Got to get the we're on TV, so we got to get it going on time.
All right. The family. You're culianu's. Please sit down. All right, everybody here. That's
what I'm saying. And they're the only ones standing up. So just. Okay. I call to order the regular session of the Board of Commissioners of Tarpon Springs,
Florida, on Tuesday, July 22nd, 6:31 p.m. Roll call please. Mayor Giuliani's here. Vice mayor Eisner here. Commissioner Coolio's here, Commissioner DiDonato here. Commissioner.
Panther here. So tonight our reflection will be by Reverend Tori Hough from the Newspring church. Thank you. Reverend. Everybody stand and immediately
we'll do the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank you, mayor, vice mayor, commissioners and our city manager for allowing this tradition to continue. I'd
like to offer this blessing over this meeting tonight. Lord, bless these city leaders and our first responders and our community members who are here
and who are home. We ask your blessing over Tarpon Springs for a prosperous businesses, community life, environmental
protection, mental wellness, physical health, and overall well-being. Guide our leaders as they make decisions for our community. God, we ask you to
open their hearts, their minds, their ears as they make decisions. And we ask all of this in your precious, precious
name. 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. Okay. All requests.
I'm getting older. So tonight we're going to do we have. Four. We're honoring four different people. As you can see on our
agenda. Number one, we're gonna honor Mary. Burris and Naomi Niehaus Patterson. And then second, we will do some
memorials for some members of Saint Pete College. What we're going to do tonight, I'm going to deviate a little bit from our normal procedures. I'm going to
allow after the first presentation, I'm going to allow for public comment. So family members can come up either here or they can go to the podium and
they can say all the wonderful things that that their loved ones deserve. So, you know, when
I first. Before being sworn in as mayor, I thought about honoring some people and the
first two names that came to my mind were Mary and Naomi. So.
You know. They, you know, there's angels that live in heaven, and then there's angels that live among us. And these
two ladies are angels that live among us. You know, they spent their entire. Yes. They've spent
their entire lives serving others. Our community would not be the same without them. And I'm going to go through some of the things. The proclamation
kind of goes through a lot of the their, their, their contributions to the community. But I'm going to highlight a few things and, and spell out, you
know, some of the, the things that have touched me, you know, they both of them, like I say,
never stop giving. No matter who it is, you know, whether it's if I'm at the bingo with Naomi and
I like a cookie. Or a. Anything that that I'm eating. She says, you like it, Yanni? And the next day, a two trays come to my
house, and I know I'm not the only one. Mary Burris has done so much for this community. It's
countless. And, you know, they're always they're always positive. You never see them, that they don't have a smile on their face. They don't always
welcome you. And life hasn't always been a bed of roses for either of them. You know. And
Naomi had, you know, the worst tragedy any mother could ask. And you know what I'm talking about. And yet I know I'm not
sure what I would do. I probably would just roll up and check out. But they didn't because she
has more family, more friends that love her and she loves them. And she's always. Positive
and the same thing for Mary. Yeah. Even at at bingo when she's happy, when somebody else wins, you know. And her thing
is, Yanni, you're on fire. So let's talk about some of the things, you know, the boys club,
you know, Mary, you know, I remember. And we got Chuck Farrell back there. The standard of the boys club. And then we
got Nikki Gerakis, the kid of the boys club. I think the boys club raised you. I think I remember when the boys club was
at the behind the fire station on Gulf Road, and it was a trailer, a little trailer. There was, I think it was there, a foosball table in the trailer. And then there was a slab where
you could play basketball. And the. And the basket was about this high, which was nice because I could slam on these little kids. And then they got big, and then I quit playing, so
but they, you know, and then the boys club needed to, to grow. And Mary and Herman stepped up and gave what in today's dollars
would be well over a million, millions of dollars in today's dollars to create the boys club that we have today. And again,
you think about the countless lives that kids that could have been running the street and getting in trouble. Instead, they had a place to go. And
again, we've got some of our our alumni here. And then, you know, at the hospital. Naomi, you
know, one of my favorite books is called The Mind Body Prescription. And it talks about the effects of your mind and
your attitude on your health. And Naomi, you know, wasn't a doctor. Ellen. But she probably did as much to help people heal
as anyone else. I could imagine. You know, her taking somebody to rehab and telling all the little jokes she would tell and
laughing with them, and they got better. And she she is again one of the angels. Then the two of
them started the Meals on Wheels in Tarpon Springs. It wasn't enough that they. Did the boys club. And then I'm going to get to the Shepherd center. I haven't got to that yet. But
then they started Meals on Wheels in Tarpon Springs, so they were out there, you know, on their own time, on their own dime, raising money, doing all
kinds of things to raise money and then delivering meals to people shut in. And when you think about, again, touching lives, you never know what one
act of kindness does for somebody, somebody who might have been so distraught that they could have done something
terrible, but they would get a visit from these two angel ladies and they'd bring food. And, you know, they stayed and talk to them. You know, they
held their hands, you know, they showed them all the love that they needed at that time. Now let's talk about the Shepherd
center. So Mary starts the Shepherd center in her in her own property, her own building. She decides instead of getting
rent, she decides she's going to use her building to feed people and clothe people. And I don't know if Ada is here. Ada did
she? I invited Ada. There you are. So you know, I visited the Shepherd center this last week with Ada, and I saw the good
people that you know, that this Shepherd center serves. And, you know, we. And I'm guilty of it, you know, we detach ourselves from some of these people. But
when you sit and meet them, you realize they're they're human beings that just like you and I, except they're down on their
luck. Something happened. But they got a place to go. They got a place to go and get something to eat to, to, you know, to clothe. And how many of them
would have have done something to maybe take their lives, but they didn't. And so even today, even though you two aren't as active as you were, they're
they're taking care of people because of the seed that you planted. You did that. And give
her a round of applause for that. So, you know. Again, I, I
they were the most deserving people I could think of to honor. You know, we're going to honor two other people who did
wonderful work after this. But those people are gone. They're not gone. And I don't want to wait to honor them later. I wish
them many, many years. I wish them many, many years. But I won't take that chance. And they they deserve to be honored. While their family can get up and say things about them, and I
expect them to get up and say a few things. So but before they do that, let me let me read a letter here. To the Honorable Mayor John Collins, the
respected City Council members and the citizens of Tarpon Springs. My dear Mary and Naomi, I greet you with love and joy in the name of our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ. Though I regret that my busy schedule prevents me from sharing this happy day. I hope that this letter serves as a reminder of the esteem and love I have for both of you.
