boundary lines between the zones and we're essentially proposing to use
county roadways as the bounty as the boundary line between zones one and two and zones two and three because that's a good way to predict travel shed. It allows for us to say people on the west side of the road are tending to be attracted to one one area and people on the east side are tending
to be attracted to another area. And so that's that's the intent of that map update. Could you go back to that map? I can. So difference from one and two is it So in in the current code one and the boundary between one and two follows a
power line easement which really affects travel not at all. And the proposed map follows Shady Hills Boulevard, Shady Hills Road and then it comes down to Sun Lake Boulevard follows Range Line and then goes down Livingston. So those are the four county roads that do a better job of
bifurcating travel on a local level. So Shady Hills Road if it's on both sides of it how does it affect That means that fees generated in zone one or zone two could be allocated to a capacity investment on Shady Hills Road. Okay.
I have a question for the chair. So the chair in your district on the north side of your district on 52 as you get further up in the Hudson and headed towards Hernando they're still very similar properties to kind of what's in northeast rural with
equestrian and whatnot in there. Would would this with his area and the folks that live that lifestyle with kind of the northeast rural type that's up in chair's area with what he was saying earlier would
there be we could tie in the benefit if there's consensus on the one to two and a half acre or whatever we land on this for people in the in the chair's area if there was Remember you bought down rural to
suburban. If chair's area is already designated suburban they're already paying those rates. Yeah. So the rural and equestrian community are paying these rates. That's up off of Hayes. David can weigh in but but if that's if
that was the rationale for that exempt that exemption that it was we were subsidizing the those large lot rural into a more suburban impact or mobility fee rate >> [snorts]
>> it would depend on whether that the chair's area that we're talking about is designated rural or suburban. If it was already suburban it would already be paying suburban rates. If it was rural then the lot size issue would matter. Would be covered. But but it would be
covered by that exemption wouldn't it? Yeah but these are not the right maps to discuss that issue. These are the maps where the government where we spend the money and not how much they pay pay us. Okay. All right so we covered that we'll get that upcoming. That's a different that's a different set of maps.
Will that be upcoming in this presentation? >> Well he's not I don't think Nick is proposing to change those maps. Unfortunately we're answering based on the principle not based on another slide showing the boundaries. Okay. But I I just want to echo what both of your attorneys have said that
the fee rate that someone pays is based on whether they the development is within a suburban designated area or a rural area. The only reason the reduction would apply is if a home was being constructed within the rural area
and then we would defer to lot size to determine whether it was eligible to pay the reduced suburban fee or it would be obligated to pay the rural fee. I mean I'm going to say just would it be rural suburban if I get someone wants to
build a project and have one acre lots no matter where it is I'm comfortable getting them the lower rate because just like I said the density I've seen we're not keeping up and we talk about growth is never going to keep up. But if I can get those better demographics with the people with larger properties
with the increased taxes they're going to generate year to year and I don't know what other benefits they bring by having their higher incomes I'm okay with that type of scenario. Commissioner Oakley. When you look at the rural area itself at the five acre lots if you change that
the reason reason they pay more is they have more mileage to travel on the roads because they're in a rural area to get to the services they're going to get to. And I was always told by mobility that's that's why they pay more is because it costs more on that to provide that
road because they're less dense than what a suburban area is. So you got more in a suburban area you got more people paying toward that road. And in the rural area you got less people paying for it.
However part of the money that we get from these people is in the property taxes we're taking another chunk of that for for mobility. You've also got when these people are driving that much further are we put are we gallon of gas are using the does money fall back to us as well? And if it's sales tax benefit even a penny
you're getting some money back from other things as well. So I just it's it's not just all one thing or not. It's like I'm I'm looking at the whole big picture of it. And again with all the density I've seen we keep on pushing density density we keep on getting more and more backed up. I don't mind the approach to say look at I want to see
some larger homes and maybe you get some different type of developers who aren't going to compete with the guy who's going to stick in 40s and 50s and 60s on let's say 50s 60s. 70 lots in size not right? So go compete with that. I mean that's why we have so many apartment people coming in because they get so many more lots and units they can
generate more money they can pay more money for the land and that's why we get the apartment push coming on us. I don't mind us shifting back a bit to say I mean let's give it a let's give it a run for a few years. >> problem is though you don't want to get rural so that that they feel like
they're paying I mean they're paying less but the fact of it you don't want it to become dense. The rural way of life in Pasco County in in the northeast [snorts] with the rural ordinance and all that you got to be careful or you'll you'll end up with everything in the rural area
looking like suburban. I don't I don't think I don't think our citizens want that. All right so what I'm and don't get me wrong. There's people out there and there's projects and I know are coming our way in in this rural area
that are going to be 10 acre lots or better and large homes two three million dollar homes on those lots. But there's a certain amount of people that want that kind of lifestyle and they don't want
to lessen the density so it be or make it more density where they're like they're living in town. They don't want to live in town. They want out out and have bigger lots. So you got to divide it some way. So you don't want to just do away with rural area.
I don't I don't think that you guarantee the assumption that you're going to get a million dollar home on a one acre piece of ground is not necessarily what I think will end up happening.
At one acre you're at that sort of as Oh yeah I mean one acre yeah. It's it that's sprawl that's defined as being sprawl. you're going to get some large homes, but you're going to get some small homes, too. And
you know, they mobile mobiles would be in a different category, Corey, but but there's But I don't think I don't necessarily think it equates that that if you buy encouraging 1-acre lots, you're going to get higher property value homes. You may.
But I'm not I I just don't want you to make that assumption. Well, I know I know for a fact there's some projects coming in that are 10 going to be 10 or acre home sites, and the homes are planned to be 2 3 million dollar homes.
And there's only 45 in this rural project, but that's covers over 450 acres. And you're going to have all these nice homes on that. They don't want the density. They want more room.
But not everybody is like that. Just like they in a suburban area, there's many people that are right up next to people. And the fact of it is, would they rather have an acre lot? Yeah, they'd rather have an acre lot. But there's a cost to that.
So, the cost will be when you're paying your taxes, it's not just on the property, it's not just on the building, it's up it's the property, too. Right. The The key is you're going to minimize the amount of trips they're going to go because of being a 1-acre lot. >> [snorts] >> Now, when I look at the
the upper part of Hudson, do they like to see all these dense units next to their rural stuff? I'm going to tell you they don't. >> How do you know they don't? >> Right. If you have any doubts, watch the last planning commission meeting we just had. And there's a big push for that. So, and then some of those are in the rural
area. Are you pulling it up? Good. We did. You want to talk to that a little bit? >> I I was just going to mention that we have the map on the screen, so now you can know where the rural, the suburban, and the urban area boundaries are in order to determine where someone might be paying a rural fee unless they
qualify for the discount, the 5-acre lot discount. So, that would only be within area C on this map, the salmon-colored portion of the map. The boundary between B and C in the in the Hudson area there, is that Denton
Ave there? What's that road going across? >> I should know this. But Well, they So, the east-west road at between B and C at the west end, that's State Road 52. But then as you go north and it zigzags, the the you're zigzagging up to up to
Hudson. Yeah, the the red line is Hudson. >> Hudson, okay. All right. So, so up in that area, you got some rural that's been there for many many years. Now, there's the influx coming in. Uh Denton Place, I think it was the project that was that would that came in. Um
that place, Summerchase, came in years ago. So, people around there with these giant lots are dealing with these smaller influx. And when we don't have when we get these two-lane roads without sidewalks, without other infrastructure around it, it makes it crowded, and it's going to get even more crowded as they come.
Do I think I'd like to see an incentive for these people to go, you know, even if you got to trying to go to a larger lot, a 70-ft size lot, if I could get you to go to an acre lot, that would take a lot of stress off that whole area. Cuz otherwise, I got to rebuild. And if I got to trying to go rebuild and trying to make those two-lane roads four-lane
roads, that's going to be a lot more money. So, as much as it's Yeah. less impact the fees we're going to collect, it's also a lot less road I'm going to have to build, too. That could possibly work with everything else around it. I think they're all good ideas. It's a matter of where we land to get to
unanimous vote. I I think I'm confident we'll land somewhere. It's just a matter of where. I don't think there's any adversarialness, Nick. I think we just got to Well, we got a couple weeks to gel on to think about it, talk about it, and um I think the presentation was good. >> Nick, correct me if I'm wrong, this is
literally one word in the code, right? It's one sentence. >> Right now, it's just 5 acres, right? >> That's right. >> Yeah, just pick a number. >> It's not changing any of the fee schedules. It's It's literally one word in the code. >> That's correct. This is a text element in the proposed update. It's not hard to change 5 acres to something else, but we
just need board direction. Can we make that decision in 2 weeks? If it's just that one It's It's one word, so yes, we could easily make that change. All right. So, anyone else want to add anything else more to the conversation? It's been a good conversation. I appreciate it. Cuz there are definitely different
perspectives, different thoughts, and different ideas about how it all works. Very good. All right. Thank you, sir. >> My last slide was the recommendation slide, which is accept public comment and reminding you that no action is required today. Um the second hearing, the adoption hearing, is scheduled for
May 5th in Dade City. Okay. All right. Is there anyone else in the in the audience uh from the public that would like to speak to this item? Okay, we'll close public comment. Is there anyone online? There's no one on WebEx, and no one has signed up either. Okay. Okay. David Allen?
