WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=0mnvuq_e-Io

Part: 1

1
00:04:32.772 --> 00:04:45.818
Hear ye, hear ye. I now call to order the regular session meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the City of Tarpon Springs on Tuesday, July 14th, 2026 at 6:00. Roll call

2
00:04:45.818 --> 00:04:56.329
please. Mayor Giuliani is absent and excused. Vice mayor is absent and excuse. Commissioner Eisner here. Commissioner Banther here.

3
00:04:56.329 --> 00:05:07.807
Commissioner Weaver here. Tonight, we have reflections from our invocation will be given by Chaplain Adrian Murray from Advent Health Hospital.

4
00:05:07.807 --> 00:05:18.951
And my friend. Thank you. Please stand. And also remain standing for the pledge after.

5
00:05:18.951 --> 00:05:29.061
Let us pray. Holy God, you are known in your Word as the great. I am the Alpha and Omega, the

6
00:05:29.061 --> 00:05:41.307
Almighty. You are worthy to be honored and praised. And for all that you give humanity, we ask of you now to give us

7
00:05:41.307 --> 00:05:54.253
wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and your grace to lead Tarpon Springs higher, better and stronger. Not

8
00:05:54.253 --> 00:06:05.765
because of humanity, but because of you. Be with our leaders. May they trust you as they lead and for the community.

9
00:06:05.765 --> 00:06:16.542
May we trust you as we follow this. We pray in the name of the father, son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. I pledge

10
00:06:16.542 --> 00:06:25.618
allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God,

11
00:06:25.618 --> 00:06:39.232
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. So before I speak and bring up the special

12
00:06:39.232 --> 00:06:50.409
presentation, I did want everybody to look at First Friday we had two officers who did some outstanding tarpon.

13
00:06:50.409 --> 00:07:02.321
Just proud to be Tarpon Nights. They were just great. One officer found a person with dementia that was just wandering around very close to Craig Park, and possibly

14
00:07:02.321 --> 00:07:13.466
something could have happened. Any officer found him really quickly and it was it was something I should say. Detective melon found him so

15
00:07:13.466 --> 00:07:25.444
quickly that he kind of shocked the rest of the police force. How fast he, you know, he he retrieved that person. So we really want to thank him for that. And Officer Rodriguez was

16
00:07:25.444 --> 00:07:36.856
I was there when she actually located somebody's credit card. You know, our first Fridays are a little bit hectic and people lose things. And she was just so kind as to retrieve and, and

17
00:07:36.856 --> 00:07:47.300
return it. So I thought that they too, should have, you know, be recognized as, as quality citizens. So would Dave Gillum

18
00:07:47.300 --> 00:08:06.819
is, is Gillum, would you please come up with Megan?

19
00:08:12.758 --> 00:08:20.766
It's not often that we get superheroes from other states, but I have to tell you that before I read

20
00:08:20.766 --> 00:08:34.113
your citizenship award, what you did, what I read was amazing. I wasn't here in town. I was in Texas visiting my grandkids, and I had heard what happened. And I just cannot

21
00:08:34.113 --> 00:08:45.191
believe that what you did. And I can't believe that, you know, that you brought this up. It was excellent to have I don't know, were you a little nervous when that was going on? No.

22
00:08:45.191 --> 00:08:58.270
Okay, excellent. So let me get this. Do you want to tell a little story first? Go ahead. I'm sorry. That's okay. Thank

23
00:08:58.270 --> 00:09:09.382
you. My name is Megan McIntyre. I'm the interim director of Cultural and Civic Services. And tonight we're honoring David Gilliam as a hero who

24
00:09:09.382 --> 00:09:19.792
helped save the Safford House. On May 28th. We had a mid afternoon storm, and it appeared that the house was struck by lightning. We found

25
00:09:19.792 --> 00:09:29.535
out that it wasn't, but it was very, very close. And the electric current came down through the house, through the

26
00:09:29.535 --> 00:09:41.747
electrical outlet and art to a metal chair that was behind one of the doors that we leave for people when they're on a tour, if they get tired, and the

27
00:09:41.747 --> 00:09:51.157
padded chair actually caught fire, David, his wife Kathy, and two other visitors were on a tour of the Safford house

28
00:09:51.157 --> 00:10:04.570
when the bolt came down, and his immediate action. He looked and saw smoke coming off the chair, grabbed the chair and threw it outside. Had the tour

29
00:10:04.570 --> 00:10:15.648
been in a different part of the house? Had they not been inside the house? A different. Ending possibly could have happened.

30
00:10:15.648 --> 00:10:26.826
And so I'm just incredibly thankful to Dave, to the Tarpon Springs Fire Rescue and surrounding rescues. So many people showed up to just do the

31
00:10:26.826 --> 00:10:36.135
work and were so professional and efficient and kind to Olga Cassidy, our employee, who immediately called 911. Our

32
00:10:36.135 --> 00:10:49.081
docent, Darlene, who was giving the tour, and David, thanks to you, the sovereign House will remain standing strong for

33
00:10:49.081 --> 00:11:01.694
hundreds of more years to come. So thank you. I'll be there for. You. You have forever tours whenever you're back in town. And they're from Wisconsin and

34
00:11:01.694 --> 00:11:11.070
our snowbirds here in Florida. So whenever you come back and you want a tour of the Safford house, you're more than welcome. Well, thank you, Megan, and

35
00:11:11.070 --> 00:11:22.347
thank you, Dave. Where is your cape? Your Superman. So lucky to be there. Well, we thank you. We thank you from, you know, all of Tarpon. So our Safford

36
00:11:22.347 --> 00:11:34.693
house is a very valuable place for us and we do appreciate it. So this is a citizenship award and it's presented to you, Dave Gillum, for your brave and timely actions in protecting

37
00:11:34.693 --> 00:11:43.068
the historic Safford House and preserving our community's heritage. July 14th, 2026 Board of Commissioners, City of

38
00:11:43.068 --> 00:11:51.876
Tarpon Springs. Thank you. Somebody want to take a picture? Thank you for your bride is

39
00:11:51.876 --> 00:12:12.331
taking a picture. Of you. And thank you again. You're more than welcome. Anytime I'm here

40
00:12:12.331 --> 00:12:20.072
as a free tour of the San Francisco lakefront for. So thank you. Thank you to you for

41
00:12:20.072 --> 00:12:49.068
your work. I need Jamie Taylor and Gail Gatson, please.

42
00:12:58.277 --> 00:13:09.855
Come here to me. Very interesting. Today the bookmobile was out and about and we got to share some quality time in the hot

43
00:13:09.855 --> 00:13:21.367
sun and have kids coming and getting books. So I this is not my first time seeing them today, but they're always welcome in my heart. So the city of Tarpon

44
00:13:21.367 --> 00:13:33.612
Springs, Florida. Proclamation. Whereas Parks and Recreation bring individuals together, promote health, wellness, and contribute to the development of stronger, more resilient communities. And whereas our

45
00:13:33.612 --> 00:13:44.757
parks and recreation departments give community members spaces to unwind, enjoy activities, and participate in programs, and support youth learning, growth and

46
00:13:44.757 --> 00:13:55.935
development, while also offering outdoor areas for older residents like myself to easily spend time outside and maintain both their physical and mental well-being. And

47
00:13:55.935 --> 00:14:06.011
whereas, Parks and Recreation Month serves as an occasion to acknowledge the valuable contributions made by our committed employees and volunteers who maintain our

48
00:14:06.011 --> 00:14:16.822
parks and facilitate recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Whereas, it is fitting to formally acknowledge the commitment and professionalism

49
00:14:16.822 --> 00:14:28.334
demonstrated by our Parks and Parkway Parkways Maintenance Supervisor James Burke, team and Recreation Superintendent James Jamie Taylor and his staff for substantial

50
00:14:28.334 --> 00:14:38.510
contributions provided daily by these departments. Now, therefore, I, Mike Eisner, representing Mayor John by virtue of the authority vested

51
00:14:38.510 --> 00:14:50.956
in me as acting mayor of the city of Tarpon Springs, Florida, do hereby proclaim July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month. In witness whereof I have set his

52
00:14:50.956 --> 00:14:59.264
hand, not mine, and caused the seal of the city of Tarpon Springs, Florida, to be affixed this 14th day of July, 2026.