Apart from my own personal feelings of familiar, familiar love and affection, I was so pleased to hear you were officially being honored by the
City of Tarpon Springs. Though I know that both of you would prefer to continue to fulfill your works of philanthropy without such a fuss. I am glad
for once that your wishes are being ignored. To all those assembled in this great at this great event, let my own words reflect that Mary Burris and
Naomi Patterson are two angels who reside on earth, like Abraham and Sarah, who were privileged to host angels because of their great
hospitality in, like, Mary and Naomi not only opened their hearts to others, but also their homes, even their in frail health could not become an
obstacle to a lifetime spent continuously giving of themselves and their resources. Mary is one of the founders of the Shepherd center, and indeed
she has never stopped supporting those in need daily. Naomi was the life, joy and hope of patients, doctors and nurses at the hospital in the city of
Tarpon Springs, giving emotional support, encouragement and inspiration to others, feeding those who had no family to visit them. Christmas was never celebrated with their families,
but rather spent with the homeless. Delivering meals on wheels. My dear brothers and sisters of the City of Tarpon Springs and the whole Tampa Bay area, our lives are richer
because of these two ladies, and it is up to us to continue their legacy. May our gracious Lord grant them many years full of health and joy, and may he
multiply the gifts that they have given in their lives, both spiritual and earthly. I remain
in love and service of our Lord, Metropolitan Sebastian. So family and friends that want to come up and speak, you can
either come here or you can go there. So you up to your first. Oh, I like this one that much. That's right. Thank you, thank
you Yanni, and thank you to the board for recognizing my grandmother and my aunt. Try to
get through this. For those of you that don't know me, my name is. And I've been blessed with.
I should go talk into her ear. Yeah. So for those of you who don't know me, my name is Mary. And Naomi are my grandmother and my aunt. I was blessed with that
great blessing from God to be able to grow up with them in my life every day. You know, John mentioned a lot of things up
here tonight, and that's not really you know what what I, I mean, all the things they did is great. And but for me, what
truly defines them is what they've most profoundly instilled in us, their family and everybody around them. They've shown us by example, the
true meaning of things like humility, kindness, generosity, empathy, charity, optimism, faith. But above all else,
they've taught us the power of love. They've not just talked about living a Christian life, they've truly lived that every single day of their life. They've acted it out every day,
in every interaction and every act of service and every act of kindness and everything that they do. And they definitely demanded it of all of us as
well. You know, as far as Meals on Wheels goes, Christmas morning, Thanksgiving, we all knew that we had to be there, either helping prepare or delivering. And I'm not going to
lie, sometimes I didn't show up. Sorry, but, you know, we were supposed to be there. They wanted us there, that's for sure. Why do I believe that? All right. You know, they they just
they shape generations. Not just me, but my older cousins, my younger cousins, my nephews. They've really shaped us with
their profound wisdom and the boundless compassion that they have in their hearts, and that they've showed to everybody who they've ever had any interaction
with. Me tonight is a reflection of the countless lives you've enriched, the countless acts of goodness you've performed, and
the profound legacy of service you've built on behalf of our entire family and on behalf of
this community as a whole. I want to thank you for your service and everything that you've done. I'm immensely proud, immeasurably proud, and
deeply grateful for your beautiful life, your beautiful souls, and the biggest blessing in my life has been having both
of you. Commissioner, Bishop. Commissioner, I know you've been close to the family. Would you like to say something? Oh, I'm just we're so blessed to be able to honor these two women
tonight. They've just countless decades of philanthropy in the community. The. These two have helped decorate the town of
Tarpon Springs. Is. And helping one another rich history of love for this community. And as Mr.
