We got a minute left. I gotta go a minute. You need a whole. I don't know where it fits. On the 32nd, it could be 55 seconds. I don't know where it is. Call me up if you wanted to
ask about the revitalization because you know. I call to order the regular session of the city of Tarpon Springs.
Tuesday, October 14th, 2025. Roll call at 6:30 p.m. Roll call please. Mayor Collins here, vice Mayor Eisner here. Commissioner here. Commissioner
de Donato here. Commissioner Banther here. And I see we have reflection tonight would be by Mr. G. Thompson, pastor G Thompson. Thank you very much.
After after the reflection, let's do the Pledge of Allegiance. Let us pray. Oh,
gracious God, our father, we come to you first and foremost to say thank you. Thank you for allowing us to assemble, to conduct city business once
again, continue to protect and cover each and every one of our leaders, as well as the citizens. We ask right now for
your spirit to guide everything that we say and do so that will be according to your will for the good of all mankind. We ask
that this prayer be in your holy name, as we all simply say, Amen, 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 all. Tonight we have one proclamation. It will be Community Planning Month. So
I'm going to ask the planning department to come on up to. To.
Where's my bookmarks? Oh right there. Let me know if you need
me. So, you know, it seems like we have a month for everything, but this is a good month. Planning month. You know, you
guys are special to me because I cut my teeth on being on the planning and Zoning board, and you all were wonderful to work with, and you're wonderful to
work with here. And, you know, the planning department, you know, our city is always planning, right? We're always looking at our our vision. We're looking at our strategic
plan, and we're always trying to see that anything we do fits within the confines of those those those strategies we have
as a city, you know, again, to always be preserving what we have and always trying to progress as a community. So I know you guys are the gatekeepers of that, and I want
to thank you. You you are amazing. And where's your fearless leader tonight? Oh, yes. I thought you were going to say blown up, sir. No,
that's from movie line. Mike. You know that movie line, right? Yes. All right. Okay. Whereas planners work to improve the
well-being of all people living in our communities by taking a comprehensive perspective consistent with taking a comprehensive perspective,
consistent with the vision of the city's strategic plan, this approach leads to safer, resilient, more equitable, and more prosperous communities. And whereas we celebrate the
many valuable contributions made by our Planning and Zoning Department as nothing less than essential to our success success role that planning
plays in creating great communities. Each October with National Community Planning Month. And Whereas, community planning provides an opportunity for all residents
to be meaningfully involved in helping decide on choices that determine the future of their community. And Whereas, American Planning Association endorses National Community
Planning Month as an opportunity to highlight how planning is essential to recovery and how planners can lead communities to equitable,
resilient and long lasting recovery. And Whereas, the Board of Commissioners commend the work by our Planning and Zoning Director, Renee Vincent.
Staff. Pat McNeese. Caroline Lane Langford. Ali Kane, and Kim Creighton, we extend appreciation for the vital role our Planning and Zoning
department manages in the daily operations of our city. Now, therefore, I, John, by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of the City of Tarpon Springs, do hereby proclaim the
month of October as Community Planning Month. If you hold
this, you have to hold this. Okay. It's yours now. Thank you. Now that has all your names in
it, I will have Trish make one for each of you. Okay? Appreciate it. Thank you. Hold
on to this. All right. I don't leave yet. We won't go. Down.
Okay. So Kim's last day here at city is tomorrow, and she is just amazing. And we we care so
much about her. She's such a kind person. When I was on and she. It's not just me. She does it for everybody. But when I was on the planning and zoning, I mentioned something about my
daughter. Just something that my daughter liked or whatever. And the next time I saw Kim, she brought me a book. She says, I think your daughter would like this book. And, you know,
I just you're just very kind. You're sweet, and we're going to miss you very much. Thank you. So I hope you enjoy these flowers and you are always welcome back. So if it if it
your adventure doesn't work out, you want to come back to Tarpon. We'll we'll make sure this that he finds you something to do. All right. Thank you. Okay. With the commissioners. Come up.
We'll all take a picture with Kim. That's a great idea. Readily act as our official
photographer. I don't know where are you guys going? Come on. Planning department. And
all of us. Thank you all for making. You want me to do that?