53
00:14:59.264 --> 00:15:16.915
And I present that to you both. Thank you, Mr. Kiger. Do you want to say something? On behalf of the Parks and Recreation, we'd like to thank

54
00:15:16.915 --> 00:15:29.227
you. It is a busy month for us always throughout the summer, working with the kids, and it was great to see our commissioner with us today giving out the books. That's my favorite part, giving out the

55
00:15:29.227 --> 00:15:41.006
books over the summer so the kids can read. Thank you. I just want to echo the sentiment of appreciation. Appreciation to the board and to city

56
00:15:41.006 --> 00:15:51.817
leadership for our departments there, especially appreciation towards Chris Carter and the Public Works and the parks staff that not only keep our parks clean and safe, but they

57
00:15:51.817 --> 00:16:02.227
do a whole lot more than that. They are integral in our special event operations, and we've got some volunteers in the stands here. So, you know, it really is a team effort.

58
00:16:02.227 --> 00:16:13.439
Miss Gadsden's been with the city for over 25 years, helping out the kids during our summer camp as well as after school program with the Gap Center. So really, it takes a village and

59
00:16:13.439 --> 00:16:22.948
honored to be here and be part of the team as well. So thank you again. Thank you. Aren't we proud of Tarpon Springs? That

60
00:16:22.948 --> 00:16:42.101
is great. I just love this. Thank you.

61
00:17:03.022 --> 00:17:15.433
Okay. Are there any commissioner comments that would you like to make? That Mike is still alive, but so is

62
00:17:15.433 --> 00:17:27.246
mine. Do you want me to turn it off? I just want to bring it to your. Any comments? Thanks. No, thanks. Okay. So we're going to

63
00:17:27.246 --> 00:17:38.590
go to public comments now. But before we go to public comments, I have something I need to read because it's fairly new and it will be carried out from here

64
00:17:38.590 --> 00:17:49.234
on in. As a reminder, each person addressing the board shall state their name and address for the record and will be given three minutes. All remarks shall be addressed to

65
00:17:49.234 --> 00:18:00.412
the board. As a body, the mayor shall preserve order, which is me today, and decorum, and shall prevent personal attacks. Any person making personal,

66
00:18:00.412 --> 00:18:11.656
impertinent or slanderous remarks, or shall become boisterous, including clapping, booing, holding signs or flags at a meeting may be requested

67
00:18:11.656 --> 00:18:18.463
to leave the meeting or may be removed and barred from further attendance at this meeting. And

68
00:18:18.463 --> 00:18:37.082
with that, public comments can begin. Marty Peters, 1702

69
00:18:37.082 --> 00:18:49.328
Heritage Oaks Court. I'd like to spend just a few minutes talking about our good friends up in Tallahassee who are running around talking about waste, fraud, corruption and

70
00:18:49.328 --> 00:18:57.636
abuse, and they're talking about local governments doing that. So they have this referendum to cut property

71
00:18:57.636 --> 00:19:11.416
taxes enormously. But I was wondering if they could perhaps take a look at some of the things that are going on in Tallahassee where there might be might be some waste, fraud

72
00:19:11.416 --> 00:19:22.461
and corruption. You know, the things that they're responsible for, whereas you're responsible for any of that type of stuff happening here. Well, up in

73
00:19:22.461 --> 00:19:30.002
Tallahassee, I was just wondering why they haven't searched out that fraud. I would think corruption

74
00:19:30.002 --> 00:19:42.214
certainly waste $10 million redirected from poor kids health plans so that it can be given to political consultants

75
00:19:42.214 --> 00:19:53.759
to run a political campaign for some of the people up in Tallahassee for what they like. Or how about that $270 million

76
00:19:53.759 --> 00:20:02.267
in the voucher program for education that's unaccounted for, or maybe the $1 million

77
00:20:02.267 --> 00:20:15.714
they give to. Retired politicians who get appointed to be presidents of colleges and given a salary of $1 million, even though they have

78
00:20:15.714 --> 00:20:29.428
no educational experience, or maybe the 1000 or $100,000 given for one of the politicians up in Tallahassee who teaches two college courses

79
00:20:29.428 --> 00:20:41.039
in addition to his regular job that he's being paid for, or maybe the millions in immigration and other that was spent in other states to deal with immigration issues, which

80
00:20:41.039 --> 00:20:52.818
is really a federal problem, not a state problem. But since it was spent in other states, it wasn't for Floridians. So

81
00:20:52.818 --> 00:21:03.995
there's a lot of no bid contracts up in Tallahassee with NDAs, non-disclosure agreements. And I'd just like to contrast that with Tarpon

82
00:21:03.995 --> 00:21:13.972
Springs. You had a case where you thought there was some inappropriate expenditures. There were NDAs that were signed in it. So we can't talk

83
00:21:13.972 --> 00:21:25.349
about it a whole lot. But you promptly handled the issue and fired a city manager. What are they doing up in Tallahassee? Why don't they deal with the problems that they're supposed

84
00:21:25.349 --> 00:21:34.326
to deal with, instead of trying to take the power away from you and bringing that power up to Tallahassee, where they have

85
00:21:34.326 --> 00:21:43.968
all of the NDAs and. The non bid contracts. So I hope you'll keep that in mind. Don't let

86
00:21:43.968 --> 00:21:58.250
them push you over. Thank you. Next, please. Jane Harrington 1021 Jamaica Way, Tarpon Springs. I just want to thank

87
00:21:58.250 --> 00:22:09.661
you for making that announcement about the clapping, the booing and all of that. I left two weeks ago. I decided that would probably be the most

88
00:22:09.661 --> 00:22:21.273
prudent thing I could do was to leave the meeting. I don't think it's appropriate that the church people were clapping and booing and the other people were. And honestly, the

89
00:22:21.273 --> 00:22:30.649
commission always said no clapping, no response. If I ask a question or anything, you cannot respond, responding by

90
00:22:30.649 --> 00:22:42.494
clapping encourages people. People being. We didn't need all of that two weeks ago. So thank you for making that announcement and taking the

91
00:22:42.494 --> 00:22:55.474
people away. Secondly, it's not going to be popular, but the tax cuts. I'm hoping you folks will come forward with how

92
00:22:55.474 --> 00:23:07.018
you're streamlining, automating, and reducing a lot of extra work in the counties to in the community here to save money.

93
00:23:07.018 --> 00:23:18.596
But I look around on my own street and our neighborhoods, we are having more buildings built and sold at 500, 700, $1

94
00:23:18.596 --> 00:23:30.375
million, $2 million. That's all way, way above any tax reduction, even on our own street. I look at the houses that have turned over once,

95
00:23:30.375 --> 00:23:41.253
twice since I moved here, and the tax base from back in 2019 to today has more than doubled on those streets. When they

96
00:23:41.253 --> 00:23:54.533
sell, it becomes true tax. No one's mentioning that. So we may be quote unquote losing money, but please be upfront with the people, both sides

97
00:23:54.533 --> 00:24:05.677
totally transparent. You are getting a lot more tax revenue from all those. I hate to say it. Not real attractive apartments or buildings that

98
00:24:05.677 --> 00:24:17.556
got up on 19. You're getting money from that. The taxes in this town, from the way places are being sold. I look at the million $2 million houses there.