Chair, if I may, then um you know, following uh Mr. Erens' presentation, what we'll do, um we'll follow up with each of the board members um individually between now and the next reading and get a gauge in terms of where we're at, so that when we come back on May 5th with the updated
um ordinance, then I'm hoping that we'll be at a place where we get unanimous decision as as Nick uh had indicated that we need for this item. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, we're on item number public hearing number P34.
Item P34 was published in the Tampa Bay Times That's on. Okay. Try that again. Item P34 was published in the Tampa Bay Times on March 4th, 2026. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Nick Kario Speetos, Planning Development and Economic Growth. And item P34 is PDE
26-0446. This is an ordinance by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners to amend the Land Development Code, amending section 530.5, parking or storing of recreational vehicles, and other sections of the Land Development Code. Um this recommendation
is to continue the item to the May 19th, 2026 Board of County Commissioners meeting at 1:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as may be heard in New Port Richey. Presentation or It's a continuance So, motion. Move. All in favor say aye. Engineer Times
certain. Item P35. Item P35 was published in the Tampa Bay Times on February 4th, 2026 and by affidavit of certified mailings and site posting. The item was continued from the March 24th, 2026 BCC meeting to today. Uh item P35 is PDE 26-0006.
This is an ordinance amending the Pasco County Comprehensive Plan, providing for a comprehensive plan amendment to the future land use map, map to dash 15 and sheet 20, from COM commercial to RES 24, residential 24 dwelling units per gross acre, on approximately 4.93 acres of real property located on Grand Via Boulevard,
approximately 0.3 mile east of the intersection of Caliente Boulevard and Land O' Lakes Boulevard, providing for additional text amendments as necessary for internal consistency, providing for repeal or severability, and effective date. Uh right before the meeting, the applicant requested a continuance to a date uncertain in order
to meet with the community and discuss rec the the allocation of recreational facilities. Okay. All right. Um So, we have most most We have a I'm requested to continue, but we need to check with the audience case anyone's here that they came here to speak. Is
there anyone here in the audience that wanted to speak to item P35 that wants to wave their right to speak at a future meeting? Is there anyone online? There's no one online. Okay. I'll take a motion for the continuance. Move to continue. Second. All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed?
Okay. Item P of the public hearings now. Mr. County Attorney? Mr. Chairman, there are two rezoning agendas, regular and consent. Staff will present each application to the Board of County Commissioners. If staff or planning commission has recommended approval and there is
no opposition to the application, it will be considered by the board without further presentation. If staff or planning commission has recommended denial or if there is opposition to the application, the applicant will be given 5 minutes for presentation. The opposition will be given 3 minutes for
each individual or 5 minutes for a group representative. And the applicant will be given 3 minutes for rebuttal. Any individual disagreeing with staff or planning commission recommendation or anyone wishing to object to any condition of the rezoning may at this
time request that the petition be pulled from the consent agenda, in which case that application will be heard under the regular agenda later on during the meeting. Otherwise, all rezoning applications on the consent agenda will be approved by a single motion and vote.
If you wish to speak to any petition, please give your name and address and whether or not you've been sworn for the record. These are quasi-judicial hearings pub- These are quasi-judicial public hearings. The law in Florida is that mere public support or opposition of an application is insufficient for
this board to take action. Please limit your com- comments to those criteria for rezoning found within the board's land development code. Madam Clerk, would you like to swear the public in, please? >> I would. If you would please please stand um raise let rise up, stand,
and raise your right hands if you're going to speak on any of the remaining items. All right. Um Do you swear or affirm? I see. Go on. Raise your hand. Do you swear or affirm the testimony you're about to give is the truth, so
help you God? I do. Thank you. So, the first item we have is P37. Do you approve? Yes. Um we the P37 was published in Tampa Bay Times on March 4th, 2026 and by affidavit of certified mailings and site postings. Okay.
Item P37 is PDE 26-7895. This is a zoning amendment in the name of Ground Floor Storage LLC {slash} Old Dixie RV Resort MPUD master plan unit development, which is a rezoning to change from R4 high-density residential
to an MPUD um for a 52 RV space resort. The request from the applicant is to continue to a date uncertain. Okay. So, it's advertised continuance. We have a motion to to continue. So moved. Second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any
opposed? Okay. And now, P38 public comment and grant application Pasco Sheriff's Office Edward Byrne Memorial Justice We rarely see Amy in the afternoon for a bit. >> I know. It's a unique order here. I This might be the one of the first of these
I've seen that I can remember. I'll do publication. Item P38 was published in the Tampa Times on March 22nd, 2026. Amy Farrell, budget director with the Office of Management and Budget. Um P38 or OMB 260038
is a grant application and public hearing for the Pasco County Sheriff's Office for an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program Local Formula. Um so, I ask the board to accept public comment. Okay. Anyone here from the public like to
speak to item P38? So, no one here or anyone on on line? No one's on line. No one signed up. And staff recommendation is that the board approve the Sheriff's ability to apply for this grant. I move. Second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed?
Um the motion also should include authorizing the chairman to execute two original certifications of assurance attached. Who was the motion maker? Okay. And the second? Yep. Okay. Thanks, Jeff. >> [laughter]
>> All right. So, item P39 comprehensive comprehensive plan amendments says on consent. Item P39 was published in the Tampa Times on March 4th, 2026. Item P39 is PD 26-0435. This is a comprehensive plan amendment
in the name of CPA 26-01 West Market Area ROR retail office residential future land use density text amendment providing for transmittal of the text amendment to the future land use element appendix section FLU A-6. This comes with a recommendation [clears throat] to authorize the transmittal of the
proposed comprehensive plan text amendment to the Department of Commerce, Florida Commerce, and other reviewing agencies. And there's a presentation if so desired. Okay, for a presentation? Okay. All right. So, public hearing. Is anyone here to speak in uh
to comment on item P39? Anyone on line? No one's on line. Okay. So, back to the board. Move to approve. Second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay. Item P40. Item P40 was published in the Tampa
Times on March 25th, 2026 and by affidavit of certified mailings and site postings. Item P40 is PDE 26-0110. This is a development agreement in the name of Morris Bridge Road and State
Road 56 MB56 LLC to design, permit, and construct a portion of Morris Bridge Road for cash reimbursement in South Central Pasco County south of the intersection of Morris Bridge Road and State Road 56. The This comes with the recommendation to approve the development agreement and authorize the chairman to execute
originals of the agreement and direct board records to distribute as set forth under the distribution section uh identified in the in the agenda memo. There's a presentation if so desired. Okay. So, would we wish for a presentation? No? Okay.
This is a public hearing. Is anyone here in the public to speak to item P40? Is anyone on line? No one is on line. Move to approve. Second. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Okay.
And item P41. Item P41 was published in the Tampa Times on February 4th, 2026 and by affidavit of certified mailings and site postings. The item was continued from the March 24th, 2026 BCC meeting to today. Uh this item is PDE 26-7857.
This is a zoning amendment for a substantial modification to the Caliente Resorts MPUD by LOL Properties Incorporated. It's a rezoning request from master plan unit development uh to MPUD master plan unit development to allow for the development of 96 condominium units
in the Caliente Resorts. Um like the comprehensive plan before this before the public hearing, the applicant requested this item be continued to date uncertain in order to discuss the recreational facilities within Caliente Resorts. Okay. Convenience was advertised. Is anyone
here from the public that would like to speak to this item? Is there anyone on line that wanted to speak to this item? No one's on line. Okay. So, we'll be back to the board to vote on. >> To give them time to bear all their thoughts. I move to continue.
Can I get a simplified motion? >> [laughter] >> Do we have a second? >> Yeah, you can move it. Second. Bear in mind. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes. Okay. Go back to committee reports.