No, I'm not to do. Thank you. Thank you. Say, about him. Here
you go. Here. I don't need a microphone. Do I need? So what I wanted to say is you don't know how special this woman is. For many years, I worked with
her for almost eight years, actually, on the board of adjustments. And she was the one that always reminded me. We have a meeting coming up, or we had a break coming up. And I
know we're on a personal level and there is nobody nicer, so I wish you the best of luck and we will miss you. They'll be like an empty space there. And the mayor, as he said, come
back and visit. I don't know if he's offering you a job. We don't know about that. But you know, we want to wish you the best of luck in your new adventure. So thank you. Let me
give you a hug. All right. Thank you. Best of luck, Kim. Let me get that. Mike. Hey, Mike. You know what? That lock.
You know, can you just, like, screw it so it goes down like that? Yeah. Gotta be tall enough, Mike. That right there. You got your finger right there. We started early tonight.
Brutal. Yeah. That's good. Just remember, I don't get mad, I get even. Okay? Okay. Yeah. There you go. Thank you. Thanks,
Michael. Okay, so let's go to public comments. These will be public comments for things that are not on the agenda. Please
state your name and your address please. Good evening. Peter Lack is 514 Ashland Avenue. Just a comment to maybe
educate the board as to how the zoom works, because I heard a little impatience. The last meeting. And so when you call
in, if you want to raise your hand, you got to press nine. So you're sitting there listening. There's a delay, actually, the phone is ahead of y'all on the
TV. And then you'll ask Austin or Mike and he calls, goes up to him, he'll ask, there's another delay. Then you have to push star six. Then there's
another delay where he says, caller, you can. But in the meantime it's been about 15 20s and y'all are sitting here wondering, why isn't he talking yet? So I just want to educate
you as to how that works. There is a lot of feedback and delay before you actually can confirm that. I'm even on there to
speak. Excuse me. So I have a couple of Isaiah passages that I would like to maybe relay.
Isaiah 123 226. Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves. They all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend
the cause of the fatherless. The widows case does not come before them. Therefore the Lord, the Lord Almighty, the mighty One of Israel, declares, I will get relief from my foes and
avenge myself on my enemies. I will turn my hand against you. I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove your impurities. I will restore your
judges, as in the days of old and your counselors as at the
beginning. And then on Isaiah
311 to 15 the faces of the poor?
Declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty. I have to say, I'm pleased to hear that there is some peace in the Middle East, and I hope it's long lasting
and endures. But I'm more concerned about the peace or the not lack of peace that's going on in some of our own cities. People are being
dragged away from peaceful protests, people are being abducted off the street, grabbed out of cars under the guise of being a different
color or a different person, or a different race or different nationality. God, through all of this, as we are all equal, we are all children of God, and
we need to start realizing that what we do in terrorizing, victimizing some only creates more enemies for the future.
Thank you, thank you. Anyone else? Thank you. Okay, I'm
Patricia Bishop, I live at Santos Island, Tarpon Springs. I am here because of a problem with the complex and what is
happening to seniors and to people on section eight, HUD, and not the people who are not
on that. I happen to be one of those people. And no one realizes that. And I'm just going to give an insight into
what brought me on to this program. I lost my mom at 17. I lost my husband. He drowned on my honeymoon, my dad lost both
his arms and legs due to battle of the bulge. I had a heart attack in my 40s. I had systemic lupus due to the
stress and my second husband died of pulmonary fibrosis. So I am on this program. I am not treated right. There is a lot of abuse because the system
does not recognize the people that have gotten their. My building had a fire in July due to that fire. Three apartments
were destroyed. Mine is fine. An elevator is not working. There has been no communication
between Richmond properties or between Pinellas County housing. Due to that, we've been in the
dark. All of a sudden. On October 3rd, I got a letter from Pinellas Housing saying get out by November 30th. No
warning, no other place to go, nothing. So now I came to people I knew. But I'm not in
your jurisdiction. There are seniors going to be put on the street, and I active in the community. I'm a Parks and Rec.
I am on the crime watch. I have had no one willing to step up except Commissioner Eisner. So I am here to someone guide me.
Someone help me. And this is not me. I do not tell my life and I do not ask for help. But
I am here. Thank you. Is there anyone else that would like to speak? Austin? No, sir. There
are no hands up. Okay. Let's go to the consent agenda. Let's number number two. Attorney fee.
Eunice Salzman, three. Satisfaction release of leans for special events. Saint Nicholas jingle five K
fundraiser. Snow place 2025 3030 sixth Annual Boat Parade number five Award file for utility billing Audit Services.