99
00:24:17.556 --> 00:24:30.569
What is $250,000 to those people compared to the amount of tax you're going to get on the remaining 1,800,000? Please keep that in mind. And I do

100
00:24:30.569 --> 00:24:40.612
appreciate everything you do, but I look forward to hearing all the different things the Commission is going to do and the city is going to do to

101
00:24:40.612 --> 00:24:51.456
streamline, automate the processes, because many of them are from way back, because those are the people that are in place. We do things the way

102
00:24:51.456 --> 00:24:58.229
we always did. But thank you for looking at everything and making it better like a

103
00:24:58.229 --> 00:25:14.145
commission would do. Thank you. Acts 514 Ashland Avenue. To kind of continue a little bit

104
00:25:14.145 --> 00:25:26.658
of the theme, the actual way to solve what the lady just mentioned were the inflation houses flipping. And this is something I've suggested, but

105
00:25:26.658 --> 00:25:39.638
no one seems to see it as an answer. But the way to do it is when you buy your house that locks in your value, you're not affected by the neighbor. If

106
00:25:39.638 --> 00:25:48.980
the neighbor down the street pays $100,000 more, that will be their new value and it stays the same. So you can count. Now you can change millages and

107
00:25:48.980 --> 00:26:01.325
stuff like that, but it gives the homeowner stability and knowing what they'll be taxed at. If they do upgrades, then you can look at at that point.

108
00:26:01.325 --> 00:26:11.703
But if you buy a house and you don't add a second story or a pool or stuff like that, then I think that would be an easier way to solve it because as you

109
00:26:11.703 --> 00:26:21.413
heard about the parks, those are going to be some of the first things you're going to have to cut back on. And we like our parks and I'll do a

110
00:26:21.413 --> 00:26:33.391
short reading. This is Isaiah 65 1 to 4 five. I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me. I was found by those who did not seek me to a nation

111
00:26:33.391 --> 00:26:44.769
that did not call on my name. I said, here I am, here I am. All day long I have held out my hand to an obstinate people who walk in ways not good, pursuing

112
00:26:44.769 --> 00:26:54.879
their own imaginations. A people who continually provoke me in my very face, offering sacrifices and gardens and burning incense on altars of

113
00:26:54.879 --> 00:27:07.024
brick who sit among the graves and spend their nights keeping secret vigil. Now, I didn't get a chance, really, to follow up

114
00:27:07.024 --> 00:27:15.400
at the last meeting with regards to one of the things that were brought up, and as the lady mentioned, there was a lot of clapping and cheering. And we also had the Morgan

115
00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:27.679
people delivering a voluntary excuse me, I would call quid pro quo check. That was one of the first conditions within

116
00:27:27.679 --> 00:27:38.823
their plans. Now, there are other things that are conditions for them to provide before they get certificate of occupancy. They have to provide the city with a conservation

117
00:27:38.823 --> 00:27:49.300
easement for all the land that is either recreation, open space or preservation has to be recorded. They're provided public art project. What's the status with this? They're required to have an Eagle

118
00:27:49.300 --> 00:28:00.411
management plan that covers the property for five years. Is there one in place? Will residents be aware of that? They're required to have a wetland enhancement plan, which mandates they move all the stuff out of there that's

119
00:28:00.411 --> 00:28:11.923
invasive. Have they paid into the tree fund? They're required to have a transportation management plan, working with both St and Pasco to implement a possible stop. We've also recommended to get with

120
00:28:11.923 --> 00:28:22.300
Pinellas County schools with regards to establishing a school bus. All this is in, I think it's either 2021 15 or 20 2060. I don't remember the

121
00:28:22.300 --> 00:28:33.511
numbers, but if you go to Anclote Harbor on the Tarpon Street, thank you, thank you.

122
00:28:33.511 --> 00:28:45.923
Anybody else? Okay, so we're going to move on to the consent agenda now. So we have number

123
00:28:45.923 --> 00:28:57.768
three attorney fee salesman PA invoices 90885 and 91183. Those are for separate months. Number

124
00:28:57.768 --> 00:29:08.847
four extend file number 230097-C-AS. Fencing gate operators and handrails. Number

125
00:29:08.847 --> 00:29:23.928
five is award file number 260175-N-PH. Repair services for Godwin pumps number six, Award file number 260176 and

126
00:29:23.928 --> 00:29:35.073
dash p h. Single source purchase of Actor and Elgin original equipment manufacturer OEM Parts and service number seven amendment to Pinellas

127
00:29:35.073 --> 00:29:48.052
County Community Development block grant sub Award agreement number CD225. T is Tom SCCG.

128
00:29:48.052 --> 00:29:58.563
Number eight approved. Fire station 70 funding agreement with Pinellas County, number nine, Federal Bureau of Investigation. Memorandum of

129
00:29:58.563 --> 00:30:11.075
understanding. Number ten. Award file number 260178-NPH. Single source purchase of Commons original equipment

130
00:30:11.075 --> 00:30:20.818
manufacturer. OEM parts and service approved Novation for file number 250089-C-PH.

131
00:30:20.818 --> 00:30:31.596
Utility billing services number 12 is award file number 260188CPH. Golf course irrigation system upgrade

132
00:30:31.596 --> 00:30:45.643
number 13 is award file number 270001-C-PH. Purchase of computer aided dispatch CAD system automated Report

133
00:30:45.643 --> 00:30:56.921
Management systems, services and crime scene and fingerprint agreement. Is there any public comments of. Well, let me say

134
00:30:56.921 --> 00:31:09.734
as first, the. Are there any items the commissioners would like to pull. I got a note.

135
00:31:09.734 --> 00:31:21.612
Nothing. Okay. Are there any public comments? No public comments. I need to hear a

136
00:31:21.612 --> 00:31:36.093
motion. So moved. Second. Are there any other commission comments regarding that? No. Okay, so hearing none, I need a roll call. Commissioner Weaver.

137
00:31:36.093 --> 00:31:48.639
Yes, Commissioner. Panther. Yes, sir. Yes. So moving on. We have ordinance and resolutions 14.

138
00:31:48.639 --> 00:32:00.918
And that is. Do you want to read that? Yes, sir. Ordinance 2020 611, an ordinance of the City of Tarpon Springs, Florida, vacating a portion of Lake Butler Heights subdivision plat

139
00:32:00.918 --> 00:32:10.962
plat book three, page five, including block C, lots 11 through 15, block C, lot 17 through 20, block D, lots one

140
00:32:10.962 --> 00:32:21.773
through ten and block E, lots one through 20 and abandoning 37,035ft■!S, more or less of the following right of way. A

141
00:32:21.773 --> 00:32:34.719
portion of Stackelberg Avenue, located adjacent to block C, D, E and F, a portion of Burke Street located adjacent to block C, D, E, and F, and an

142
00:32:34.719 --> 00:32:45.496
alley located adjacent to the entirety of block E, providing for conditions. Providing for findings. Providing for Recordation in the public

143
00:32:45.496 --> 00:32:53.771
records of Pinellas County, and providing for an effective date that is ordinance 2020 611, read by title only on second

144
00:32:53.771 --> 00:33:06.417
reading. Thank you. Are there any public comments? Please state your name and address

145
00:33:06.417 --> 00:33:19.030
you'd like us. 514 Ashland Avenue. As I mentioned at the first reading, again, this is an opportunity lost, an

146
00:33:19.030 --> 00:33:29.873
opportunity lost. If you go to page six of your staff report, you'll see the roads that they're wishing. It's kind of hard to see on there because it's kind of blocked. But if