Commissioner Oakley. On Saturday, there was a uh monarch butterfly festival there in Dade City. Uh you see Senator there with uh Secretary of Ag, Wilton Simpson, and also uh Jim Shive of the City of Dade City
uh commission. Um very nice event. Um a lot of people out and a lot of people love the beautiful butterflies we get to see every now and then, but it's it's amazing that a monarch butterfly can travel uh up to about 3,000
miles. And uh it does that through several generations of of the butterfly itself. And otherwise, it don't just hatch out of the cocoon and fly out 3,000 miles. It actually takes it time
over eight or 10 generations for that butterfly to make it to the south. So, there's a lot of work they I guess they're born with instinct when they come, they move on to the south and have this. But, it was very well
attended. A lot of people there. Uh absolutely Chamber of Commerce Day in Dade City. Uh just just a great event. Basically, that's all I have. Okay. Commissioner Whitman. Good. Couple of uh policy ideas here
that I've been chewing on and talking through with um Carballo. So, based on it was it was good we had the mobility discussion because this goes along with that is Nick pointed out, we have you know, houses popping up like
mushrooms all over the place. And um so, there's been some challenges there, especially on the way here. And you travel 52 going east or west, it's bogged down. We've all done We've all been stuck in traffic, whether it's there's construction on collectors,
arterials, county roads. There's congestion on even dirt roads going east to west, wherever you go. And as we know, the growth is going to continue to come. People are going to continue to choose to move to Pasco. But, we need to come up with with a series, in my opinion, a series of good
neighbor policies for the existing residents in this town and in ensure that the development and the developers are being good neighbors to those who who are being impacted and to those who are traveling to get to and from where they go. And so, I don't have any
recommendations for what those good neighbors policies will be. The county administrator uh has some level of experience with this, but I think part of it needs to be um surrounding MOT. Currently, the county kind of gives a
blank stamp on MOT on how long road work can be done. If If If the work plan says the contractor can get the work done in 30 days, then you don't need to have a 60- or 90-day permit. They need to get on it, get their work done, open the lane, and
be as least disruptive as possible for people to get to and from and where they need to go, pick kids up from schools. So, I think that needs to be encompassed into these good neighbor policies. That way, it makes traveling around this county
uh a little bit more pleasant as people continue to move here. So, I bring that up for folks to to to chew on and think about and I didn't put on or the county administrator to opine on his experience with good neighbor policies. It's a great topic. Commissioner
Carballo. Yeah, I I just, you know, thank you, Commissioner Whitman, for bringing this up and being a fierce advocate for the citizens on this. I think we've all experienced that in some form or fashion. One of the things that we talked about with the team is how do we become a good neighbor, not just in our own uh our own capital projects. And
And that then encompasses all government projects, right, to include FDOT, but also developer projects. And so, when we see lane closures or we see requests to uh to do things that are going to disrupt the normal way of life, there's probably ways that we can do better. If you'll indulge me for just a couple
minutes, I can I can ask our two assistant county administrators over infrastructure and development services just to give you a quick idea of some things that we're doing as a first move, but then we'd like to kind of come back with just some more more formal actions of of what we would like to do. It it it
could incur additional cost on projects as well as development costs, but I I I think they're minimal when you consider the overall cost of of business and commerce within and and just delay for the traveling public when we talk about these things. Uh David Branford? Sure. Thank you, Mr. Carballo. Um
uh you know, on the development services side, we're we have several initiatives that are in the works that will support this good neighbor policy, and and just one quick example that we've seen um cropping up as issues within our communities is construction routes. Um
we have not historically defined construction routes, and as we continue to grow and see this development, we are seeing impacts in heavy equipment, trucks, um you know, that that construction traffic not only impacting um the residents within the communities,
but also, you know, school uh morning peak rush hours and those types of things. So, we're we're taking a look at that more closely. Another thing that we're looking at, and this is just probably broader and kind of stepping away a little bit from the traffic side, is is really looking at our buffers between varying land uses, and how do we
minimize those impacts in terms of what we're approving for growth. And then, uh just real quickly, as as we are reviewing the plans, um myself along with Mr. Ingle and his staff have been um having conversations with our team about really taking a
broader look of these projects beyond just the four corners of the projects. Taking a look and seeing what's in the surrounding areas surrounding communities, and really ta- kind of taking a look and seeing how those communities will fit in with the existing environment and what we could
do to minimize those. Um Mr. um Adumuah, I have already had conversations on MOT, and that falls under kind of the traffic responsibility, so I'll hand it over to him to expand upon some of the things that we're thinking about from that front as well. Robert? Yes, um uh commissioners, uh we
are taking this very seriously, and I would like to thank you, Commissioner Whitman, uh for bringing this making this an awareness issue. Uh we are including this in our written SOPs for our key three departments, public works,
uh transportation engineering, as well as utilities. Um also, we are looking at uh possibly having a discussion with uh with purchasing uh to see if we can include some languages in our agreements and contracts,
because um honestly, contractors are uh really not aware or take it as serious as we do uh to pay attention to the impact of our projects, even if it's a temporary project, uh on our citizens who are
customers. So, um we are bringing this to the forefront, also training for the team our teams, for the project managers, project engineers to look out for this. Uh and also, as well as our construction engineering inspection consultants, who usually manage uh manage our
projects, and we also manage them. So, they are aware, and uh the key thing is documenting the process involved uh where their attention should be. I think you and I had some discussions on one of these issues that um we should be aware and we should
be following up with our contractors. Uh contractors work for us, uh and therefore, any engagement uh with our citizens, we must make sure that they are addressing their concerns while they are building the projects. And this just represents some of the
some of the things these are kind of low-hanging fruit, and and we'll come back to the board if it pleases the board to kind of enumerate some of the actions that we've taken. There may be other things that the board wants to look at as well. I'll throw open burning out there as another as another issue that that I see with with infill development
coming along. Um that may be something we we discuss. I don't know to what what level that regulation is possible, but those are the I'll take ideas at this point of of things that you may see with the public um in terms of the the inconveniences
surrounding growth and development and infill of of areas in our county. I'll just add in a couple of things, too. You know, when you're talking about the traffic routes, and um you know, these years ago, the Links Golf Course Estates, we had a a thing where we had a route set up where they
were going to drive on Buffalo Drive. And somehow, we changed the law that allowed staff to go change what board had voted on. I was waiting to see, and I don't think we had it back come back to us yet to actually take that authority back. Where if if the board had made a
decision on where a traffic route was going to be, or some development conditions, if it was going to change, it had to come back before another board to make that decision, rather than internal staff. That led to a lot of heartache that didn't have to happen, but we put ourselves in a position where it couldn't go. Is that something you brought back to us, or
going to bring back to us? I I just think we've probably been wiser to not even execute that authority at this point. I I'll talk to David about about what to do with that specifically, but >> [snorts] >> I think we got the message loud and clear as far as overriding any of that. Right, but let's see It was an anomaly,
but I And I don't I don't want to see it go on let's say let's say 10, 15 years from now, something that was put in Maybe some developments don't come forward, they're going to come later, and all of a sudden, they go back to do it again, then someone else is going to be burdened with that. So, I would like to see that change made uh in in print that puts the authority back
if if you're going to have a public hearing that a decision was made in front of the people that are sitting here, that they know that if the change is going to happen again, it's going to come to another public meeting, and have a public discussion before a change is made. I I think David can look at that with the whole routes. Yeah, and and if I may, Chair, um you know,
uh another thing that we're looking to implement within the branch, too, as well, is just more utilization of GIS and computer systems and mapping, because in that particular case that which I'm we're both very well aware of. >> Right. You know, decisions were made in the past, and I think the challenge is
as we have staff turnover, things like that, um those records may not have been considered as part of the review. And one of the goals that we want to have is to start capturing um decisions, whether it's on MPUD or or other zoning changes, so that when the staff does go in and
start those reviews, they have [cough] a centralized location that they can utilize as a reference, and then be able to see those, and then, you know, uh if there are past um requirements for those projects that that they're carried forward or
evaluated appropriately. So, I don't know if I'm still getting what I want. >> [laughter] >> But again, if a board made a decision, I don't want staff to be able to go I'm going to make a different decision, cuz I I think I want to. But David, the board gave that authority up. I want
to bring it back. I I think, David, what we just need to do is deconstruct what happened with Buffalo Drive, and and make sure that whatever mechanism allowed staff at the time to do what they did can't happen again. Right. We'll bring that back. Okay. Well,
I I mean I I don't know what it is. That That's I There's a way to do what I think the chair is is seeking to do. It may be limiting staff's ability to change specific conditions of approval.
But my recollection is what the change was, and David can can rescue me as I go down this path. >> [laughter] >> Um is that it was secondary approvals that no longer were going to come to the board.