Number six approved. File for the Post Storm Recovery Services Interlocal Agreement number seven. Pinellas County Community Development Block
Grant sub award agreement number eight fDOT sub Grant for Highway Traffic Safety project. Number nine Award file for fire
hydrant and valve maintenance, repair and flushing. Number ten Award file for the purchase of police and fire vehicles. Number 11 increase file for
lighting, repairs, maintenance and installation of street lighting. Is there any any Commissioner wish to pull any
of these items? Okay, with that roll call, please. We need a motion. Oh, I need a motion. I'm sorry. Second. Okay. Roll call please. Commissioner. Yes,
Commissioner. Yes, Commissioner. Yes. Yes, vice mayor. Eisner. Yes. Yes. Okay, let's go to business. Item number 12, ratification of building
development director. City manager. Thank you. Mayor, this is. The. I guess it's been a few months ago. Our building official announces retirement.
And Keith Meade did step in as interim and done a fantastic job. Really happy with the work he's done with the department. And so can appoint him as our
director of that department and our building official and looking for your ratification. Okay, let's have commission
discussion. I I'll begin. You know, I met with with Keith back when he was appointed
interim director, and I told him that I wished him success and that the things that
concern me and those were that that one is that the interaction with the public be positive that we have, that the
department have a good attitude and, and that that they are. You know, basically friendly to
the public. The second was that where they said no, on a permit that they helped that the applicant to a to a yes, and
that they give them a path that they can follow to yes, rather than just saying no and having the the applicant just leave the, the building department.
So I understand that all those things are happening and and Keith, I know you're, you know, doing your best to raise that
the the interaction with the public and and to make it more positive and therefore I will be supporting you to have that position. So thank you,
Commissioner Banther. Yes. Thank you. I believe this position is one of the more difficult. Director positions because you're dealing with
with the with the, with the public very often and often with a problem. I got to meet with Keith when he was named interim, and I've been very pleased with his knowledge, his
experience and and his customer service attitude, which I think is crucial for that, for that, for that position. I've also not heard one complaint about
our building department since he has been the director, not not one single complaint. And I think my colleagues can testify that people will complain about that department as often as
they want to, because it has to interact so much with the public. So I think that speaks to his leadership and the quality of staff we have in that department. So I
wholeheartedly support this. Thank you. Keith. Commissioner De Donato Yeah, I can only echo what my colleagues have said. I,
I too have not had any complaints since you've been in this position. I have to echo again. What what the mayor just said, I the biggest complaints
we hear is all I get from the building department is what I can't do. And I realize that there are rules and regulations and laws that you have to
follow. And I appreciate having a position such as you in that position to be able to to know what those rules and regulations are. It's just that we all work for the people here,
and I believe firmly in my heart, my soul, that pretty much the word no shouldn't be around. It should be you can't really do it that way. But if
you did it this way, or if you call this person or that. In other words, we need to try to work with them. That's all I ask. When you can't, you can't. But these people pay our salaries and I know you
understand all of that, but I'm glad to have you come aboard. And I can also say I've not had any complaints that you've been there, so I appreciate it, sir.
Thank you. Commissioner Coolio's. Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor stepped up. This is the second time stepping up, you know, within the last couple years. And he did a great job.
I had a chance to speak with him several months back and he understands the community. Been on staff for for a good amount of time. Has an ability to it's
tone. It's it's when you tell someone no, it's sort of the tone and what you can tell them, you know. And that makes a big difference too. And I know he'll be able to try to work him in the department with the
residents, business owners and applicants to the best of their ability. But be able to say firmly, no, if it can't be done. So happy to support Mr. Meade and the whole building
department. Thank you, Vice Mayor. Thank you. Thank you mayor. So it was very interesting because just a few minutes ago, while I was out in the hallway, I actually spoke
with Keith Meade and I said, you know, for many years I've run a business. And I always said that you need to have 98% of the people swearing by you
and 2% swearing at you, and your successful situation. And he agreed. We did have a nice conversation back in the day when he was stepping up to the
plate. You know, of course you get the little bit of butterflies trying to take over a department and which I'm sure Mr. Chris knows as well. You get those little butterflies in your stomach because it's it's
a big responsibility in a city like this where we expect a lot from our department heads and for the most part, they perform.
So I'm very happy to see as as commissioner said earlier, we're always getting a call about the permit department this or the permit department that I can honestly sit here,
as everybody else has said, not gotten a call, a negative call. I mean, if anything, it was always now that things have gone smoother than smooth. So I
also will support you in any which way, shape and form. And I just want to congratulate you and thank you for your performance. It's not easy what you took over and I knew you're
apprehensive, and I was glad that you decided not to just take it on, but try as a trial for 3 or 4 months like you did, and then step up and say, yes,
it's something I'd like to do. So I'm all on board and thank you for what you're doing. It's not an easy job. Okay. Is there
any public comment relating to this item? Austin? No, sir. There are no hands up. Okay, let's come back to the board.