147
00:33:29.873 --> 00:33:42.820
you open up Burke towards Disston, all that property along to the east of Burke, or actually to the south of Burke is all their property. There's

148
00:33:42.820 --> 00:33:56.100
like four lots to the north. I think they own 1 or 2 of them. I think the city owns one and then another private property owner owns it. Again, this

149
00:33:56.100 --> 00:34:08.379
could be used as a catalyst to get a private partnership venture to help them help us open up distant the value of having them have access to

150
00:34:08.379 --> 00:34:19.157
distant with a second entrance gives them more viability for not only fire, rescue and other services, but ingress and egress. Otherwise you've got and you haven't looked at the

151
00:34:19.157 --> 00:34:30.301
site plan, but I hope you have looked at it before the meeting to be a little familiar with what I'm talking about. So otherwise, the next slide will show you how they want to put a cul de sac in, and they're

152
00:34:30.301 --> 00:34:42.446
going to leave a space open for lot 16 for the housing authority. Again, just like what happened with Manatee Village, Dash properties came in in 2019. They said they're

153
00:34:42.446 --> 00:34:53.291
going to do this. We asked them, no, this is our vision for the area they put it in. It sits there like that. I know they have money involved in expenses.

154
00:34:53.291 --> 00:35:05.236
This is legislative. It's not quasi judicial. If you say, no, we don't like giving away this land, we'd like you to follow along with our comprehensive

155
00:35:05.236 --> 00:35:16.747
plan for the growth in this area and help us fix the distant avenue, the connection to the college, and to to the main part of the city. Access

156
00:35:16.747 --> 00:35:25.389
bus. Tram. There was an accident on alternate in Klosterman today. Blocks of traffic. Where is your

157
00:35:25.389 --> 00:35:37.602
secondary exits? Belcher distant. Come on guys, it's. I've been preaching about distance since 2004. It's

158
00:35:37.602 --> 00:35:48.546
essential to open this up. We've had previous meetings, community seminars, and everybody majority have said we need to have this access open.

159
00:35:48.546 --> 00:35:58.856
And this is an opportunity. I think that if you let slip by and you let them build as they want, another developer coming in, I don't have a problem with Dr. Horton and the gentleman

160
00:35:58.856 --> 00:36:10.735
here. He's very respectful and responsive to what I've heard in meetings and stuff. It's nothing personal, but it's. Is it Tarpon vision or Dr. Horton's vision? That's what I

161
00:36:10.735 --> 00:36:20.177
think. It's up to you guys to decide on. Thank you, thank you. Is there any other public

162
00:36:20.177 --> 00:36:33.757
comments? So the hearing none. The chair will end. Oh I'm sorry question really for staff. Do I speak now as applicant or is it as part of the public

163
00:36:33.757 --> 00:36:45.703
portion or can I wait after? Has anything changed from the first reading for the vacation request? There's no change. The only made a minor modification to just be more specific about the effective date that it's

164
00:36:45.703 --> 00:36:56.814
tied to the site plan application. That's the only change. Do we need to hear from this gentleman? It's up to the board if you feel there's

165
00:36:56.814 --> 00:37:06.891
anything to clarify after the first. So you don't need do you need any more clarification? No, I don't know, sir, but thank you. Thank you for volunteering.

166
00:37:06.891 --> 00:37:16.934
So then I need to entertain a motion. So moved. Second and any commissioner comments after

167
00:37:16.934 --> 00:37:25.209
that, I presume? None. Roll call please, Mr. Weaver. Yes.

168
00:37:25.209 --> 00:37:43.693
Yes. Mr. Yes. So now we have. Resolution 2026-23. Resolution 2020 623, a resolution of the

169
00:37:43.693 --> 00:37:55.473
Board of Commissioners of the City of Tarpon Springs, Florida, approving application number 2434. Requesting site plan approval for 32 single family detached dwelling units,

170
00:37:55.473 --> 00:38:07.752
including stormwater handling and open space amenities. A 4.52 acres more or less property located on the south side of Mango Street and 96ft

171
00:38:07.752 --> 00:38:18.496
east of Distant Avenue in the residential multifamily zoning district, providing for findings, providing for waivers, providing for conditions, and providing for an effective date.

172
00:38:18.496 --> 00:38:30.408
You also want me to read the quasi judicial, please. This is a quasi judicial proceeding where the board acts in a quasi judicial rather than a legislative capacity at a quasi

173
00:38:30.408 --> 00:38:41.886
judicial hearing. It is not the board's function to make law, but rather to apply law that has already been established in a quasi judicial hearing. The board is required by law to make findings of fact based

174
00:38:41.886 --> 00:38:52.363
upon the evidence presented at the hearing, and apply those findings of fact to previously established criteria contained in the Code of Ordinances in order to make a legal decision

175
00:38:52.363 --> 00:39:03.174
regarding the application before it. The board may only consider evidence at this hearing that the law considers competent, substantial and relevant to the issues. If the competent, substantial and

176
00:39:03.174 --> 00:39:13.651
relevant evidence at the hearing demonstrates that the applicant has met the criteria established in the Code of Ordinances, then the board is required by law to find in favor of the applicant. By the

177
00:39:13.651 --> 00:39:24.662
same token, if the competent, substantial and relevant evidence at the hearing demonstrates that the applicant has failed to meet the criteria established in the Code of Ordinances, then the board is required by law to find against

178
00:39:24.662 --> 00:39:35.539
the applicant. Is there any disclosure of ex parte communication by the board? Any conflicts of interest? No. If anyone's going to speak on this,

179
00:39:35.539 --> 00:39:48.485
please stand. Raise your right hand. You swear? If you're going to stand, please, please raise your right hand if you're going to stand. Are you going

180
00:39:48.485 --> 00:39:59.796
to talk on this? Yes. Do you swear or affirm your testimony before the Board of Commissioners will be the truth, so help you? I do thank you, Ali. The only thing I want to

181
00:39:59.796 --> 00:40:11.908
let you know before a public comment is made, we don't change the slides accordingly. It's just a public comment. So unless it's presented because I

182
00:40:11.908 --> 00:40:23.120
know that was what you know, you're kind enough to do. But this is not a debate. It's just public comment. But thank you. Okay. All set. Yes. I'm sorry.

183
00:40:23.120 --> 00:40:35.366
Oh. Yes. Presentation first. Sorry. Okay. Good evening. Ali Keene, interim planning director. Again, this is application 24-34 under

184
00:40:35.366 --> 00:40:47.578
resolution number 2026-23. This is a site plan approval for the Mango Street townhome development. And this is the companion application to the previous vacation request. The site is located on the south

185
00:40:47.578 --> 00:40:57.688
side of Mango Street, approximately 96ft east of Distant Avenue. It is comprised of just under four and a half acres in size, and that does include the right of way that

186
00:40:57.688 --> 00:41:07.030
is vacated. The current land use is residential, urban. The zoning is residential, multifamily, and the proposed development is a 32 unit townhome community with infrastructure, facilities and

187
00:41:07.030 --> 00:41:18.509
open space amenities. Again, the site is outlined in yellow here on the screen on the south side of Mango Street. Looking at the surrounding context to the west, there are some

188
00:41:18.509 --> 00:41:28.619
existing single family homes fronting Distant Avenue and the Tarpon Springs Yard waste facility. To the east are the two Tarpon Springs Housing Authority developments, Eagle

189
00:41:28.619 --> 00:41:39.262
Ridge and Mango Circle. The surrounding zoning in this area is primarily residential, multifamily and mobile home park, with the exception of the yard waste facility, which is in the Agricultural Zoning

190
00:41:39.262 --> 00:41:49.840
District. And just as a reminder, this is the area of the vacated right of way. Here's a look at the proposed site plan. Again, they're