Like preliminaries, is that or DRC or back in the day, DRC. Yeah, it was really the elimination of DRC that caused the issue, because it was a it was actually a DRC-imposed condition that was then sort of cemented in place
by the board, cuz the board funded what DRC approved. And then, staff basically overrode both DRC and the board. And then, they And they couldn't go back to DRC, because DRC didn't exist. But I don't And I don't know that the board
wants to undertake the volume of approvals that used to go to the DRC. So, there there's There should be a happy What I'm saying is there should be a happy medium to get to where you're you're concerned,
and not bring everything forward that Right. And I'm not going to bring everything forward, but I'm what I'm saying is if something's already been decided, been voted on through a public hearing process, staff should not be overriding that unless it comes back to a public hearing process. I
I I agree with that. I understand. All right. And again, again, we did the best we could with what we had after that point, but I just want to make sure it doesn't go. And I appreciate this conversation, because I've had probably more calls in the past 2 years with new developments with between where they're driving, what
they're doing, how they're constructing, uh times they're getting started, and all those things. I want you guys [clears throat] to have the tools to go pick up the phone to somebody, which which may be part of this area, to say, "Stop construction until you fix this. Stop until you start that." And have the authority to do that. I want to give you
guys the power to say, "You're not doing the the way this is supposed to be. You violated the law. You We're going to put a stop work order until you finish." Cuz I don't want to hear the thing, "Well, we can't stop them, cuz we're going to be liable." I want to clearly lay it out as we're doing these things that they have to follow certain things, certain rules
that if they're going to violate and then disturb the public, then they're going to wait until it gets resolved without penalty of of us being in jeopardy for that. Okay. Any Miss Weiman? No, I I talked with DOT about this also Kelly Justice
Secretary Hall's um um person in in and she agreed about, you know, trying to come up with good neighbor policies and them trying to complement whatever the county does within their their projects on on their roads. The next we had we had
Tampa Bay Water Board meeting yesterday and um obviously the the big topic is you know, conserving water. And so we had an update on uh cooperative funding initiative and part of that what dealt with uh water wise. The The goal's to save up
3.8 million gallons per day by 2030 of water being used. And for FY26, the goal in water savings is 567,560 uh but the minimum goal is 200,000 gallons per day.
And so they went through the type of, you know, the rebate program that the water management district has and they have uh with their low flows and there's a chart here and I'll give this to the administrator. So in 2025, the rebate for low flow toilets and sinks and what have you um
for multi-family were 13. And in 2026, the com- uh completed and projected number of multi-family projects is 21. And it goes down to hotel, commercial, residential toilets and then we had, you know, zero water star
uh which is disappointing to see in 2025, but in 2026 we're projected to see 19 of them. I thought, well, if we want to save water and we're trying to conserve water as best we can, what if we come up with a policy that requires at least
multi-family projects to put in all uh uh water wise uh utilities within the building. And was brainstorming with Carballa about the idea, you know, more and more multi-family is going to converge on our
county and the chair you've brought it up in the past thinking you're on Tampa Bay Water about trying to figure out how to at least get the most efficient use of water from multi-family projects. And so it just wheels started turning with the drought
and trying to save gallons. Low hanging fruit I think is our multi-family product and and either setting a policy or a requirement or a goal that they put maximum efficiency flow toilets and uh sink heads and and what have you. So I just throw that out there. I'll submit
this this update to Carballa that he can scan it and email to to everyone to think about. So I just figured I'd bring it up for discussion or residential development in general. I I don't know, but um we've got to try. More and more people are going to be coming onto the
system. We're not going to run out of water. The water Tampa Bay Water assures us that we have plenty of potable drinking water, but it is going to become more expensive. Water will become more expensive because of the infrastructure cost to move water places. So in order to
keep rates down um obviously we we need to start thinking about how we're going to going to do that. Um so I just open it up for thoughts on that matter and I'll submit the presentation and Carballa can mail it out to folks.
Any comments? All right, you can read it read up on it. Anything else, sir? I'm done. Thank you. All right, Miss Starkey. Okay. Um I attended the CSW luncheon. We had another sold out waiting list event. We did have some men there.
Um so it's not only for the ladies. We had a great speaker um whose topic really hit home with some of my friends um who were in a friendship blow up and um I took the book on a girls trip and
set it out for them to read, but no one picked it up. So their friendship blow up will continue. But anyway, uh it was a great luncheon and um thank you to everyone who participated. Um over the weekend of April 11th and 12th,
uh Starkey Ranch District Park uh staff um with DMO hosted an NSA softball tournament and the Florida Premier Spring Soccer Showcase. We had 30 softball teams and 300 soccer teams participating. Um
um it was just we just got accolades into my office on how great everything went and how how nice the fields were. And um so I just want to thank thank the staff for that. Um
we got we all got this nice letter from Novi about uh thanking Keith Wiley and Brian Taylor entire team for the incredible job they did getting the fields ready. They had 312 teams from around the country here in Pasco County.
I mean, that's a bunch. And so it went it went very well. So um uh Jenny and Katie attended the 1050 home dedication in Holiday um for Habitat and went to a single mom mother and her son.
And um they said that she actually put more work in than required. So congratulations to them. Look at Senator Hooper's there. So um thank you to Habitat. Um I attended the Goat Kitchen and Bar uh opening at Saddlebrook.
And um happy to see them moving on. I don't understand it, but all their palm trees around the pool were dead. I don't know if you noticed that. Frost. Oh, the frost. Okay. So that that wasn't looking so hot. Um Six days of cold weather. I attended the TMA meeting. Um I wish I
still had it, but apparently we threw away the paper. Um we had a very in-depth discussion about the proport- apportionment that they ended up with. And um
I wish I I had the paper with me, but I'll try I don't remember how to do the math, but I think we'll be changing this. There's 25 total MPO board voting seats. And no
there was not a lot of support for the layout because we've always said if Pasco, Pinellas together have to equal more than Hillsborough. And um and the way it's set up, some people
think that the airport and the port should be counted as Hillsborough. Um both the the CEO of the airport and the number two guy at the port were there to say, "Hey, they vote and vote independently." But I think where we've left it is we
are asking Hillsborough to give up one of their seats and give it to Pasco so we have five. And then Hillsborough County can decide with their remaining seats how they divide it up between the the Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa and the airport and
the port. Um there was discussion that they are non-voting, there's discussion if they could rotate a seat, um but that it should be part of Hills- the Hillsborough allotment. [snorts] So um
we had to postpone the vote and they may be adding another very important TMA meeting over the summer. Um cuz we we have certain deadlines. And I have invited and I believe they're coming in the not too distant future um
Michael from the airport and uh the port to come up and talk to us as well. Um let's see if I have something else here. Um fire. Well, you brought it up, but I wanted to talk about builders being able to have
fi- burn right now. I It makes no sense to me. Especially if it's windy. We we've had three scares now in Starkey Starkey Ranch District Park. I mean, I wondered if I needed to stand behind my house with the hose. Um
So I don't think they should be allowed to burn right now. If there's a burn ban, why are they exempt? Well, I I really want to know why. >> are handled under Division of Forestry rules, um but I'm happy to sit with Jeff, his team, fire rescue and fire marshal
uh to see if there's a solution we can bring back to the board. >> If they're going to burn, maybe they have to pay to have some of our fire trucks sitting there. I I know we observe some things and I know we inspect them um on a on a regular basis. So Okay. Um the next thing is yesterday we had a big
meeting on cogongrass. Um and uh David Allen was there among other staff. So I do want to hear how you ended up cuz I had to leave for another meeting, but uh and it's because I was contacted by gentleman who's doing some work for the
state um on cogongrass and they and exactly from Pasco County. And so they brought in their lidar equipment and their drones and was very interesting. Um In the meantime, he called me when when I talked to him, he said he they were
watching the property on Mitchell get cleared with the St. John's property project and they were clearing the cogongrass in a in an inappropriate way and they warned them and they said,
"We don't care." Basically. So I thought we put steps in place that developers and land owners or whomever had to be notified and and clear their property correctly before they could start of cogongrass. But apparently we're not
doing that. Um they said that if a cogongrass catches on fire and you're standing in a field of cogongrass, you will burn because you cannot outrun the spread of co- a cogongrass fire. It's like gasoline.