Mentioned that they've helped raise decades of us young men and women in the community. So I just wanted to recognize them too. And we all love you and
thank you so much. Thank you. Go ahead and read the proclamations and then I will allow for more comments. Okay. Naomi. Miss
Patterson spent her career nursing at AdventHealth North Pinellas Hospital for 56 years and provided additional care to residents going beyond her
regular duties by assisting with at home dressing changes and rides to doctor appointments. Naomi dedicated years to patient care as a translator, fundraiser
and continuous volunteer at the hospital, and was referred by Doctor Fred Rovere as the Mother
Teresa of Tarpon Springs. Naomi was one of the original founders of Tarpon Springs Ambulance Service, and Naomi served as a board member and significant
fundraiser for the Tarpon Springs Boys and Girls Club, and Naomi co-founded the Shepherd Center and Meals on Wheels in Tarpon Springs, along with her
sister Mary. Burris and Naomi was involved in fundraising efforts in the collection of clothing, educational materials, and medical equipment for those in need overseas, and the City
of Tarpon Springs wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation to Naomi Mihas Patterson for her selfless dedication and valuable contributions to our community.
Whereas we are proud to recognize Naomi Mihas Patterson for her, for the unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others in Tarpon Springs, demonstrating
outstanding citizenship and leaving a lasting, positive impact on our community. Now, therefore, I, John Koulianos, by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of the City of
Tarpon Springs, do hereby recognize an outstanding citizen of Tarpon Springs, Naomi Mihas
Patterson. Mary Mihas Boris founded the Shepherd Center in Tarpon Springs, bringing together the
churches and the community with a common goal of helping those in need. And along with her late husband Herman, they provided the initial and substantial seed
money to start this Tarpon Springs Boys and Girls Club. And Mary and Herman donated substantial money and land to
the Tarpon Springs Hospital Foundation, and Mary co-founded the Tarpon Springs Meals on Wheels along with her sister Naomi. Mary played an integral
role in the founding of the Tarpon Springs Historical Society, and the city of Tarpon Springs wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation to
Mary, Missus Boris, for her selfless dedication and valuable contributions to our community, and we are proud to recognize Mary, Missus Boris, for her
unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others in Tarpon Springs, demonstrating outstanding citizenship and leaving a lasting, positive impact on our community. Now,
therefore, I, John Koulianos, by virtue of the authority vested in me as mayor of the City of Tarpon Springs, do hereby recognize an outstanding citizen
of Tarpon Springs. Mary. Missus Boris.
That's the most fun I've had since I've been mayor. So would anybody else like to either come up to the podium, or they can come up here and have a few
words. Any words to say for these two? Well deserved daughters of Tarpon Springs?
Okay. Introduce yourself. Thank you so much for inviting me. God bless. Well, thank you know, I
wasn't. Well. What can I say about these two wonderful women? If it wasn't for you, they would be no Shepherd center. Okay, I
came here. I you know that I've been executive director now for almost 11 years. That way back. And when I came here, I came from Gainesville. And these two
ladies just welcomed me with open arms and introduced me to the community and just, you know, let me know what their vision was for the Shepherd
center. And I was always able to count on them, you know, that they still to this day, participate in a program we call Project Thanks. Project thanks
gives out turkeys to people that are in need, and she gets her turkeys and constantly still today wheelchair and all. And
she goes and she makes sure that these people have their food. So, you know, you are so amazing, you know, to do this,
you know what you started so many years ago today. I can tell you, Mary, and. I know, knowing me, that Tarpon Springs Shepherd
center, that little place that you had in Court Street, that you had all these volunteers that you helped people in Tarpon Springs. Today we have expanded
to help people throughout Pinellas County. We provide food. As a matter of fact, we
distribute food to over 3 million pounds a year. We help. We have continued to help the
homebound, as you girls have always done, to make sure that the seniors and disabled and the veterans and most of them are disabled, that they will be able
to get their boxes of food for the week because they cannot come to pick the food up. At the Tarpon Springs, we still go through neighborhoods and give
out food, you know, to the low income neighborhoods that they cannot come because maybe the families are, you know, working and they can't come to the
Shepherd center and get a bag of food. We provide a box of food for them and their families. I can tell you honestly that it is my pleasure and my passion that
we are able to help so many here in Tarpon Springs. You know, we have so many people that, you know, rely on what we do. And this could have never happened
if it wasn't because you started this, you know, and I am just so grateful to be a part of the Shepherd center. And I am so grateful to be, you know, like
your daughters, you know, that, you know, I love you so much, girls. You know, I really do. So we'll continue fighting, you know, project thanks starts
again in November. So start getting your list together and you know, and we'll continue the fight until there's no more breath in us to, you know,
continue. But hopefully the Shepherd center will be around for a long time, even after I'm
gone. Thank you. Hello. Mayor. Mayor. Mayor. Mayor. Mayor. Mayor. Oh. I'm sorry. Hello.