191
00:41:49.840 --> 00:42:01.352
proposing 32 townhome units in five different buildings. The development includes the construction of a private internal street. It has a privately maintained stormwater

192
00:42:01.352 --> 00:42:11.795
facilities to the rear of the project. And then they're also proposing an open space park area for the residents. And that is about a half an acre in size. Mango Street is identified in the Comprehensive

193
00:42:11.795 --> 00:42:22.940
plan on the future right of way needs map of having an 80 foot wide right of way. Therefore, the application includes the reservation of 17.5ft along the frontage of Mango Street for any potential future right of

194
00:42:22.940 --> 00:42:34.852
way needs that we would need for mango, the Land Development Code has a requirement that sidewalks be along all frontages of public streets and private streets, and the applicant is requesting a

195
00:42:34.852 --> 00:42:45.295
waiver to have an alternative sidewalk plan that incorporates a crosswalk. They are proposing to have a sidewalk along a majority of the internal street, with the exception of the segment here, between building

196
00:42:45.295 --> 00:42:55.539
three and building two, they are proposing the crosswalk to get across to the other side of the street. From staff's perspective, this is an opportunity to reduce the amount of impervious surface in.

197
00:42:55.539 --> 00:43:07.317
The development project is a relatively small subdivision with a low number of units, and there is adequate circulation for pedestrians within the neighborhood. As a reminder, the housing authority does own

198
00:43:07.317 --> 00:43:18.429
this lot here in between the first two buildings and this area shaded in yellow, is the portion of the right of way that's vacated that will be dedicated to that lot. So look

199
00:43:18.429 --> 00:43:29.239
at the proposed landscaping plan. The code requires a minimum of two trees per lot, as well as plantings along the stormwater pond perimeter. This plan does meet the requirements

200
00:43:29.239 --> 00:43:40.584
of the code, and it does exceed it in some areas. And the plan does also include the retention of about 40 trees within the park area here. The open space

201
00:43:40.584 --> 00:43:52.162
area does provide some substantial separation between those existing single family homes along Disston Avenue. In addition to that, the park area is approximately six feet above

202
00:43:52.162 --> 00:44:03.040
where the road and the parking area will be, so that elevation change does provide some additional separation. It also helps to block any sort of lights from cars parking along here, or any potential noise

203
00:44:03.040 --> 00:44:14.084
from the cars impacting those single family residences. Here's a look at the elevations and floor plans. This elevation here at the bottom is for the building along Mango Street. It

204
00:44:14.084 --> 00:44:25.295
does have windows incorporated in the facade. Therefore it's not a solid blank wall along that road frontage. Looking at your site plan criteria, the proposal is in compliance with

205
00:44:25.295 --> 00:44:35.706
the Land Development Code, with the exception of the waiver request for the alternative sidewalk design, it does comply with the comprehensive plan and the intent of the Residential Urban Future Land Use category.

206
00:44:35.706 --> 00:44:45.916
It does present an appropriate and compatible infill project for this area that already has several different types of housing products. The city does have the capacity and the infrastructure to serve the

207
00:44:45.916 --> 00:44:56.960
development with utilities, and again, they're proposing to provide a half acre open space park on site. And so that will not impact the city's current mini park facilities deficiency. And lastly, it was reviewed by

208
00:44:56.960 --> 00:45:07.537
the Technical Review Committee and expected to meet all applicable building, fire and technical codes. Staff does recommend approval of resolution 2026-23, including

209
00:45:07.537 --> 00:45:19.249
the waiver request for alternative sidewalk design. We do have a set of conditions. Most of these are typical site plan conditions that we add, but they include that the project be master metered. The

210
00:45:19.249 --> 00:45:29.693
project must meet all minimum tree planting requirements. The project is subject to the provisions of public Art for condition number four. This is pertaining to the Housing Authority lot, and it states

211
00:45:29.693 --> 00:45:40.504
that if that lot were to be developed in the future with a new residential dwelling, access to the private subdivision street cannot be denied. Number five is the construction plans must be consistent with the approved

212
00:45:40.504 --> 00:45:52.416
site. Plan six they must obtain all other jurisdictional permits and seven is. The site plan will expire at six months if they do not obtain a building permit. And lastly, a final plat is required to be

213
00:45:52.416 --> 00:46:01.758
submitted for the project. And on the face of that plot, they shall specify that the community is privately maintained, including all the infrastructure, and that they are reserving the 17.5ft for

214
00:46:01.758 --> 00:46:13.270
Mango Street. The Planning and Zoning Board reviewed this application at their June hearing. They did recommend approval of the project with the waiver request as well as staff recommended conditions.

215
00:46:13.270 --> 00:46:24.580
They did have two additional conditions that they are recommending. They include providing a landscape plan that exceeds, by some reasonable number, the number required by the code, and exploration of whether a utility easement

216
00:46:24.580 --> 00:46:35.625
along the distant avenue right of way could provide the possibility of a future expansion of distant avenue. With regard to the first recommended condition for the landscaping plan, as you saw, we did have a plan included in

217
00:46:35.625 --> 00:46:46.736
this presentation that was included in all the backup material to the Planning and Zoning board. However, we did not include in the staff presentations. They did not have the opportunity to to review that. So I'll leave it at the discretion of the board

218
00:46:46.736 --> 00:46:57.881
as to whether or not to include that condition in any sort of recommendation. Lastly, there was only one member of the public that provided comments on this application, and I will go ahead and enter my report and presentation into the

219
00:46:57.881 --> 00:47:09.760
record and I'll answer any questions. So you saved me the question. Is this your report? Yes, it is. So do we have any

220
00:47:09.760 --> 00:47:22.339
commissioner questions? Yes. Commissioner Weaver. Yes. Thank you. Commissioner, has the applicant determined the public

221
00:47:22.339 --> 00:47:34.885
art requirement? So? So they are subject to the public art requirement. There's two options. One is doing an art project. The other is to pay in lieu. That is determined during

222
00:47:34.885 --> 00:47:44.928
the permitting stage. I believe that they might explore doing an on site project, but we just put the condition on there, just reinforcing that that is something that will come down the road. So it hasn't been

223
00:47:44.928 --> 00:47:58.342
determined yet? Yes. Correct. Thank you. Commissioner. No. No, sir. Okay. I just have a couple of questions for you, Ali. So they have a master meter, but

224
00:47:58.342 --> 00:48:08.618
they're also going to have separate water meters for each. I know this may not be you to answer, but is that what I was to understand? Yes. Okay. The

225
00:48:08.618 --> 00:48:20.230
master meter is just for our purposes. Would they also then have all separate lift stations as well? Or is that something you don't know? And I can let

226
00:48:20.230 --> 00:48:29.539
the applicant provide more details about that. Okay. Because did we provide them a lift station or would it be gravity fed? Because whenever you get into new construction

227
00:48:29.539 --> 00:48:41.918
in an older area, unless you can make a gravity system, it's got to be done with lift station. So yes, and our utilities folks did review this and did find it compliant. Okay.