So um Um can you say how how the meeting went? Um I see Mr. Mickle coming up because I did have to step out, but I think I think the next steps are to look at a pilot for identifying, you know, the the uh effectiveness of our treatments on
cogongrass particular on the right-of-way. I do want to mention the development services side just real briefly is because um I did have a conversation with Keith and our um the development review team and we do have um requirements for
initial assessments to identify where cogongrass is within the disturbed areas. And in the case with the Mitchell St. John property, um not sure what happened there, but we do have that as part of our uh parks recreation and natural resources assessment of the
sites particularly when they're looking at other environmental factors like the tortoises and delineating where they have those and they're required to um eliminate the cogongrass. >> Okay, then can you let me know what we did on the Cocolalla property at Central Pasco Employment Center that's now clear
because it was full, 100% full of cogongrass. Mr. I I think too the commissioner points out enforcement. I mean, are we able to We can >> [snorts] >> put the requirements in on the review. Is there an enforcement arm to that or are we we lacking that capability? No,
we would have that uh enforcement capability through our code compliance then just just similar to like say a tree uh tree removal that would fall under the same same authority. Have we ever asked a developer or
a developer to stop because of cogongrass? To your knowledge? I am not aware of any. Yeah, neither, but it's not my world. Okay. Um I think that's it for me. County Administrator.
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just a couple of items. Uh first and foremost, I wanted to recognize our fleet department. Um there's an organization of of national fleet management um professionals, the world's largest not-for-profit organization for professionals who
manage vehicle fleets. I'm happy to say that uh our fleet department was recognized in as one of the top 100 best fleets in America contest, so for North, Central, and South America. Uh number 38 actually, I think uh on on that list. So
it just again it it recognizes the good practices that our fleet department utilizes, our ability to to keep costs down and and maintain reliability and operational effectiveness in our fleet. The uh other thing I wanted to mention is on April 24th at 4:00 p.m. I don't
know if this is on your calendars or not, but uh I would like to invite you to Starkey Wilderness Park uh for a Tree of Life Memorial Program. In in 2025 uh we lost 16 members and um for for various reasons, but to honor
their legacy and their memories, uh we will be um holding a memorial ceremony where we'd like to institute a new tradition of having a paver placed in their memory at a county park. And so that'll be at 4:00 p.m. in Starkey Wilderness Park. It's just a memorial to to those
>> 4:00 p.m. uh on April 24th. That is Friday. Yes. And um that's all I have. Okay. Um Mr. County Attorney. Mr. Chairman, I do have stuff today. Is it important? >> [cough]
>> Uh maybe. Um I did want to inform the board that we have been notified that we will be getting a settlement on the PFAS litigation, at least an initial settlement. Um
that's the forever uh chemical that is uh infiltrating um water supply systems. Um it's not a whole lot of money, but um
Tyco and BAF uh based on my rough math of looking at they issued settlement check or settlements for each of the water systems that we had done an analysis of. And so it
amounts to about $150,000, which is doesn't seem to be a whole lot of money, but >> you're going to do much with that. Yeah, um but that's the, you know, multi-district
litigation. Um it's not something that we are in a position to say no, we're not going to settle because we can't undertake the litigation, you know,
that is that is ongoing. Um and so >> [cough] >> um >> [clears throat] >> it is what it is. Uh I believe we have a secondary claim for um the fire facility um which is not
covered by this group. Um and there may be other other settlements that are coming down the pike, but there is a small amount of money that is coming in under that litigation. Um The second thing is uh
in front of you I have placed uh a memo to you all um announcing my retirement. I've talked to you individually before before this. Um It just appeared, you know, it it as I said in the first line in the the memo,
there's never a good time. Um but in after 17 years, I'm thinking it may be the right time now. Um and I've had, you know, it's been a
play- and I'll be here so my um my plan is to stay through July 31st. Uh um so my retirement would be effective on August 1st. Uh my contract requires a 90-day notice provision, which is what
I'm giving you. Um um and I, you know, as far as succession planning goes, um Mr. Goldstein has been here longer than I have.
Um after some uh testing out, well, let's say, um I didn't immediately appoint David as my chief assistant when I got here. I made him sweat a little bit. Um
and saw whether we did whether we'd have a working relationship or not. Um but he's been with the county since uh 2001. Um He became my chief assistant
8, 10 months after I got here, something like that. Um and has been my right-hand man during that entire time period. Um as I've said in in the memo and to you privately,
um I'm not sure that I could have done it without David. There is no even as a land use attorney that wanted to continue to do land use, it is overwhelming to consider trying to do planning commission
and this board um on a daily basis and keep 14 lawyers um happy and doing their jobs. Um and so
you know, David has has been there for me through this time period. Um you know, we'd live local with all of those sort of special projects in addition to assisting planning and
development with their agendas. Um so I would encourage the Board of County Commissioners to to not do a search for their next county attorney, but to hire from within
and to uh upon my retirement appoint Mr. Goldstein as your next county attorney. Well, Jeff, 17 years, you've done a phenomenal job across the board. I want to say that I think David has
been as you say, his expertise uh able to get things done to go through it has been phenomenal every step of the way. You know, when we had the chance to make the county administrator appointment going forward, it was
looking outside we had like multiple people going. Um once it simplified us, it was real easy to bring Mike in. And I think that continuation has been phenomenal. And I I get the same feeling, we get the same results with David. Commissioner Oakley. I just wanted to ask something. I
I'm very much in support of uh David Goldstein to be able to take over after Jeff retires. I did make him promise me that if I was chair again and I asked him how I would straighten out the meeting to get it going in the right direction for him not
to tell me that he was not chair. Somebody did that to him. >> [laughter] >> Which was Jeff. But it was very good. I've never forgotten it. >> [laughter] >> But the fact of it is uh Jeff, you've done a great job. I've I've
enjoyed working with you and um really appreciate all you've done for Pasco County and the citizens of Pasco County. And I'm very much uh in full agreement that David Gaultier should be stepping in your footsteps so
in the future. Okay. It's not goodbye yet. No, it's not the I'm just I'm just giving Jeff a chance to comment if he'd like to comment. Well, I I won't. I know it's not goodbye but I certainly miss sitting next to you and borrowing borrowing your pens and your cords and uh
asking you all my questions and make sure you have your Robert's Rules of Order rules with you. And I I also support David in in the stepping up in that role. Nothing else, right? No? Okay. Anything else, sir? That's it. All right. Well, David, we'll
see how it goes but I think um we can probably put an agenda item together if we need it or whatever but I think it'll be a good formal conversation for us. And I will support you as well. I appreciate the board's support and uh I got some big shoes to fill.
Um I think I'm up to size 11 now so I think [laughter] uh I'm up up to the task so I appreciate the board's support and I think it'll be a very smooth transition. Thank you. Okay. Anything else, sir? Nope, that's it. Thank you. I I do have one item.
Um well, congratulations, Jeff, on the decision. That's pretty fantastic. Um this weekend is Operation Stand Down and that is a 3-day event to help veterans in Pasco County. The event is fantastic community the partners come
together to provide all sorts of services to our veterans. On Friday, um my office participates in Veterans Court so I just wanted to make that public announcement. So on on Friday, it runs from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. So
if a veteran um has um a a court case an old court case, let's say, and they um owe a court obligation and uh that obligation is in default and now they don't have a driver's license, we help them get back on their feet through this event through Veterans Court. Um
for instance, last year we helped 19 veterans wave $45,000 in court obligations and allowed them to be able to um qualify to get their driver's license back. We partner with the Tax Collector's office so Mike Fasano's
office is there. So they go from the court the the courtroom at um Safety Town and they walk across the hall and they go and they get their driver's license. Um so when they leave, they are ready um with their their new identification. Um it's a it's a
partnership with the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, the State Attorney and the Public Defender in addition to my office. So I just wanted to make everybody aware of that. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Concourse at Rotary Pavilion um at Safety Town this weekend,
Friday, Saturday, Sunday. And thank you, Nikki, and Tax Collector as well for being so involved with this because this has started out with a small program. Wasn't even sure what it was years ago but we started out at Veterans Park and it's just gotten better and better every year for all that you're doing so we appreciate you.