Sorry. No, no, I couldn't say anything more than you said, but mafia, which is how you how it looks when you read it in Greek. Right? When I moved here in
1985, Mary Burris was one of the first people to welcome me to Tarpon Springs wholeheartedly. And you talk about welcoming a stranger and what that means.
And I felt it and I feel it today. That connection is as strong as it ever was. I remember you and Naomi and I racing around in her car at night to go to Church's Chicken and going on various adventures,
and you really taught me what it meant to welcome a stranger. And I hope that I've gotten some of that into me, and that I have also shared that in our
community. But I just love you so much. And that's that's that's all there is. Thank you.
Just just a few anecdotes. I remember as a kid in Tarpon Springs, my first job, not my first job, but one of the jobs I enjoyed the most, Mary got got
that for me, became assistant director for the Boys and Girls Club or the boys club at the time was Chuck, I think I was the second employee. And, you know, little things, like you
said, make a difference. A couple little funny things. Naomi, you know, they invented in the in the casino instead of
the push button of the slot machines, the push button because of Naomi reason being, I think she got tennis elbow. I think my wife went with her to Vegas one year, and she ended up
getting tennis elbow because of the slot machines. So I think that's why they invented the push buttons. But another thing,
Naomi, a lot of people don't know is. You got it. People in the community, excuse me, who
couldn't afford insurance, they would show up at the hospital. Naomi, run the test without insurance. People couldn't afford it. So she provided she would not. They would sneak them
in because nobody told Naomi. No, but they she would bring them in into her department and run whatever test they needed and escort them around the hospital to make sure that they were taking care of people who
didn't have medical coverage. I love you, I love you both.
Thank you mayor. Thank you, Commissioner, for letting me speak. I came here in 76 from
North Carolina and it was a change. I met Mary. Mary was my first board president, and we
were in the flophouse. Oh, yeah. And then after that, we moved into a double wide trailer with
150 kids a day. I think we outgrew the trailer. Mary came to me 1st November and told me I
was getting a Christmas present. And I'm going, oh my goodness. So she never told me. I found out later that we were moving
from the double wide trailer out by fire station to Rotary Park. I was in high heaven. We could
get more kids in the club. We could do more programs, serve more in the community. And it
was really a wonderful time for me here, serving the community and the youth of this community. 44 years I work for Boys and
Girls Club and I enjoyed the most years here with this community. And Mary Naomi being
a board member. With Naomi, and she renamed me Philopolis. And whatever Naomi wanted me to do,
I couldn't tell her no. And Mary, Naomi, I want to thank you for the support you gave me when I came here and what you did for
the youth of Tarpon Springs. I really thank you. And it's amazing that man can still walk with all the hockey sticks and
pucks that were hit into his shins, and Nikki said most of them. Go ahead. I need a protest. 901 Bayshore Drive. Not a child went hungry in the Boys
and Girls Club. Frank Donato when he was on the board, I was on the board. Mary Naomi made sure all the children ate, and when Doctor Nina asked who is
with them, had a problem at the school for a child for clothes or shoes, they made sure they had them and how many times they went to Kmart. When my husband
worked there in the pharmacy to make sure kids had a Christmas. We have done so much in this community that Mr. Eisner
doesn't even know what it is. That community was small then, and we still stay the same working and giving to each other, and that not only the
community at wide what they did for the Greek community to people don't know what this group of women have done all these years. Unbelievable. They
are the U.N. Of Tarpon Springs, Florida. Thank you. John, I just
wanted to say the people in here are have helped with the Meals on Wheels and the Shepherd center. They cooked at their homes whenever we didn't have
somewhere to go cook. And they bring the food in. And with the fundraising, the Donato helped out with him, a board member and the Giuliani's helped out the
cooking and everything and donations from. Some grants. And of course, and all of his
friends. He doesn't have a choice. And. Who else was it? Doctor Dean Theofilopoulos
helped us a lot to deliver the meals, and we had a lot of help from the community to that's we have a good community. We have good. We're all together. I want
to thank everybody. None of this could have been done without volunteers. Our whole life was volunteers doing all the work. We were just helping. And thank
God for the volunteers in this community because we have plenty and they're all very good, got good hearts and they're very,
very. Dedicated to the people that can afford to help themselves, to help other people. And we should be honoring them instead of me.
Yeah. And also Ada, the director of the Shepherd center, has done a great job. She's done. She makes sure that everybody gets the food. Everybody. Thank
goodness for her. And that he and his wife. Yeah, he and his
wife without the volunteers. Archie and Archie family. It's
just amazing how time has flied. So. Go ahead. Numbers is like an aunt to me. She was real close to my family, my mom and my dad.