228
00:48:41.918 --> 00:48:52.763
The other I had two, two quick questions. One, so the number of trees that they have to remove, they're going to be putting back other trees. They'll have to comply with our mitigation requirements. So

229
00:48:52.763 --> 00:49:03.807
that's one some of the things that are on the landscaping plan will count towards that. If there's any additional they have to pay the mitigation fees for it. And those final numbers are calculated again at the

230
00:49:03.807 --> 00:49:14.317
permitting stage. So the last question was you showed the PNC board put up number ten. Is it correct to say we are not

231
00:49:14.317 --> 00:49:25.829
making a decision on something that may or may not be in the future? That's up to the board on the decision of that, but it is it's not included in the staff's recommendation. Well, I

232
00:49:25.829 --> 00:49:35.572
know for a number of years I sat on the board of Adjustments. We never were able to make a decision on what could or should be down the road. We have to make the decision on

233
00:49:35.572 --> 00:49:46.683
current, what's there, what's not there. Correct. So I, I don't know if I want to accept the number ten recommendation. I don't know how the rest of

234
00:49:46.683 --> 00:49:57.594
the board would be, but do you want to pull that back so I can just. Go? So it's it's

235
00:49:57.594 --> 00:50:07.637
exploration of whether utility easement along the distant avenue right of way could provide the possibility of a future expansion of distant avenue. So we cannot make plans

236
00:50:07.637 --> 00:50:19.483
right now for what could be or what may not be down the road. That's correct. Okay, so I have then no further questions. We

237
00:50:19.483 --> 00:50:32.829
can do public comment now. Do you want to hear from the applicant first? Well, in here it was telling me the public comment first, but I'm okay with the applicant. If the

238
00:50:32.829 --> 00:50:43.273
applicant would want. Okay. He's okay with having her go. Okay. Miss Wade, good evening. Julie weighed 1095 Main Sail

239
00:50:43.273 --> 00:50:53.316
Drive. Many of us have waited for this project on this site for a while. I'm happy to see something move forward. Maybe it will also push the city to

240
00:50:53.316 --> 00:51:05.896
get distant. Open. I had hoped for a cottage court style development on this site, but I understand the site is a little complicated and may not be doable. Townhouses may help the

241
00:51:05.896 --> 00:51:18.175
residents of residences be affordable. I visited your project off harbor landings at Harbor landings, and I think the units are well built. They

242
00:51:18.175 --> 00:51:30.020
don't feel crowded like Calista Kay and you plan for some visitor parking, which has been missing in some of these developments. Having recently tried to help three young

243
00:51:30.020 --> 00:51:39.829
Tarpon Springs residents find a house in Tarpon Springs, I would like to encourage them, even if they have to scale. The project finishes down a little

244
00:51:39.829 --> 00:51:52.042
bit to help with that. Missing middle housing. All three folks wanted to live here. All three currently rent here. One is a teacher, one is in law

245
00:51:52.042 --> 00:52:01.051
enforcement and one is in the medical field we've looked for since September. None of them found a house in Tarpon Springs

246
00:52:01.051 --> 00:52:13.763
in that magic 300,000 price range, and all three have left. These were young professionals, young families, and I'm sorry

247
00:52:13.763 --> 00:52:27.410
to lose them. I appreciate your low HOA and no flood zone that helps with making this affordable. The proposal is so near city amenities that they

248
00:52:27.410 --> 00:52:38.154
don't have to have a lot of things in the complex. They can. People can walk to them, and I think that will help keep the costs down. But please, let's

249
00:52:38.154 --> 00:52:49.266
hope we can try to keep it around that 300 000 mark. Even with their red tag sale at their other project, I think the lowest one I saw was 330

250
00:52:49.266 --> 00:53:00.176
young professionals and young families. It's just an important demographic that we want to provide housing for and it's hard. Thank you for your proposal. I hope it's a plus

251
00:53:00.176 --> 00:53:11.921
for everybody. I look at your current submissions and applications, and although I still have some questions and we'll have some conditions, I'm sure. I think the overall this is a great spot for this

252
00:53:11.921 --> 00:53:22.365
project. Later I'll ask about some specifics, but I just wanted to support it at this time and encourage you. When you do make your submissions, make sure they say in

253
00:53:22.365 --> 00:53:32.842
accordance with required Tarpon Springs code, because some of it was boilerplate and said in accordance with City of Saint Pete. So please turn in updated

254
00:53:32.842 --> 00:53:44.721
ones. And I want to thank you for this and I hope it's a plus for everybody. Thank you. Thank you. Is there any other public

255
00:53:44.721 --> 00:53:56.266
comments? Seeing and hearing? None. No, I, I knew he was coming up. Good evening. Matt Silverman 13825 I Court

256
00:53:56.266 --> 00:54:07.444
Boulevard Clearwater, Florida 33760. Thank you Very much for your time today. We've been working on this project for quite some time, and we're very excited to be at the finish

257
00:54:07.444 --> 00:54:18.588
line or near the finish line. We've met the residential multifamily requirements and all of the parameters is consistent with residential,

258
00:54:18.588 --> 00:54:30.199
urban, and as one of the public speakers just mentioned, it's really a very difficult site. But we think what we are placing here with the townhomes

259
00:54:30.199 --> 00:54:38.708
and with it not being so crowded and having plenty of ample space, we think this can be a banner project for the

260
00:54:38.708 --> 00:54:52.422
Orient and really advocating for more development of middle housing. You know, the missing middle housing, there's a reason. There's a reason why

261
00:54:52.422 --> 00:55:03.533
it's missing, because it's very hard to find sites like this and to be able to make this work. And for this site, this absolutely works. We have single family homes to the west,

262
00:55:03.533 --> 00:55:15.177
apartments to the right, to the east, and further east there's mobile homes. So this is really a nice, exciting urban infill project. I wanted to answer your question, Mr. Chairman. So

263
00:55:15.177 --> 00:55:26.756
it is going to be a private lift station owned and maintained by the HOA. We are developing a private gravity system, going to a private lift station, and the lift station

264
00:55:26.756 --> 00:55:38.535
is going to tie in to a city force main. She. And we talked about the master meter. So there are also going to be individual meters. So the city

265
00:55:38.535 --> 00:55:48.511
is going to build one master meter, and then the HOA will turn around and build all the individuals. So I'll be here and I'll be happy to answer any

266
00:55:48.511 --> 00:55:59.389
questions that you guys may have. Commissioner Weaver thank you Commissioner. How many parking spaces are allocated

267
00:55:59.389 --> 00:56:12.335
per unit? Two. This is what's required. So there's. And the parking. The garage inside the unit counts as one. And then there's a one car driveway and the guest parking. I don't know

268
00:56:12.335 --> 00:56:21.845
what the amount of guest parking is offhand, but it's more than I. If you could pull up the site plan, please. Ali. If you go back to that, there

269
00:56:21.845 --> 00:56:35.024
you go. I think it's those two sets there. From the approach, I'll be able to. There's 20. 20,

270
00:56:35.024 --> 00:56:47.604
ma'am, 2020 guest parking and 32 units. So there's going to be ample parking and. Okay. And also to go back to your public

271
00:56:47.604 --> 00:56:58.448
arts, what we are currently exploring is, as Ali mentioned, there's a nice big wall there next to the open space park. So we're exploring a painting, a

272
00:56:58.448 --> 00:57:11.027
mural on that wall. Okay, this is this property. Have any retainage any water retainage that is that is near it? No, it's quite sloped. So there's a

273
00:57:11.027 --> 00:57:22.539
big hill next to the housing authority. So it slopes all towards Mango Street and all the way out to a swell on the south of the property. So there really is no, no pondage or no

274
00:57:22.539 --> 00:57:34.751
depression, no water hazard in a sense near nearby that you would have to fence. Correct. Okay. That's all. Thank you Commissioner. Well, you

275
00:57:34.751 --> 00:57:45.995
answered a commissioner. We've answered a bunch of my questions. When this when the displaced water that's going to mango, will it be running down

276
00:57:45.995 --> 00:57:59.508
mirrors towards Safford? Would you know? Yes. So as that's what happens currently, that's what's happening currently, as part of our development, we

277
00:57:59.508 --> 00:58:08.985
will capture all the storm drainage and route it towards our stormwater pond to the south, and that will be discharged at a much lower rate