I'd like a motion, please. So moved. Second, if there's no further comment, roll call. Commissioner. Yes, Commissioner. Yes, Commissioner. Yes. Yes.
Vice mayor. Yes, mayor. Yes. Congratulations. Okay. Item 13.
Approve the task. Work order for the planning support services. The city manager will handle this item. Thank you mayor. Thank you. Mayor. This
item is to do a Parks and Rec master plan, which is in our comprehensive plan called for. But also, I think it's important because, you know, since I. Shortly after I got
here, I heard about the the yard waste facility is destined to become a recreational facility and a park. And also we've been getting just random
requests for everything from bocce ball to splash pads to swimming pools. So rather than sort of look at each thing individually, I think it's important to look comprehensively at our entire
parks and rec system, our facilities, what we want to see in the future, what we think we need and then plan for it, and then we can budget for it accordingly. So that's what this request is about. I don't
know if staff is here to answer specific questions you have on the scope, but it will. We will end up with a plan for the yard waste facility and for all of our parks. What what we do need,
what we can know, what we do need, what we don't need. Okay. Are there any commission questions or comments? Commissioner Banther? Yes, I'm
just assuming that we will, you know, in further, you know, time, we will, you know, learn what's what, what's what's being planned and have some input on that. As far as actual facilities, yes, they'll be
public input, commission input. Then of course you'll get an early draft and see the direction it's going. Okay. Excellent. Thank you. Commissioner Donato. Yes. I
just want to reiterate to the public because people get to thinking that we're doing this. Excuse me. I've got a frog in my throat. Won't leave people thinking that we're jumping out
doing things that we're not ready to do yet. This is actually been talked about developing this site for probably 25, 30 years, but it's a restricted site. I believe
there's still, I think, four more years or five more years, I think so, yes, right around there left before we can do anything with that at all. But it indeed is not too early to
start planning. Start the process of thoughts and funding and all of those kinds of things and needs. At one time it was it was going to be a little league complex and and
an adult league complex with fields. That's been at least 30 years ago that we started talking about that. So moving forward as best we can I think
is certainly in planning accordingly is certainly good news to to hear from Commissioner Coleus. Yeah, I have trouble wanting to approve
this bill or, you know, approve this extra funding. And I have to ask some questions to our director because I just want to understand this right. We got a
contract increase on February 14th for a total annual amount of $350,000. But there, you know, we're asking for another
248 for some additional services. And I don't know what what we need to the Rex master plan needs to consist of. I mean, we're all aware what we need. We need a swimming pool.
The best spot for it is over at the at the kayak area. We need maybe a few more courts, but at the same time, we shouldn't be spending money now for that
disposal site that's got pipes and fumes coming out of it. If it's 4 or 5 years from now, let's wait for the EPA or whoever has the opportunity to release it, and then we should start spending money on that. I
don't it's way too much money for us to be talking about, you know, Rec and, you know, I mean, as long as we're adding more courts or doing that swimming pool should be the number one.
I don't see why we should support a big amount of money like this. I mean, 356 months ago, another 248,000. What else are they really doing to create a master plan for this
community? Well, the plan will look at all of our existing parks and sports facilities and determine their condition. If we need to focus on upgrades or maintenance, it will look at
the request for additional facilities like us, another pad, splash pad, or a pool with good locations would be for those if we were going to add more amenities. It it the the yard
waste thing is just a piece of it that we were doing this, we might as well come out of it with a plan. This this will take the better part of a year to do this planning. And then it has us look at all of our
facilities. Is there a way to link them together, for instance? That's something that's come up in some of our strategic planning. How do we link our recreation and cultural facilities? So it's it's a very comprehensive look at the entire community,
everything we own in terms of recreation and park space and, and, you know, do we have enough? Do we need more facilities? Should we convert? You know, the question comes up, should we convert tennis courts to pickleball courts? And so it
looks at that holistically rather than doing things sort of spot spots here and there around the city. Okay. But I have this question, this $350,000, we had this increase
to what really did that take care of that? We need this extra 248 now to really do the work that should be done in this. 350 if you ask me. So that's I'm trying to understand
it all. Janine, can you speak to that? Yes, mayor. Commissioners. Good evening. Janina Lewis, procurement services Director. So this funding for the project is what
we're asking you to approve. It's already covered in the 350 that we're doing. No, there's no increase to the actual planning support contract. This is part of the budgeting piece
that planning, planning and zoning has said. Yes, this is something we will, you know, take part of our budget and share with city wide that we
will use for the annual amount. Okay. Thank you. I have no more comments, Vice Mayor. Thank you. Mayor, do we have a breakdown?