So it was like, I know it's been a long time. Talking was different. Different from a lot of places, the things that we go through now, I never knew
existed because Tarpon was like family. And for us and Aunt Mary and Uncle Herman was like just that aunt, uncle, because my dad
was real close with them. See, my dad spoke fluent Greek, didn't know it was like and sung in Greek and read in Greek. So it was tough. It was unique. So
when you think about being want to be different, you got to go back to the past. Tarpon wasn't like the rest of the county, Pinellas County or Hillsborough, so I didn't know those things
exist. It was just family. Some people look at me like what I said, that was my family. She would make baklava for my class. I taught in Tampa and they said,
you made this? No, my aunt made it. Isn't it good? You know, and it was just family and the kids just, you know, we go to a conference and they were the
only kids represented from Hillsborough County. And it was, you know, talking about Greek and dancing and stuff. So we loved it because we got all the attention. We got to eat all
that ourselves. And dancing. It was just just regular human like everybody should be. So I thank you. And, you know, they can go to the hospitals like high. You
know, it's like people look at you like what's what's different about this? This is my family. And that's the way we should all be. You know, it's just because we are just family. You know,
majority of people, believe it or not, believe in God, in Jesus. You know, we celebrate real child, you know, the child of the king. So we are family.
And that's the way I was grew up. I didn't learn to speak because I should have because my dad was speaking and all the time and singing and talking. But that's how close we were.
And we need to go back to those days. We're not looking at the color. Whether you know you chocolate or vanilla or you this or that vanilla, the colors of the rainbow or the colors of the
ice cream, we were just family. So when you talk about somebody, you got to think about, you're talking about your own family. Amen. And that's the way I was treated. So when people say, what you speaking, everybody
say, that's my sister, that's my brother, that's your sister. That's your brother. Yes. Because that's the way I was raised. Because if you believe in God or you believe in God, in
Jesus, you need to think that way and treat people that way, because that's the way I was treated. So I looked at your grandson. I was like, when did time. When they grow up? When
did they grow up? When did we grow up? Because we were treated correctly and we could go back to those days. I was talking to the doctor over there. I was
talking about different people, and I was like, what's what's different about them? I don't know, because that's my brother, that's my sister, that's my cousin. So I thank you for that.
She didn't ever say when I said, you don't need some pocket for the conference. I do with the kids every year I would do Greek as my festival for my kids social festival. And he said,
you know, my goodness is good. We go places. And it was like, everybody was family. And we need to go back to that, that everybody is family. We don't
look at where you're from or what you are because you are human. You're part of the human race and we need to always treat somebody like that. That's the
best part. I remember Tarpon Springs. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. Thank you.
That way. I hope I got up here quick enough for you. You're fine. Appear to lack is 514
Ashland Avenue. Y'all have all heard of the seeds that Miss Burse and Miss Patterson have planted. Now, as the seed grows,
it turns into a seedling and a sapling, and then into a tree. They have created the foundation of a tree and a sapling, and
it's up to us, the rest of us, to keep that tree growing, because we're not going to have Mary and Naomi for us forever. And God willing, they have good
years ahead. But we need people to be able to stand up for the causes that they have espoused. And something I've been up here
about before, I've spoken in my scriptures about treating the stranger in a better way. So I'm going to speak about something
here that concerned me in the past, and I hope it's not something that is still on the board's mind. So many of you probably don't know. But a couple of years back. But I'm
not a year and a half maybe there was talk about moving the Shepherd center on the other side of the river, the other side of the river. Now, we bought a spoil site. One of the
things they talked about were various uses I do not want to see. The Shepherd center moved over the other side of the river. Now I'm going to propose
to you, and it's something I've spoken to. With Pastor Kurt of the Lutheran Church. We don't
need to send them across the river. Everybody knows where Avera is. Across from the police station. They have medical
services and dental services. Also on that street you have all the transit services. Now there is a big lot between Saint
Timothy's and the Avera that Saint Timothy Lutherans owns. In fact, I understand there was some leasing and Shepherd center bought a property from the
Lutheran Church over years back. But that is where you need to put a center, because you'll have transportation for people to come and go. You'll have your
concerns mollified by having the police station and the fire station across the street. You have your services centralized close to 19, so some people can
possibly get work or help things that they have easy ways to get around. Because part of the biggest reason for homeless people is lack not only housing, but transportation. So I'm going
to ask the Shepherd center, the board, the city manager, the mayor to reach out, to find a way to see if it's practical. To
use that space for the Shepherd center, and that will solve the people downtown who want to move it out of town, which we know they've been trying to do for years, and not sending them
across the river like there's some other people. On Thursdays I go to Sarah's tent. And we feed the homeless on that day
when they're not. And when you sit with them and you talk to these people. They have lives, too, and they've had things that have come upon them that they
sometimes don't know how to deal with. And these people who set up services to help them are God's angels. So I would implore
the board, Shepherd center to look at that option as a viable way to solve what some in downtown say is a homeless problem, and also more space and
more room for the Shepherd center to do their own services. Thank you. Can start from the ground up and plan the whole building to be functional as a
purpose of design. Thank you very much. Okay, unless anybody else, we'll go ahead and say
thank you again. And to. Yeah okay. Sure. And I know he's kidding okay. That's a little
bit small okay. No I got it I got it. You want to do it. No okay. Oh okay. Mary Burris and Naomi Patterson are two sisters
who were born in a time when people had nothing but had nothing but gave everything. Their giving and loving spirits are rooted in their upbringing.