278
00:58:08.985 --> 00:58:21.264
south of that into an existing swell. I bring that up because. Our fearless leaders in Tallahassee did stop a project

279
00:58:21.264 --> 00:58:34.944
of stormwater on Safford and Mirrors. So I'm not saying I'm. I can't tell how much water you'll displace, but I'm just hoping that it doesn't create a

280
00:58:34.944 --> 00:58:45.021
bigger headache until we can get some relief over there. Sure. Understood. So what this will actually be is a relief for Mango Street, because what

281
00:58:45.021 --> 00:58:56.532
we're doing is most of the water, if you look here at the housing Authority lot, would flow to Mango Street. Now what we're doing is we're capturing all that water and routing it

282
00:58:56.532 --> 00:59:09.178
to the south and discharging itself at a lower rate than was previously existing. So it's going to be an improvement. Okay. I, I will say to you, the

283
00:59:09.178 --> 00:59:21.024
thing we need probably the most in this town is affordable housing. Most of our offices cannot afford or, or fire or average citizens. They just,

284
00:59:21.024 --> 00:59:32.135
you know, the Greek children are having to go outside of Tarpon Springs. They can't repurchase here in the town that they love. And so I'm I'm

285
00:59:32.135 --> 00:59:42.711
all for what you're trying to do. I think it's, it's, it's well needed and it's not easy to find. We're about 95 and 96% built up. So I appreciate. And

286
00:59:42.711 --> 00:59:52.655
if anything we can do or I can do to help, I'm all for it. So. Thank you. Thank you. Any other

287
00:59:52.655 --> 01:00:06.335
comments, questions or. Okay. I guess with that saying, is there any other commissioner comments? Yes, yes. So to

288
01:00:06.335 --> 01:00:15.678
piggyback off of. What are we calling you tonight? Acting acting mayor, I'll answer acting mayor, acting mayor

289
01:00:15.678 --> 01:00:28.658
Eisner. Comment. You know, building costs are so high right now that it's probably not practical to expect

290
01:00:28.658 --> 01:00:40.937
something to be built for $300,000. As much as I would love to see that happen, I just I just did some calculations. You know, if you built 1500 square foot, which is, you know,

291
01:00:40.937 --> 01:00:52.815
not a large but a family sized home at $400 a square foot, that's $600,000 already. I think the days of, of being able to build something that

292
01:00:52.815 --> 01:01:04.760
that's that affordable at, at a $300,000 price tag are, are, are gone for now. I hope they return. With that said, you

293
01:01:04.760 --> 01:01:15.537
know, my goal would be to try to keep the working class of people here retired. You know, retirees is a whole nother

294
01:01:15.537 --> 01:01:26.282
class. But we, we want we want our law enforcement. We want our, our public servant services to, to be able to live in the community that they work.

295
01:01:26.282 --> 01:01:39.195
So. Affordable housing. And I'd like to, I'd like to just make clear to anybody that's listening. You know, there's a difference, right? Affordable housing is simply that it's,

296
01:01:39.195 --> 01:01:51.808
it's housing that's affordable for average people. So if this if this is what it takes, if it if it has to go into this price range, that might be the, you

297
01:01:51.808 --> 01:02:02.585
know, the only chance we have to be able to keep some of our young people in our in our working people here in town. And with that said, I'm

298
01:02:02.585 --> 01:02:15.631
certainly I'm certainly I certainly see a project like this as a plus. That's it. Thank you Commissioner. Thank you, Commissioner Banta. Yes. Thank you. As a as a real

299
01:02:15.631 --> 01:02:26.776
estate broker, everything Commissioner Weaver said is correct. You know, this will be, to my knowledge, the most affordable, you know, new new

300
01:02:26.776 --> 01:02:38.087
new new housing, if you will, on the market in Tarpon Springs. I'm aware of anything cheaper that's new and most stuff in that price range, you're looking at stuff that's going to need work, you know, like

301
01:02:38.087 --> 01:02:48.564
fixed stuff, which if you're starting out in life as I was, you know, at one point, you know, you don't have extra funds usually for that. So I think it's a great project. I think it's a great use of the

302
01:02:48.564 --> 01:02:59.475
land. And, you know, I do think that down the road there's potential for added value if and when distance opened up. So I think it's a great project and I think everyone involved. Thank you, Commissioner Panther.

303
01:02:59.475 --> 01:03:11.387
And I agree with what I just heard on both commissioners. We need this big time. You know, I look around as well as

304
01:03:11.387 --> 01:03:22.164
Commissioner Panther and Commissioner Weaver, the price of used homes are more than this. So I know that you can

305
01:03:22.164 --> 01:03:30.106
possibly get this done quicker when you're dealing with giving a contractor multiple projects to do so. They could stay busy

306
01:03:30.106 --> 01:03:43.419
and, you know, reduce the, you know, the cost. As a retired contractor, the only thing I my suggestion to you when, when I built my house, we did spray

307
01:03:43.419 --> 01:03:54.263
foam and my bill is very low. Consider that it's, it's just, it's a, it's a great thing to do when you're doing new homes. You know, the people will be helped for many, many years

308
01:03:54.263 --> 01:04:05.775
after that. So I'm all for it as well. And with that, I will look for a motion. So moved. Second. Roll call please, Mr.

309
01:04:05.775 --> 01:04:12.548
Weaver. Yes, Commissioner. Panther. Yes. Mr. Yes. We wish you the best of luck. Thank you

310
01:04:12.548 --> 01:04:23.025
for giving us that presentation. I guess my show is almost over.

311
01:04:23.025 --> 01:04:36.372
So. I can't I can't help myself. I'm sorry. So this concludes the regular session. Agenda. Is

312
01:04:36.372 --> 01:04:49.685
there is there any staff comments? Assistant Police Chief Mathes? None. How about attorney salesman? No, sir. Mr.

313
01:04:49.685 --> 01:05:01.597
licorice? No. I have no comments tonight. Oh my goodness. Clerk. Okay.

314
01:05:01.597 --> 01:05:15.611
Commissioner Weaver, thank you. So not just tonight, but all for the last two weeks. Comments are coming in

315
01:05:15.611 --> 01:05:27.222
regarding the the the tax proposal that is in front of us. It's I don't think this is a matter of whether anyone is for

316
01:05:27.222 --> 01:05:39.969
or against it. But the bigger concern here is what I would like to call tax reform. Right. So tax reform to me speaks of

317
01:05:39.969 --> 01:05:52.681
your leadership being responsible. Okay. And responsibility to be to use your dollars wisely to be efficient and practical and,

318
01:05:52.681 --> 01:06:04.794
and to come up with, with innovative ways to stretch that money. That's, that would be my promise is, is to attempt to

319
01:06:04.794 --> 01:06:17.406
have tax reform, to attempt to spend your money wisely. We don't know yet if, if this proposal would be a good thing or a bad thing. I don't know if

320
01:06:17.406 --> 01:06:30.018
anyone knows. It's it's it's barely it's untested. So the idea. The idea is that the city, just like you and I when I was

321
01:06:30.018 --> 01:06:38.661
starting out, has to live within its means. And that's that's my promise to you that we will look at this from a

322
01:06:38.661 --> 01:06:47.636
practical point of view. And, and transparent and responsibly.