Janine, of. I'm sorry, I didn't see you. Sit down. Do we have a breakdown of how this whole program is going to be spent
for the the master plan, or for the actual planning and zoning or planning support contract? Both. Okay. For the planning support contract, I can get you the breakdown because there are
like scoped out projects that they have planned, so to speak. We can I don't have that with me right now, but we can provide you with a copy of that. And then I can have Jamie and
Tommy come up here and explain exactly what's going to be included in the pricing of the master plan. So are we going to have outside sources coming in,
and we're going to be paying them to do surveys and things like that, or we're going to do it in-house. So technically,
the consultants that we use to do this test work order, they are an extension of us. So it's just they will come in like any other project and they will do
the surveys, they will do the input, they will provide public outreach. And they will also do like draft and presentations for us at the end. So each of that is outlined in their
proposal, what they'll provide with the whole master plan. So we're not this. So if I can understand it correctly, because, you know, when we send out a proposal and we get a
survey, the survey comes back and they say so-and-so has .08 hours and they get X amount of money, and that's the amount of money. And then each line we
have a line by line item, okay. And then at the end it has how they came up with it. Do we have that for this. Yes. I'll have to get it from the consultant. But there is a task
breakdown and the hours and the rates that each one is accountable for, because I think also I may be speaking out of line. Isn't that what you wanted as far as that
breakdown? I'd like to see it, but I mean, at the same time, I just think it's a lot of the stuff we're talking about. I think staff could do themselves. I mean, we already know where
the pool needs to go. We already know there's another. A few other things that need to be done too as well. So I just it's a lot of money for to have some outsiders sit there and say, this property we can do
something with. Oh, it was the boat ramp. We need the third boat ramp for the community, so we don't. That's all. I wish
this was in the backup. That's because it would help me. Move it forward, because I'm in a in a way, I didn't really see it being a problem, but bringing
it up in the meeting sometimes changes my mind that I'd love to know what the, you know, cost items for each and every thing. And this may not even be
the time to go through that all. So. Okay, well, he does have a breakdown for you, so I'm gonna let me speak with that mayor, board of Commissioners Jamie Taylor, assistant director, assistant director for public
services. You'll see in the backup one, two, three, four documents down. There is a basic services fee summary. And that breaks down the master
plan into five separate phases. And the fees associated with that between project initiation, data collection, administration needs assessment and analysis, vision goals and strategic
framework, master plan development and plan adoption. So that's the larger picture overview of the fees. And then within each of those there will
be that aspect of community outreach, community engagement, the assessment of our properties of what we do have, as Charles was saying. And then also in there that I found
really important is they're going to be helping us identify funding opportunities. So that's something that we can take away from this 250 that's being spent and really work towards, you know, it's not
just a plan that's going to go on the shelf. It's something we can work with and make happen. One of the business items earlier today was the Community Development Block Grants, and
that's $150,000 for a gym floor. So that's just one example of opportunities we can leverage and utilize to enhance quality of life for residents. Property values right there. Our
community rating system. So all these are score. So all those things are positive outputs
there. So. I hear what you're saying I would like to not be able to be here for the five
minutes and make a decision without first looking it over. I wouldn't be doing my job if I did it any other way. So. I
mean, if I'm last, I mean, I would. Are you going to ask for a motion, or should we like to defer this to get a more comprehensive support? I would make a motion to defer this, to
be able to go through, since there's no there's no rush on this. Right? I mean, whether it's this meeting or next meeting or so, not a rush as far as this meeting or second
meeting, it's my understanding that it would be implemented after November. First opportunity within our contract that we have with. With half.
So, you know, I think a broader look into into what we have here and then discussions to talk about the specifics of the plan. I can certainly facilitate that over the next
couple weeks. Why don't why don't we do this? Why don't you made a motion to defer what? My recommendation is that you meet individually with commissioners,
explain in detail, answer their questions individually, and then let's rendezvous back here at the next meeting. And I think hopefully everybody has their questions answered and can make a better decision.