Yeah, thank you. Okay. All right. Um I'll go to my items so I I've got one picture, I think. That's not it. So I was over to Saddlebrook, too, with uh Commissioner Starkey and and I want to tell you what they did in that uh bar area was a
true dramatic improvement. They freshened it up. They have big screen TV, separate location and it's welcoming when you get in there and um the food choices were awesome as well. That's Doug MacLean who's now the director of promotions so I got a picture with Doug but it was a it was a
great event. That's all I've got for pictures. Um I do want to talk quickly about the TMA as well, that meeting. Um what I learned as well was with the airport let's talk specifically is they have a me a representative from the city
and a representative from Hillsborough County. So it's pretty strongly represented from electeds. Um and I brought up the conversation at multiple MPOs how we should take a look at trying to possibly use that land at Ridge Road on the turnpike to make it a
park and ride. Asked Tony to try to try to set a meeting up. At one point, HART was like on the program as well. They were listed there as far as like this is someone who should would be involved with it and I never got a meeting. And I I told them I said, "Yeah, part of my
uh concern is if you're not going to respond to me as an outside commissioner from a different county, um you know, what kind of response do I need for someone who's going to be on that board?" So they said they're going to meet with us and talk about it. I'm excited about that. It could be a great benefit for
them and I even said it could even connect to the port so hopefully we got a voice now that's going to be heard as opposed to just being let go but I think they'll listen to us better now which I think will be helpful. Um Can I can I ask? Yes, go ahead. Um
and I texted this to you but um well, have one copy here. Take a look at these percentages. One of the suggestions that we brought up and it was first voiced by um I think she was the St. Petersburg councilwoman was that they
consider if they're truly regional, then Pinellas and Pasco County maybe should be represented on their board. And so one of the thoughts was that maybe we rotate one on the port, one on the board. Um you know, we have to talk
to our legis legislators about that because it their makeup is set by Tallahassee. Um but when they come up here to talk to us, that's something that I think we should bring up because if it's they're not funded by the city or the or
the county. So um if they're truly regional, well, their representation is not regional unless one of the governor appointments is from Pasco or Pinellas. But right now all three of their representatives
are from Hillsborough County on both of them that are governor appointed. So I get dialogue going on but It was a good discussion. It was. It was. Um all right, as far as um we had a person from Hudson speaking today.
She lives a little bit south of Sea Ranch in the Hoffman Lane area that was Del Mar right below Sea Ranch. And she talked about all the um RVs that are parked in areas that may not. And when we set that up, um JP and his team went out there and go
and they went I think with code and they checked to make sure that every RV that was out there was from a storm damaged home which most of them were. But they also made sure that every one of them was hooked up to a system to collect their sewage. So I think we need to go back and do the
follow-up to that. Go check that out and then as we go there, I think we should put some type of sticker or something on there that shows a name and a date as far as when was looked at, when it was inspected so people in the neighborhood will know that, okay, this is a legitimate thing as opposed to others that have may have
just dropped one off, brought one in there, etc. So I think that would be a a very helpful thing to do in the area. So I'm I'm comfortable with a sweep in that. I will say this as far as like and I mean we had a little quick dialogue about sweeps themselves.
I want to be and I'm I'm sure you guys may feel the same way but I I want to hear. If a commissioner wants to see a sweep or code wants to do a sweep in a commissioner's district, you should get the level of respect, I think, to get a presentation about what we want to do and why we want to go do it.
Not just to go out there on their own to just go make it happen. I've got other issues that I've been talking about with homeless going up and down. Um you know, fire up on Sea Pines. Don't know if it was a camp but it was a camp that we talked about that is right in that local area. Fire with we had over in Leisure Beach.
Camp homeless camp that was up in that area a few years back cost us 32 grand. I don't know what this last one cost but we continually have that problem. We can't It is still the biggest thing I've got. I mean, the other day I've I've I'm driving down. There's a person sleeping right in front
of Walmart on the sidewalk. Um I see him continually. They've gone from even just being woods in in the Walmart. They're out in CVS in Hudson. Continually out there sitting in the parking lot with the red sign going in there. It's not good for the businesses that are there, either. They deserve
some help. Because if you got people that are out there that are being hassled by coming in, you're not going to want to go there. If you got people out there charging their phones on, you know, some businesses' thing, it's going to hurt that business. We've got to take care of our businesses, too, and not let this stuff go on. I saw one in front of I see one
continually in front of Wawa's. Right on Little Road as you're coming down. Sitting right out front. So this is something in my district, the biggest thing I've got is these homeless people that are out disrupting and causing causing different issues. They're violating the law which we've and our
attorney shows is several different violations. The lady defecating out there shouldn't be going on but they go and go. The post office was cleared out very well but there's still much more to be done. So as far as I'm going to say with code enforcement and and getting in and things done, I want to see what the
focus of what what the people are being bothered by rather than just having them just going to decide to go do different things. It takes a lot of resources to do a sweep. It better be coordinated, better be set up but if I've got only so much thing things that are going to get done, I'm going to tell you my my people are most concerned
with the homeless population, destruction, trash, etc. that's being caused. I mean, look what I'm doing with the Great American Cleanup. The presentation was done by the done at Old Dixie Highway and Old Dixie, and while I'm there, the lady who was giving the presentation, who I've known from Habitat for Humanity years ago, she
said, "Don't go by across from the the CVS store up on Hudson Avenue, there's a big homeless population, it's dangerous, so don't go up there." Now, we if we know they're there, and everybody knows that they're we need to try to take care of that stuff. You hear a funny story, Chair?
Commissioner Whitman. So, in the last week, >> [clears throat] >> coming off Fairway Cutoff going south on 41, when you go on 50 54 and 41, homeless guy had a hammock
set up and tied between two power poles. You've seen it? Oh, yeah. I saw it. Just chilling, living his greatest life, sun tanning. And it was like the perfect definition of what we have going on.
Um, had his things set up, hammock right on right of way. How many thousands of cars go through 54 and 41? And people are seeing that. It's right there in front of Tibbetts. Yep. It it just There was a picture that defined
the whole problem. And I thought it was pretty bold. Um, but that was the first. That was a a first seeing a a hammock tied up between two power poles. And he just had his sunglasses on, just hanging out.
So, someone going to say anything? We moved we sent we we made a call, and then of course they couldn't find him, so he obviously moved on. All right, continue. And and then it's going to take us as the person said, 9:00 to 5:00 doesn't cut it. Because guess when they're going to go
work work. And especially summer time's coming now, they're going to be out from 5:00 to 8:00 or 5:00 to dusk continually. And I know we got to protect them, but those are the issues, the weekends, it's going to keep on going on as well. So, somehow, and I've talked about this years ago, when we're bringing the new
hires in, we got to kind of say, "You may have to work some weekends if we're going to have some situations to go forward." And I don't I don't know if we're doing that, but I think it's something that needs to be brought and looked at, and I wanted to bring it out here. Uh, that's right. I mean, the so the challenge you have is we have a body of
ordinances that require enforcement, and and of course limited resources with which with which to do that. I know typically when we do sweeps, uh, often times they are at requests of community members, folks that are in there that are drawing complaints as well. Um, and so this is this is a balancing
act because I can't necessarily discriminate as to how and where we enforce your ordinances. Um, I get homelessness is a problem, and I know, you know, we've tackled that. Um, you know, Kathy's team and and code is intimately involved in that, and so we're going to we're going to continue
to press on that. Um, and then these these other these other code violations are they're they're they're problems, but we do take we do take, uh, input from the community as well. Um, so it it it can be challenging. Uh, so I
David and I are actually going to meet and talk a little bit more about this topic. Um, but, you know, we we it's um it's very difficult to be the enforcement arm, but but having to, you know, um, you know, enforce here
or enforce there, we it's it's tough for code to really figure that out. And so, um, you know, I get priorities, and I think that that's important. We should have priorities because we have limited resources. And so, how you use those resources matters as well. Um, so I want to try to balance that with the board,
but but at the same time recognize that well, we we can't be discriminatory against that as well. No, you can't, but I mean, there's if someone's got complaints, they file them file them, etc. They get they can get looked at, right? Every single one of them can be.
For to go out into a neighborhood, okay, when again, that takes a lot of time. Is it a warning you got to back, etc.? That takes a lot of time coordinate, and I'm telling you just the day-to-day stuff I can't get done, never mind these special projects that want to get done.
And I was as we're elected from the people, the people will call us continually, and let me tell you when the fires at Leisure Beach are going on, it's a big problem. When you have all the homeless people in front of their businesses because now people don't want to go in because of that, and it happens for a lot of other businesses I haven't
mentioned yet, but those out there are affecting everything. So, for code to go out and decide what they want to go do, when they want to go do it, without even consulting to say, "Hey, we're going to go do this," there's something wrong. Who's running the operation? It should be the Board of County Commissioners. And I'm telling you as a commissioner
who's got a district, and I've asked for this up and down, give me a code portion for up and down 19, take it to Little Road, and let me have one guy just go deal with this one issue. And I can't get that done because they have segmented stuff. It's not right, it's not what the people want.