323
01:06:47.636 --> 01:07:03.419
Thank you. Commissioner Banta. Well, Mike, you did a great job tonight. I want to tell you that, you know, I was ready to fill in if you needed me. You know, I've been here a long

324
01:07:03.419 --> 01:07:14.530
time. I just don't have the current ranking in our little lineup here as you do. But I was here to support you, and you did a great job. And, Commissioner Weaver, I think your comments are great on the referendum. And as I told the

325
01:07:14.530 --> 01:07:25.908
paper last week, listen, the org chart has the residents, voters above us. If this is what they want, then that's what we have to do. Everything has consequences. People can judge if that's good or bad and we'll see what happens. But all

326
01:07:25.908 --> 01:07:36.351
we can do is, is just adapt and overcome. So appreciate your comments. Thank you Commissioner. So I didn't want to answer some of the comments

327
01:07:36.351 --> 01:07:47.763
when they were being said. So first thing I want to do is I want to congratulate Major John Gibson. He completed his FBI

328
01:07:47.763 --> 01:07:58.641
training. And I'm just so proud of our accredited five five. Was it? We're a five accredited.

329
01:07:58.641 --> 01:08:10.185
Right. Thank you. So I'm so proud. When I go to these police awards, they feel like my family, you know, when they have pain, I have pain. When

330
01:08:10.185 --> 01:08:20.896
they have joy, I have joy. These and the commissioners feel that. So I do appreciate that. They go and they try so hard. As you can see in the

331
01:08:20.896 --> 01:08:33.174
early, you know, citizens, the police go out there and they do a job 24 over seven while we're sleeping. We can sleep soundly because they're out there keeping Tarpon Springs, you

332
01:08:33.174 --> 01:08:43.953
know, safe and sound. As far as the I heard that there was prices of houses have doubled. Prices of houses, yes, have

333
01:08:43.953 --> 01:08:56.932
doubled. But that is not your tax rate hasn't doubled. So if you look at what your tax rate was last year, two years, three years, four years ago, it was

334
01:08:56.932 --> 01:09:07.643
not doubled from what it is now. There's an appraised value that you pay on, and there's a sell price of what you pay on. And the sale price has maybe

335
01:09:07.643 --> 01:09:17.386
doubled, but the appraised value hasn't doubled, nor has our millage rate gone up. So we're not flowing in dough and

336
01:09:17.386 --> 01:09:29.965
money where we don't know where not to spend it next, as Commissioner Weaver said. And Commissioner Banther agreed, when you are not up here, you

337
01:09:29.965 --> 01:09:40.843
don't realize how we rack our heads to try to scrimp and save and put pressure on every department head to not spend

338
01:09:40.843 --> 01:09:52.955
money. We're human, and we do sometimes make an error in purchasing something. I'm not going to say no. I'm the first one to say we did make an error

339
01:09:52.955 --> 01:10:05.333
when we purchased the plastic material for the tennis courts, and we had to take it out. If anybody was in our position with the information we get in

340
01:10:05.333 --> 01:10:15.810
short periods of time, we get the information sometimes on a Thursday, and by Tuesday we have to be geniuses to make the decision on stuff that's a quarter million or half $1

341
01:10:15.810 --> 01:10:26.522
million. Sometimes it's not easy. But nobody up here, not us three and not the other two commissioners, try to waste any sort of money on frivolous

342
01:10:26.522 --> 01:10:39.101
things. I've read comments and believe me, my wife will tell you I read Facebook and some of the comments of what people have to say. I just wish they had the guidance and knowledge,

343
01:10:39.101 --> 01:10:49.310
not so much of what we have, but the protocol on what we need to do. We need to take little bit. We don't take the best of the you know, it's not

344
01:10:49.310 --> 01:11:00.756
a private entity that we live. We, we, you know, purchase on. So there's only so much we could do. We go by what we get presented. I don't believe that

345
01:11:00.756 --> 01:11:11.500
anybody up here frivolously, frivolously just tries to waste city money. We don't. But we do make mistakes and we try to keep that at a minimal. And if

346
01:11:11.500 --> 01:11:23.011
we do make a mistake, we do try to rectify it as soon as possible. But we cannot be compared to places where there's, you know, rampant

347
01:11:23.011 --> 01:11:34.923
fraud and abuse and stuff like that. I, I know it exists. And that's not Tarpon Springs. We're up here doing volunteer work at a minimal amount of

348
01:11:34.923 --> 01:11:46.435
money. We're nowhere near what some of the other counties get. And I, I would be happy to encourage anybody that thinks this commission doesn't do a

349
01:11:46.435 --> 01:11:57.246
quality job or a good enough job, run for office, and you will be in for a rude awakening when you have budget season. This man came back, our city

350
01:11:57.246 --> 01:12:08.357
manager, trying to help out with the budget, and he gets pulled aside every few minutes with all sorts of other sort of problems that hit the city. Our

351
01:12:08.357 --> 01:12:19.234
police force is going always for. They're going now for a new contract, and they're not getting the highest pay of

352
01:12:19.234 --> 01:12:32.147
Pinellas County. So our fire department will be not far behind. You know, there's a consideration that I see people go, oh, let's get rid of the

353
01:12:32.147 --> 01:12:40.789
police force. Let's get rid of the fire department. That's great. That's your opinion. I don't want to live in that opinion. I want to live where I

354
01:12:40.789 --> 01:12:53.468
know I can speak to the local living here person. You know, when people talk to me about this property tax and they're explaining their thoughts to me,

355
01:12:53.468 --> 01:13:05.647
I go, you do realize you're speaking to a local elected politician who could decide what you're telling me down the road. If you choose to go the other way, you could be just

356
01:13:05.647 --> 01:13:15.724
taking a trip up to Tallahassee and explain it to them. That's the name of the game, because that's where I'm going to send you. If I have no control over

357
01:13:15.724 --> 01:13:27.269
what you're authorizing me to do, I have to tell you to go to Tallahassee because Home Rule has been tried to be removed for the longest of times. And

358
01:13:27.269 --> 01:13:37.312
if if that's what people there will be, I will say this. There will be people that will benefit either way. Okay? Some people that don't use our facilities and maybe want to be

359
01:13:37.312 --> 01:13:48.490
recluse and sit in the house, you're going to make some money. But if you want to use the library, you want to use the rec center, you want to use the parks, you want to use anything that that we would have to make

360
01:13:48.490 --> 01:14:01.169
cuts from. It's going to be an eye opener because as the mayor has sat here and explained, I believe the numbers were we have about $16 million of discretionary money. First year

361
01:14:01.169 --> 01:14:10.379
we lose 3 million, second year we would lose 5 million. As the numbers come in. And to lose $5 million out of 16 million is

362
01:14:10.379 --> 01:14:23.759
going to be detrimental. So everybody's free to make the decision what's best for them. I know what decision I will make for myself and what can I

363
01:14:23.759 --> 01:14:35.304
say? I was appreciative to see that we have a presentation for affordable housing. We really need that big time. I know there was a whole kit and

364
01:14:35.304 --> 01:14:46.548
caboodle about what was done about near Tarpon Key, about affordable housing. I read people writing up that it was section eight, and this is going to go on. And, you know,

365
01:14:46.548 --> 01:14:57.726
I wish people would call a city commissioner and ask privately what their input was because to get your information on Facebook is a joke. It is just

366
01:14:57.726 --> 01:15:10.605
a little joke. I've seen so many different comments, and I would say about 80 to 90% of them are wrong. But it's the

367
01:15:10.605 --> 01:15:21.817
world of social media. So I do want to thank you all I appreciate doing and sitting in for the mayor. I hope he's enjoying something. I he sent me a picture. He was holding up

368
01:15:21.817 --> 01:15:32.160
the Leaning Tower of Pisa this this morning. So as long as it doesn't fall, I'm. I'm glad with that. And you know, most

369
01:15:32.160 --> 01:15:41.536
of tarpon is a lot of the Greeks are in Greece and enjoying themselves. So I thank you all. And we are ending this

370
01:15:41.536 --> 01:16:02.257
meeting at 711 because that's the lucky dice number.