Because right now it seems like we we're we're not certain right now. So so there's a motion deferred. Is there a second. There's a second doing mayor specifically to the next
meeting. Yeah. Deferred. We're deferring it to the next meeting. Commission meeting. And what date is that? I mean, next meeting. Yeah. I'm not
going to be here, which is not a problem for me. But, you know, obviously two two is a denial, I believe. Correct, Mr. City Attorney. Yes, sir. So I'm not saying they will deny it, but,
you know, just be mindful of that. I mean, I'm ready to vote tonight, but when I have two colleagues. Want more information? Do you mind. Do you mind deferring it to the next meeting? We have all five
members, which would be the first meeting in November. Well, I don't, but Commissioner Bamford just said he's okay with the meeting. We're only going to have four. And if it's
2 to 2, then we we don't let's, let's, let's defer to okay. We have all five members. Yeah. That would be fine. That's November 4th. What date is that?
November 4th. November 4th. Okay. Are you okay with that. And I'm okay with that. I'll. I'll amend my motion. Second. Second. Okay. Make a comment. Can I just make a comment? Sure.
I mean, we've seen that we've been part of master plans before and and how they, you know, the approach and reaching out to the community. And so not we can do those. But that
doesn't mean it's fully representative community. It's just what people get involved with. And, you know, we made a decision up here for the pickleball courts because we heard the residents and stuff,
too. So I just I just don't want to spend a lot of money on certain areas that we really can't even do a thing for a long time. And like we talked about, which is most it's super pricey, is a pool for the
community. We know we have an idea that kayak drop off area, it's been set up that way for years, and a third boat ramp for the community. There's some of the biggest. So let's thank
you. Let's have the have the individual meetings with the commissioners. And that way they can be better informed to make a decision on the on November 4th. Yes, sir. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Let's
have roll call please. Commissioner Banther. Yes, Commissioner. Yes. Mr. Yes, yes. Vice mayor. Yes. Mayor. Kuleana. Yes. Okay. Item number 14,
Discussion and direction on the mission and responsibilities of the Maritime Commerce Committee. Vice City manager. Thank you. Mayor. Yes. Commissioner Banther requested that this
come back. And it was actually good timing because we've kind of stalled out at the staff level in drafting the resolution in terms of number of members and and the specific charge, you know, we set them
down the first time to meet what's going to be on their agenda. So some more direction in terms of the makeup of the commission, this committee, the number of members terms, those
kind of things you saw in the draft resolution, you can have that discussion. Okay. So let's let's have that discussion. I'll begin. I you know, I think
Commissioner Banther has a specific idea as to what he believes this committee should accomplish. I'm I think that we
could use the same kind of procedure that we used on the picking the charter revisions. Every every commissioner come with two names. Then if and and
then we, you know, not every commissioner can nominate up to two people. I think seven members would be sufficient for
the for the committee. And again, if we we need to pick people that are familiar with, you know, with the waterways
and such. But Commissioner Banther what's your. No. That that sums it up. I just wanted that that this item tonight to make sure we're all on the same page. So hopefully the first meeting in November, we can
have the first procedural vote to reform this, this committee. I don't seek to change it from the last time. It was really just want to give the opportunity for each, for each
commissioner to appoint two people. So I just want to make sure my colleagues are still on the same page and in support of this, and if they have any questions, that way we have time between now and November
4th to get their questions answered. But I've gotten a lot of positive feedback from the community of people wanting to serve on this board. So I think we we, we we've all heard those those those, those voices. It's
very encouraging to me, again, because this should be a committee that meets ongoing. It should not be a special committee just around the dredge. I think the dredge is one of the primary focuses, but
that's an ongoing effort. And I think the sooner we get in front of that, the better, because it seems like as soon as the dredge finishes, it's time to get in line for, for, for for the next one. And you
know, when, when you involve the state and federal government, it's just not nothing's quick. So that's pretty much it. And I look forward to hearing my colleagues input as far as who
wants to be on that board in the in the November meeting. And I think it's going to be a positive thing. Thank you, Commissioner Donato. I too feel it should be a permanent committee and take in all our,
all our waterways ways. And certainly we have plenty in Tarpon Springs and we have the site the for dredging now to to
to keep in the loop so that we don't have to spend 1015 years getting what should be a five year project done. And I think this committee can certainly
plan accordingly and work towards those goals easier than just a one time committee. So I truly support it. I think the seven will be fine. I'm fine
with two and two if depending on how many we can get, but I've had positive feedback as well on this committee and people are glad that we're
thinking of our waterways again, so I support it. Commissioner coleus I, I have no problem supporting this that mayor you you think seven should be