They knew they they grew up not having much, but watching their mother always find a way to help her neighbors and family in need. Throughout the years, they
have come to the aid of many. They have been and are to this day involved in various organizations and projects. But so much of what they do is
behind the scenes. Anybody who needs anything can count on them. They have open minds, open hearts and open arms and are happy to help anyone in need.
They are true givers that expect nothing in return. They are the best mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts, cousins and friends. They are so loved by
all our lives are better for having Mary and Naomi in them. That's her daughter Joey. Okay.
Thank you. I apologize to the board and to the rest of the citizens that this meeting may
end up going longer, but it was worth it. So. Up here.
This is Mr. This is Mr. Rod Davis. He is the provost of. The Saint Petersburg Junior college, Tarpon campus and. I'm going
back. I taught seven years there when it was a junior college. So it's embedded in me. I was there with. Doctor Cutler. Yes. And we
also have to Ninja Williams. She is the president of Saint Petersburg College. We have a
we're going to do the first. Would you like to say a few things about Mr. Professor Kevin. Thank you. Mayor, if I could, could I have the family
of Professor Grass come up please? Thank you. First off, thank you everyone for allowing us the opportunity. My name is Doctor Rod Davis. I'm here to
honor Professor Kevin Grass in the form of a resolution. Professor Kevin Grass was part of our family. Which is part of your family? Professor grass has
touched the lives of many, many students. I've had the pleasure to work with them on two separate campuses, the Clearwater campus and the Tarpon Springs campus. And he was a
force to be reckoned with in the art world. Professor grass had a meticulous way of doing his art, and he was truly an inspiration
to the art and to his students. We are blessed to be here and to honor him and to be here with his family and mayor. Thank you
for the resolution. Thank you. I'll go ahead and read the resolution. And then any family members who want to say a few words can please do so. The resolution of the Board of
Commissioners of the City of Tarpon Springs, extending the city's deep and heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Professor Kevin Grass, whereas Professor Kevin Grass, a native
son, esteemed educator and accomplished artist who passed away on February 5th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, compassion and
community service. And Whereas Professor Kevin Grass, known for his humility, warmth and unwavering dedication to the arts, served as a pillar of
inspiration to countless students and colleagues during his tenure at Saint Petersburg College, where he taught with passion and purpose since 1997.
And Whereas a proud graduate of his high school and valedictorian of his class in Missouri, Professor Grass pursued excellence in education,
earning a full academic scholarship to Washington University in Saint Louis and one of his Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Georgia,
where he met his beloved wife, Michaela, and where, as I say, that right, okay. Thank you. Whereas his artistic talent was
evident from the early age, from an early age, and flourished into a into a nationally recognized career marked by hyper realistic narrative
paintings that explored both personal and societal themes. His works have been exhibited in galleries, public institutions, and private collections across
Florida and beyond, including acquisitions by the state of Florida. And Whereas, his deep connection to Tarpon Springs remained a source of pride and inspiration throughout his life,
he often credited the city's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty as foundational to his artistic vision and personal values. And Whereas
Professor Kevin Grass will be remembered not only for his artistic brilliance but also for his generosity, generosity of spirit, his mentorship of young
artists, and his tireless commitment to fostering creativity, critical thinking in the classroom and the community. Now, therefore, be it resolved,
the City of Tarpon Springs does hereby recognize and honor the life, work and enduring impact of Professor Kevin Grass and extends its deepest condolences
to his family, friends, students and all who were touched by his extraordinary life. Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be spread upon
the minutes of the City Commission and copies be transmitted to his wife Michaela and his son Nicholas. The State of Florida Archives and Tarpon
Springs Historical Society, this being passed and adopted this
22nd day of July, 2025. Would you like to say a few things? Yes. I wasn't really
ready to speak. This is Michaela. I am Kevin's wife. I was fortunate to be with him for 33 years. He was a wonderful person, but also a wonderful
teacher and great artist. And if you're curious to see he's done landscapes that are done around Tarpon Springs. So if you go on his website, you can go Kevin
grass.com or Kevin Grass dot Art. You will recognize Howard Park. You will recognize some of the places that he would visit on his bicycle as he drove around our community, because he
always enjoyed the natural beauty here. And you will find that he had a great sense of humor and did a lot of silly things with rubber ducks just to make people smile. We started
that during the pandemic, when it was too hard to get models in real life, and so the rubber ducks turned out to be a fun way to for him to paint from things
from life and spread joy at a time when we really needed it. So I appreciate that you in this community are recognizing him. Once upon a time, Kevin tried
his luck at the talent show here. It was really a big stretch. He was a self-taught guitarist and that was not his main art. But it was in this
very same room that he got applause for that. And so this is very poignant. And I thank you so much also for Doctor Williams and Doctor Davis from
our college to come and help recognize Kevin's accomplishments. Thank you. Hi,
everybody. I'm Nicholas, and just on the way here, it's amazing to see how my dad was ever present all the way here. I saw the trail that we used to
bike on. I saw the parks that we used to go to Discovery Park with the wooden playset was a great time, great memories. It's
also good to see other people who have been very influential in getting to meet you too. Through all these people have talked about you. My dad also had a great influence on those