So, I'm saying as an elected official, as someone who knows what the problem is with the people, my priority should not be sweeps that they want to go do here and there. Like today was a legitimate one, I back that. That needs to get done. That's water quality and safety, it's abusing the code. But if someone's not going to put a
complaint in to go to a specific property, that's what it takes. The state said that. The state said if we're going to put a complaint someone's got to put a complaint in, they got to register themselves to go do it. Do I do I think that's right? No. But if I'm going to go deal with my bigger issues, it's people sleeping on the sidewalk,
defecating on the sidewalk in the neighborhood, causing that grief. That's a bigger problem to me than doing a sweep in a neighborhood because somebody wants you to do a sweep. Chair Chair, if I may. Yeah. Um, I hear you 100%. I think I think the homelessness the the the homelessness
piece is a challenge here in in Pasco County, and and I think that working with Kathy and her team, you know, we're continuing to to work on partnerships and those types of things to be able to address that. And and certainly we have a lot of work to do there. Um, in in
regards to the sweep itself, um, we we did get, um, requests from the community members themselves, and and certainly we can brief, um, the commissioners whenever we have plans for those, um, sweeps, um, within the communities. Um, just just to get a better understanding
of, you know, where it's originating from and and what the plan is to do those sweeps. And again, the state said if you want to put a complaint in, put the complaint in. What these people don't want to do is put a complaint in to put their name out there, and I respect that. But let them
go work with the state that we can do these things where they can just go out there. That's where the law needs to change, not to go without talking to a commissioner what's going on in this district. Because I'm going to tell you, I get it all the time where the biggest problems are. So, just because you've got a loud person that may want to talk to you
about they want to sweep out there, it's not the way it should work. I think we have to be careful though on allowing commissioners to to make the call. And then the threat is is, you know, staff will come in and let you know we're going to do a sweep, and then feel the pressure to call off a sweep. We we need
to be careful there with that. >> That's why we discuss it ahead of time. Let's go find out what's a priority in the community. And I'm going to tell you right now, let's go have that conversation, maybe set another meeting up, and let's go see where the code enforcement officers are, and let's go look at where the biggest problems I face are because they're not getting handled.
And code enforcement violations are code enforcement violations, and I can tell you where they are. And just give us a lift all these violations for all these camps, they are true violations just like the other ones. So, I think I I do think that there is probably room in in you know, if I look at the county as a giant house, I guess
if you will, each district is a room of that house. We've got areas, we've got things that are problems in in various districts, but we've also got corridors and things that are commonalities. Is there is there a room to have discussion, uh, with the board on again, it's
becomes areas of focus? You know, got it. We we have homelessness in in in some of the areas in your district, Commissioner. Um, but there's also neighborhoods, and maybe there's other areas that we that we should look at with code, and and, you know, in these David, I I don't know,
um, if if there's room to have discussion on that. Because again, the the the the major issue that we have with code is trying to we we can't just be discriminating on how we enforce, and that's that is that's a problem. It can
be a problem. It can get us into legal trouble, too, because now we're picking and choosing. Um, and we have to be careful about that. Mr. Starkey. Um, I I would love for the code enforcement head to come up. Uh, but it's my
understanding that when I don't want to speak for you and how you operate, but it's my understanding that when we're doing a sweep, it's because there's been a lot of calls in a certain area, and that's what generates, um, a sweep, which is a much more
efficient use of our code enforcement time because if they when they get called to one specific instance, and then there's they can only look at a 20 I think a 360 radius of what they're touching to see if they see any other violations.
Um, so sweeps, they don't do them very often. I wish I wish they'd do more often, um, but I believe it's a very efficient use of the code enforcement time. Um, I have worked very hard to clean up Holiday and that area. We don't have as
much homeless as we used to. Um, I think we still have code violations, but uh, going on, but we have certainly cleaned up the area and I am very grateful to code for going in there and working with me and
helping keep up people's property values and people don't want to live next door to someone who has uh, moved trailers onto their property and opened up businesses illegally like it's happening up in some other districts or homes that weren't, you know, they built all kinds of stuff on
their property that's not legal, but there's no code enforcement looking at it. I showed you the picture of someone who put a sign up next to Hudson High School that said, "Park your boats and RVs and all your stuff here." in a residential community. So, I think we I think they
do a great job. I wish that the code enforcements were complaints were anonymous. Um, but I think it's a good use of time to do the sweeps, so. I'm Denise Anderson, director of code compliance. So, when it comes to conducting sweeps, there are really two
ways in which sweeps come onto our radar. One is officer-driven, they'll identify an area where they believe there is criteria that that we evaluate that is um, really kind of in need of a sweep for a defined geographic area. And so, an officer-initiated request. And
then of course, from the public. And so, regardless of how that request comes to us, we go out and evaluate the area, we identify the geography in which we believe a code sweep is warranted. We implemented new protocols last year. We're working with media relations and
with public works. So, we go out and get a variable message board or two, whatever we can get our hands on and attempt to place those in a public area um, 10 days in advance or typically over the period of two weekends where the
neighborhood has an opportunity to look around themselves and identify self-identify issues that may be addressed in a code sweep. We find that to be very effective notifying them in advance that all code identified issues will be addressed during the sweep and we give them the date on which that
sweep will occur. Media relations also sends out via social media targeted, um, usually through Nextdoor to that neighborhood to let them know as well that the week will be coming through. And we do notify the commission office prior to that sweep being conducted. And
so, those we have done those, um, for the last year that has been our protocol. There have been some limited exceptions where we haven't used a variable message board um, because we've been able it's a smaller area and we've gone out and door-to-door notified the neighborhood that we'll be coming through on a specific date. But typically, um,
there's two forms of communication that we have with the community that we'll be coming through. That's And I'll say, you know, years ago we had the head of code enforcement east and west representatives. I got much better service talking to
those people. They would go with me, we'd go talk to the neighbors, etc. They would tell me what they wanted to do, we'd come up with ideas to solve to solve things. When we put the panhandling >> [cough] >> in first in place, we worked with it together. And I'm telling you now, I
continuously say the same things over and over again. I've sent pictures, I've sent details, and my people tell me, their elected official, that they're not happy with the homeless situation. They're not happy to have a big camp that caused a fire a couple years ago that's still there. They're not happy with the one that we saw up in Hudson by
Sea Pines, don't know if that was caused by them, but a homeless camp that's right there causes another fire. I don't need to have my people in jeopardy. They don't need to be in in worry about what's going to go on in their area. Uh, we cleaned up Leisure Beach, did a great job down there. But,
literally, those spots are out there, they're known, and they haven't been acted on. And I'm going to tell you continually, you can keep everybody 9:00 to 5:00, but if you're not even taking care of what's going on during 9:00 to 5:00, it's going to get worse and worse and it keeps on getting that way. And literally, I
should not have to see people in my district defecating out there. Those are the people. They should be laying on the side of the streets. It's happening all the time up and down 19. And I'm going to say the way you have the district set up, I'd be happy to sit down with you guys again to go look at what we can do to change what's going on because the
representation my people tell me when I go talk to them is they're not getting the service they want. So, you may think you're doing a good job with all your notification, etc. I'm telling you my people aren't happy. I think it's with the sweeps piece and forget That was the sweeps. That was the sweeps, but on the homeless piece, let me let Yeah, I I I
think on on the homeless piece, I'm sorry here what you're saying because it's not a 9:00 to 5:00 issue, right? We've we've discussed panhandling, it'll happen at 7:00 p.m. or during rush hour traffic. And and we'll sit down and try to figure out what the resource loading needs to be if that's something that we
we need to do in conjunction with Kathy's team to address this because you're right. I I see it on the weekends even in my own neighborhood. Um, you know, so things the problem is is is spurring out. And so, that that could be a resource-dependent issue in which case we'll we'll come back to the board and and talk to about it. If it's
a priority, it's it's part of our strategic plan, so I'm I'm good with with having those discussions uh, to to put more resources into that if those extended hours are are are required. I mean, Denise, anything to add and I I would I would add but as it
relates to panhandling specifically, we do not have the legal authority to detain an individual or a driver. And so, the responsibility for panhandling really does fall on our law enforcement agencies, not our code enforcement agencies. And we provide to
those agencies. Similarly, when it as it relates to homeless encampments, we cannot just enter property without a trespass agreement. There are certain limited circumstances with vacant unimproved property where we may be able to enter, but those are very very
limited. And so, that requires and we do coordinate with the sheriff's office to gain entry if a trespass agreement is on site. Again, we cannot enter that property without the escort of sheriff's deputy. So, it it is a very complex
issue. It's one I'm very very familiar with because of 12 years experience um, navigating that with the city of Clearwater. Um, but the authority does not ally within code compliance. We are we enforce on the land development code and homelessness, homeless encampments. As
it relates to the land development code, it's strictly trash and junk and permitted use violations. And so, I cannot go on and remove um, uh, Assistant County Administrator Kathy Pearson described how we're utilizing our homeless initiative under James
Walters to coordinate with partner agencies and we're a part of that. And so, I think it as that um, that outreach effort grows with partner agencies and of course, funding is always a challenge. Um, those efforts
will expand and grow and be more successful. And we're working with James on a campaign of four panhandling to really encourage people to invest to not give that money out the window, but rather give it to an organization that will take those funds, not take an
administrative fee from that. I believe is the plan and to invest that with organizations that are providing direct services. So, panhandling for the driver on the on the street or those that are faced with those that um, are being solicited, they either give out of fear
or out of a sense of dopamine hit they're doing something good. We'd like to take that and redirect those funds to organizations that actually can do good. Take the incentive away, if you will, for those that are panhandling because they won't be successful. That's the the
goal. And so, James and I are working with media relations and communications to develop that program. And the fiduciary agent is United Way that will be handling and I'm sure James will brief you further at an appropriate time. Um, Mr. Walters, I got to set up first.