enough. Just the only reason why if it's going to be ongoing and we see other depending on what time of the day it is, you might, you know, only have so many participants. You know what I mean? And just I guess
the more the more that have the ability to be involved would be good. So I'd like to probably say at least between 7 to 9 if we could. And so but yeah, at some point we'll be able to talk about what everything
we're looking for for the Commerce Committee. That way they can do a macro approach on everything related to the to the city and look forward to the November discussion. Vice
mayor. Thank you, mayor. I'm glad you brought that up, Commissioner, because I had a number of nine in my head, but I'm okay with seven with two
backup, two alternates. Or we could have nine with one backup. You know, either way, I'm. I'm very flexible. I agree with Commissioner Banther. You
explicitly explained exactly what's on my head as well, that it's an ongoing thing. It's not. The water moves 24 over seven, and we have to make sure that
people are on top of it 24 over seven. So I've had good feedback. My only fear that I have is that I just don't know
if my feedback is your feedback is your feedback, you know? So we will not know until we put the names, you know, down pat whether we have duplicate
interests or not. But I'm hopeful because, you know, the back bays. We have a survey going out now, as we all know, and we need to know how we're
going to move on that. And like Commissioner said, the minute you're done with the dredge, you start the procedure for the government to stall. And, you
know, it's always a a long project to get them on board. So I would prefer that we start this ASAP. So thank you for all your comments and we're all
spot on. Let me ask the city attorney is is it improper for us. Let's let's say that we each have two. People that we
want to nominate. Is it improper if we gave those two to the city manager? And that way he could see how many duplicates. Because what? I'd
hate to have us come here on that day. We all have two and four of us have the same name, and now we don't have enough people. So is there something wrong with giving that to the
city manager to go through that and notify you if additional people need to be okay, just because you guys all right with that sounds great. Yeah. And then we can then we can all can
add people if it's clean too. It's not you know. Yes. Yeah. What about can we check with the clerk and see if what kind of response she's had? I mean, I don't even know how many people responded to I mean,
I've, I've, I've gotten people I have two, but I don't have asked me how many of them actually went to the clerk's office. I think it was just people. Yeah. Talking to us like, you know, charter review,
same thing. We can have them. We can do it. Like after the fact. They can either either have the names and they can fill out whatever they need because people will talk about it and not do it. So I guess
what I'm saying. But we all but you, there's nothing prohibiting you from soliciting some people that you think are qualified to ask them if they'd like to serve. So so let's do that. Let's let's agree to let
the city manager accumulate the names from us. And then he can see how what we're if we're insufficient to have and, and should we instruct him to let me go for nine. Is nine a good
number. So we have an odd number and they can go. How are we going to choose who doesn't get their second pick. Like if there's five of us, two each. Ten. Right. Yeah. So how do we
how do we. I'm fine with nine. I just want to know how do we decide who we can vote on that when we get if we have, if we have all if we have these cert everybody's entitled to to to
again we're going to have duplicates most likely. Gotcha. So then if we have some, you know, two extra people or three extra people, then if we have to vote on them then we vote on
okay, that's fine. But we also go by people that miss meetings. If they miss a meeting, they lose one vote. There's nothing wrong with having alternates. Two. Yeah, we can do that as
well. Okay. Somebody wants to go nine with two alternates. That's a good one. You can do a little better though. Let's see what. Let's see how it pans. Let's see how it pans out. And let the city manager be the
scorekeeper. Oh my goodness okay so we don't need to to vote on that. We just he has that instruction. Okay. So let's go to ordinances
resolutions item number 15 ordinance 2025 Dash 17 ordinance 20 2517 an ordinance of the City of Tarpon Springs, Florida, amending portions of chapter 20 of the Code of
Ordinances of the City of Tarpon Springs. Adopting the impact fees for water and sewer connections for fiscal year 2026, effective January 1st,
2026, and providing for annual impact fee adjustments each fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2026 and on October 1st of each year thereafter. Based on
inflation rates for construction, that is, ordinance 20 2517, read by title only on second reading.
Advertisement was done on October 1st, 2025. Okay, Mister Geiger, Thomas Geiger, public services Director. Today we're
bringing back the second reading of the water and sewer impact fee adoption. The major changes are the one major change from our last discussion in the previous board meeting.
We had previously considered two options for consideration for the board. One was the option A, which was the or the impact fees based on the the
the I'm sorry, the reduced value based on age over time of our infrastructure. And the other was full replacement value. We discussed the board gave us some guidance that we
can, you know, we can adopt impact fees at a percent of recovery. And so we have updated it to be 80% recovery at full replacement value. And that's what's presented before
you today in the the updated impact fee analysis. So all the study is the same. It's just a policy change that will be at 80% of option B, which was the full replacement value. Okay.