around him, so it's nice to see not only his impact or your impact, but to know that there are many people in our community that have been contributing to our society as a whole, and to
know that we remember them and commemorate them is very important to me, and I hope it's important to you, and it's really nice to see that in our lives. What we do matters, and
it is recognized by those who care about it. So if nothing else from tonight, please take that away and live your life the best you can. So we not only can
you be remembered, but you can be enjoyed while you're still here. Well, you kind of stole my
thunder. I want to say to Miss Mary and Miss Naomi. Thank you for everything that you have done. If you lived in South Saint Petersburg, my family would have been the families
that you would be serving. So thank you for what you've done for Professor Grass. My last time with him was at the Leepa-rattner Museum. He was
displaying his art. We did a selfie together and we took some other pictures. I'm the selfie queen of the college. I do a lot of selfies, but he was so
excited to explain to me the detail of his paintings, his drawings, explaining every piece with real excitement and very
detailed. And I learned a lot about him in art, and I'm really proud that one of his pictures sit in my office today. And, you know, it's one thing to share
what a person has done after the fact. And sometimes you don't get to say goodbye, and sometimes that's the way the Lord sets it up and we can't control it. But it's never too
late, never too late to say thank you and to recognize them. So thank you for sharing him with us at Saint Pete College. I'm sweating because I'm having a hot flash. You know, when you
get old, you get them. But I know that he spent a lot of time at SPC, and I know that you guys made some sacrifices for him to do that. And we thank you for that because you did not have to
do that. You could have whined and made him come home, but you let him stay and we appreciate that. And what you said was so impactful. Good job, young man.
Thank you. Miss. Here are some more of the resolutions for your own personal. Thank you. Thank you. So wonderful. We're good,
we're good. Thank you. So today well tonight we're also going to recognize another Tarpon Springs legend who has done everything to make sure that our students
learn. And we're going to bring his son, Professor Basil. Who am I saying that right. And his
sister Lisa, where's Lisa? Oh she's coming. Come on up, Lisa. I'm sorry. My name is hard to pronounce, but I don't want to mess up anyone else's name.
Wonderful. I did not have the privilege of meeting Costas v Dino Moustakas. Sorry if I'm pronouncing it wrong. My head, not my heart. Okay, blame it on
that. But I've learned that he has made such a huge impact in our community, and we want to make sure at Saint Petersburg College that legends are recognized, valued and
appreciated. And all I can say, if he was as good as his son, he was awesome because Basil is amazing. He's better. All right,
so here's the sad resolution as my hot flash glasses steam up. Whereas Costas V Dino was a dedicated Tarpon Springs High
School administrator, Saint Petersburg College academic advisor, educator, and cherished member of our Saint Petersburg College community. Passed away
peacefully on March 31st, 2025. And Whereas Mr. Musil developed his life, devoted his life to the service of others through
education, mentorship and unwavering support for students, colleagues and the broader community. And Whereas Mr. Mustachios distinguished 36 year
career in Pinellas County school system, followed by his impactful tenure at Saint Petersburg College's Tarpon Springs campus, exemplified his steadfast commitment to student
success, integrity and the transformative power of education. And Whereas Mr. Psachos brought to his role as Saint Petersburg College a
wealth of experience, compassion and wisdom, guiding countless students with patience, encouragement and a deep belief in their potential. And whereas
Mr. Musso's legacy extends beyond the classroom and advising office, he was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, a devoted husband of
54 years, a loving father and grandfather, and a man of faith, character and generosity. And Whereas Mr. Mustafa. Mustafa
says life is a testament to the values of service, perseverance and community. His memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Now therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Trustees of Saint Petersburg College, on behalf of the entire college community, hereby honors the
life and legacy of Costas, the Dino Music expresses its deep condolences to his family and recognizes with gratitude his many years of dedicated service
and the lasting impact he made on the lives of students and colleagues alike. Be it further resolved that this resolution be entered into the official records of Saint Petersburg
College, and that a copy be presented to the family as a token of our respect, admiration and heartfelt sympathy. Board of trustees. Saint Petersburg
College chair Jason Butts, president. Doctor. Tonya Williams, Secretary of the Board
of Trustees. Thank you so much. That was that was very, very lovely. I think we're actually quite humbled to
be up here sharing the honors with everybody. It's funny how good people know each other, you know. Because my dad knew
Kevin's work, too. I was a model for a couple of his works. My dad loved hated my dad hated modern art, by the way. He hated it. And Kevin's work is so traditional, and he saw the ones
I was in. He goes, he's good. He's real good. I like this guy. He's good. So. But no, my father. Was a big fan of doing
everything complete, doing it whole and doing it right. And if you if he saw you doing it wrong, if you were in high school or college, he tell you,
he said, listen, you know you're doing it. You're doing it wrong. Let me help you out a little bit. Find the right path. And if you didn't feel you were on the right path, help you find the right path a little bit. And I
this one legacy that we take with us from him and from also from my mother as well. So probably me and my sister both ended up in education, you know,
Principal Termini here too. You can't you can't see how these things fell. She she surpassed you surpass him. He's very proud of that, actually. And but it's
funny. He'd hate this. He would hate. I'm not allowed to tell stories about. I wasn't allowed to tell stories about him until now. He told me I wasn't fact.