Yeah. Mr. Walters is still a duly sworn licensed law enforcement officer, correct? That's my understanding. >> does not carry normal law enforcement tools on his hip.
I believe that's correct. >> the ability to do more than a code enforcement officer, correct? I mean, I believe he's still sworn. I believe the sheriff does hold his his LE cert. If I'm not mistaken. We'd have to
verify. >> Yeah, I understand. We have the tools. We develop the tools. Put the tools to work when it's necessary. And uh, hearing some of the graphic details from the customer today and what
Mr. Merialdo deals with, I mean, we've seen similar things on uh, State Road 52. Person on all fours in front of 4G Ranch. All fours, pants down, defecating in the middle of the day. On 52.
Brian Holmes and I on our way west. It's everywhere. Code enforcement can't handle it. There's ability to handle it. We have someone on staff who can, if given the opportunity to enforce this public health hazard,
which is what it is, and a safety hazard to the taxpaying public that are working their butts off in this tough economy in this expensive environment that we're in to make a life here, and we have ne'er-do-wells coming in destroying it, wasting the sheriff's
office time, wasting code enforcement's time who can't do anything. As code enforcement's spinning their tail, it's time to double down. Time to double down. And play hardball with this and eradicate it. There's no right answer.
It's tough. You're going to have people who are upset on each side of the pendulum, but our obligation is to the taxpayer to provide for them and give them a good life. I say we triage the situation with the folks who are doing these things, triage them, clean them up,
give them a shower, ship them to their next of kin. It's a familiar problem. It's not our taxpayer's problem. The long-term problem needs to go to their family, and it's not the obligation and the burden of this board, this board's budget, and the taxpayer who funds this budget every single day
to take care of these people. It's a waste of time starting fires on with the fire department. I can tell you when I worked in the garbage business, we did dozens and dozens and dozens of these cleanups and donated tens of thousands of dollars for cleanups.
We'd put dumpsters on site for these folks to use. They didn't use them. Right next to them in their camp. What they would do, they would set the dumpsters on fire, or they would float them out into the the Gulf because they're so hot. Sorry, Adam Clark.
And then, the company who donated that asset has to pay tens of thousands of dollars for a barge to go get it back. Get their equipment back trying to help the problem. These people don't want help. Government can't be superhero, can't be all things to all people. We do the best
we can, round them up, clean them up, and figure out and put them on their way because it's just going to be a distraction and a strain on the resources, and resources are limited. Our sheriff's office is resource, our code enforcement officer's resources,
this board's resources. So, Chairman, I agree with you. Slam the hammer down and really address the problem, rip the band-aid off, quit playing patty-cake with it, and just be bold. Just be bold and start cleaning up. That's the
expectation of every citizen across this county from the swamp to the coast. It's the same sentiment. The homeless problem east of 41 is greater than it's ever been. Michelle and I are lifetime generational residents of East Pasco County, and we've never seen the level
of homelessness that we have. In the city of Dade City, when we go to work, they're getting pennies out of the fountain. They're defecating around the bushes of the historic courthouse. It's a beautiful place for the public to come. They charge their phones. There's enabling going on all over when there's
internet and whatnot in the parks. However, they're getting their phones and they're charging their their things. They're laying on park benches. It's horrible. It hurts our businesses. It It discourages patrons from coming in to buying product from people.
I've no love for this cohort. Their intentions aren't good. The enabling needs to stop. So, I'm done. Mr. Starkey. >> Mr. Starkey. >> Um I am curious if the homeless camp
by Green Key is gone because we have had people come in here many times talk about that one. And we had that homeless camp on US 19 in my district right there on US 19 entering Pasco County.
Tens of thousands of people passing it every day. And our staff couldn't do anything because the garbage only went up to the sidewalk, and the tents were on private property. And we had to subpoena someone in Texas before we could go on
there and evict them and clean them up. But, it took us almost a year to clean up that homeless camp. That did not There was no trees hiding these people. They were right there living there. Um but, we did get it cleaned up, and we we lean we we forced that gentleman to
sell, and someone else bought it, and there's a fence around that property now. We don't have that homeless problem there anymore. So, I want to know if that one that's on private property in his district is gone, and can we use the same tools that we used to get rid
of it in my district there? Still there. That's not okay. That's not okay. What's going on there? >> So, Cathy Pearson, assistant county administrator of public services. I am proud to say that James Walters partnered with um Chief Gwynne in the fire. These have made two visits in the
last four or five days out to Green Key. Um there were no homeless, but there were signs of it. So, two trips already. Um this is with partnering with Chief Gwynne because they got this new >> right? I believe this was our the property that I'm I'm not positive. This is the
property that Chief Gwynne have gotten a whole bunch of Maybe, Joanne, do you know? The new the new um They got new state equipment, and they were going to test it out. >> that guy until he has to give up the property? He can't have a homeless camp. Can't we go
after the landowner? It depends. That would be >> It's a It's The answer's complicated. If they have I mean, if >> Then we need to change the law if we can't go after the homeowner. No, just this week. I know, but if it happens over and over again, it's a lot of resources that
we're putting out that we shouldn't have to. They set up a station there. >> Just be in my ear. You can't, Colleen. Sorry, Cathy. Sorry. Colleen Weaver, I'm with Commissioner Jack Mariano's office. Um
they did clear that out. Actually, we sent I sent pictures to Gina yesterday, and they're setting up a station there, and they will be there on a all week for the next several weeks just to ensure that Green Key. And the reason
I know is Wanda Chasnoff from that neighborhood that backs up onto that property called and let me know. So, we It It's the first time she was thrilled. I had encouraged her to come this morning to um tell the board thank you for the hard work on that Green Key
property, but that is private property. >> Who paid for this cleanup? I I do not know. >> If this is If this is what I believe it is, Commissioner, this is a training exercise by our special fire rescue. We received a equipment an equipment grant from the state for heavy
rescue, and our public works team is training our fire rescue staff on on the use and and management of that law. >> got permission from the landowner to do that? Uh presumably, yes. >> Okay, but I I think that landowner, what do you guys think, needs to be on the on the hook if someone who's back on his
property either has to fence it or sell it. Sell it to us, give it to or we take it, you know, eventually. I think that's what we were doing with the property 19. We were taking that gentleman to court. Um I'll work with Jason and Branford cuz we looked at this before about using for
a stormwater area cuz, you know, that area floods like crazy. Uh they're willing to sell it. We didn't want to pay the money, but I'll I'll bring that back up, and I'll bring Branford maybe Let's bring it an agenda item back up to the board with a full description, and then uh see what the board wants to do. >> But, he can get fined per day for
running a homeless camp on his property. >> Cuz no, he can't get fined for running a homeless camp. There There are violations of the code that a homeless camp triggers. Yes. But, it's it's a violation of your land
development code. It's not your code does not make homelessness illegal. >> Okay, but the result is that they have to do something. So, they they have been working with us to go through this. Matter of fact, they gave us I think everything we needed for
paperwork. They gave us permission to go in there and clear it out so that the homeless can't hide in the woods. This is going to clear it out all all of that brush, Brazilian peppers go away. All the trash gets cleaned up, and our team is getting experience, which they need for the machine they're they're breaking down. This could This can be
replicated elsewhere as well, and I got another place for them, too. But, literally, if you look at the trash that's on the ground like the lower scene right there, try to imagine Let's say this now a hurricane comes in, storm comes in. Where's that all all that plastic going to go? So, this type of thing, it's why I'm saying I've got so many of these things
in my district to get them done to get done. So, >> one on our property. Now that we know that Mr. Walters is a sworn law enforcement officer, the reason of we can't do it cuz we have to coordinate with the sheriff is now bunk. Now we have We're not necessarily sure that that was >> Well, if it is true, we now have
something to work with. >> Yeah, we'll report back on that on that status and how that can be leveraged. I appreciate it. All right. Anything else to go to the board? All right. Thank you all. We're adjourned. Is he in I understand.
I I will get an answer to I will get an answer to that. I'm not sure. We have two more to go. Two more months to