Thank you. So let's go to commissioner questions I don't have any as a second reading Commissioner Banther. No, sir. Commissioner Donato. Sir.
Commissioner coleus. No, sir. Vice mayor. No, sir. Okay, let's go to any public comment on this item. Austin. No, sir.
There are no hands up. Thank you. So I'd like to come back to the board for a motion. So moved. Second, sir. If there's
no further comments, roll call please. Commissioner Banther. Yes, Commissioner. Donato. Yes, Commissioner. Coleus. Yes. Vice mayor Eisner. Yes. Yes. Okay.
That concludes all the agenda items. Let's go to board and staff comments. Assistant chief. None. City attorney. Nothing.
Mayor. City manager. Thank you. Mayor. Yeah. Just send out an email to all. I'm going to the Florida Redevelopment Association conference tomorrow morning, West Palm Beach. I'll be there for the rest of the
week and then stay down there to visit the grandkids. Be back Sunday night and Scott will be have the helm, pay attention. Learn something. Bring it back.
City clerk I have no comments. Thank you, Commissioner Banther. Yes, thank you. I will not be at the next meeting. My wife has family coming in town from Seattle, so I have a lot of
little nephews coming over, so I have to attend to that. So I thank you in advance and obviously support what you all do in my absence. Thank you. Okay. Commissioner Donato, I
just want to gives us two weeks to come up with a list of jobs that we could assign to Commissioner Banther. I'd just
like to to bring up an item that I've talked to some city staff about, the city manager and the city attorney. There's a bill that passed, unbeknownst,
apparently, to to me, I knew it was in the wheels to to come out, but I didn't know it had passed. But apparently it has. And it's called SB 180. And basically what it says from
Tallahassee is they're going to they want to usurp our power to decide how we can do different developments in our own city. And furthermore, if we decide
we want a moratorium for a brief period of time on any projects, they will decide if they should let us do that. Well, I respect our colleagues
in Tallahassee. I have always been home rule. Yes, the state reps about Washington, D.C. mandating to them they complain.
But yet sometimes Tallahassee forgets that they try to do that to us on this level. And I oppose it wholeheartedly. And I'm asking that I don't know if
we can join the suit. There's a suit against this particular bill, and there's several cities that are involved in it. I don't know if we can join it,
but we can't join it. We could at least do a resolution supporting it. I don't have the rest of you feel, but I'm bringing it forward at this time and ask for the
Commission's direction. Absolutely. In my part. Commissioner. Yes, yes. Thank you Commissioner. I definitely would like to look at that and
support our home rule at all costs. I have no comments. Thank you. Vice Mayor. Thank you. Mayor. I don't know who was or who wasn't at this last
Saturday Sunday art festival that we had at the Sponge Docks. It was tremendously well received. People enjoyed it, gave a shot in the arm to the people that have really been
hurting and looking for, you know, business. Some of the comments I got from some of the store owners, they would love to have one of these a week.
But, you know, of course that's not possible. But it was really it wasn't extremely hot. It was nice and it was very well
received. And it it was just amazing. Pretty much. That's it. I just want to thank this board. I have probably four more minutes to keep it under the
730 deadline. All I want to say is tell Ruth to put the chicken in the oven. I'll text her right now. You're you're on your way. And I appreciate you
taking all my sarcasm. Thank you, thank you. So, you know, there's times where you have to put your politics aside and.
Commend what is good is good. So. A lot of people were freed in Israel. And anytime that we
can have an opportunity for some peace in this world, we need to seize it. So I think it was a good day for the world
and. That's good. And we, you know, we it was we did our peace poll opening and maybe it shot some good juju around the
world. So who knows. Didn't do bad. Yes I think Commissioner I was going to bring the action. I just want some some direction where we could ask our attorney to. If it's okay with
commission, I'll contact the attorney. I. I just wrote down his name. The rest of the commission feels that. So I can notify the board if we can get on or not. Absolutely. Okay.
Thank you. So, Vice Mayor, just in case, you know. You know, I got to go up to Washington, DC next week before you the next time, the next meeting. I will
have participated in that. Endeavor of mine. So just in case I don't make it back and and I drop on the, on the the
streets of Washington, DC. So city clerk you got to get this to him. Don't give him any ideas. Don't give him any ideas. Anyways, everybody have a
wonderful rest of your week and adjourned at 727. Look at that.
I got a guy. I know a guy DC I'm gonna put that on tape.