He was your classmate, Mary. And there's some class y'all had that. Some class y'all had? Yeah. I'll tell you something.
And I hear you all speak about the volunteers. This community. And my dad will attest to this, too. I'm speaking for him. And this one. The reason why you
have so many volunteers helping y'all is no one can say no to you. And my father couldn't either. So when you would, were you the president of the class?
No, I know, but you weren't the president of the class, right? You weren't. You weren't like the. No. You just do the reunions every month. Yeah, we have them yearly. For everybody
else. You'll have reunions every month. Yeah, yeah. Y'all would go to lunch. Y'all go to lunch every month. Oh, okay. I knew you were involved. My dad would
dodge your calls when you didn't want to go because he can't. He answered the phone and you would be there. He could not say no to you. So I'll tell you this much
right now. He's just dodging your calls right now, okay? That's all there is to it. That's how you. That's how you think about him. So. All right. And we all love you all very much. Thank you for all you've
done. You know, I for that one too. But thank you for this honor. And I don't know if you
you good. Okay. Thank you very much. I got one.
Congratulations. I was remiss in not calling on all the commissioners for comment on any of these people we're honoring. As far as Mr. Woods is
concerned, you know, the they say, you know, the tree by the fruit it bears. And when you look at his two children, Professor Muchachas and our
esteemed principal of our beloved high school, you know that he lived a good life because he left good fruit. So I'll go this way this time.
Frank, would you like to say something? Yes, I would, I. I didn't have the privilege of knowing Professor Cross, but I'm happy that we had an individual
like that in our community and grateful I the person I know the best probably is Naomi and Mary
and their husbands. And they taught me an early lesson. Both of them told me how much they loved each of you. They were they were very happy with their
their choices. And I go back to the Boys and Girls Club next year. And Chuck, I think, is still here. And Mike's here, many of us on the board, we
would always know if we were going to have a great meeting because you could smell the food and it was usually Naomi back in the back corner with food, and she was always in 100% correct.
You could never tell Naomi no, that that word did not compute with lady. And that's why Naomi has been always able to get things done. And I, for one, am
grateful to be a part of a community such as yours. So I have to speak highly of Dino. He was my neighbor at one time and
I was still learning the community and how to conduct myself. And as his son told you, he would help you with that if you needed it. And he would even
help me with, oh, that tree is such and such, and you and he. He was just a consummate gentleman as well as a great neighbor. I admired him very,
very much. It warms your heart for all of you. Thank you, Vice Mayor. Thank you. Mayor. So you
giving me these hand signals, is it over? It's not over yet. So just to let you know. I didn't know you, but I do now. And I
know you because of the people that love you. Come up and pour their hearts out and explain exactly who you are. And you know, you should be totally
honored that the people all in this room are here to honor you for what you've done and what you're doing. I will tell you that when I travel around Tarpon
Springs and they ask me, why did I settle on Tarpon Springs? I always tell them that I love the people. I love the town. I love what it stands for. I love the history. I don't want it to
change, and I don't want it to change because of people like you. What you've said is what I'd like to carry on and you're bringing me to tears. So it's not over yet. I have to catch my
breath a little bit, but to listen to the people here in this room talk about you. It's like I've known you all my life. And you are the people that I will continue to represent you,
the people I will fight for. And you are the people I love. So thank you so much for being who you are and for treating the
people of Tarpon Springs so well. And thank you. I just wanted to take the time to recognize Professor Grass and
his family was hearing his son's speech was it was amazing. And he even gave gave her a tough time speaking afterwards. So I'm sure he's very proud. And for
Mr. Moutoussis and his family, it's true. They're his children. And Professor Moutsatsou and principal fatalities are great people, principal families, I
tell all the time, had the honor of being our summer camp teacher at the flop house and our adolescent middle, you know, middle school teenage years. And she did a great job raising us.
And professor, it's just been a great guy in the community. So it's an honor to honor Mr. Soutsos and everybody who's helped dedicate their lives of service to Tarpon Springs and
all the education. Thank you. I'm sure you you drove that poor man crazy. You drove that poor man crazy. Yeah. Commissioner. Thank you. I think tonight's a
good testament for all these great people that that we've honored in. Tarpon Springs is a great place to live. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a lot of small towns in 2025 that can get together here and
reminisce and talk about the legacy of service that people have had, and especially for those tonight, it's service that was very humble and quiet. You know, nowadays people do one good deed and they want to make
a whole, you know, thing about it. But these are people tonight, especially Mary and Naomi, that, you know, do things that you don't see in public. Do I learn things tonight about them? And I've known of them,
you know, almost my entire life. And I learned things tonight that I did not know about them. So you guys have a great legacy here in Tarpon Springs. And I think the good work you've done
are going to live far beyond you. But I do wish you many years. Thank you. During. Thank you, mayor, I it's kind of full
circle for me. I remember being in high school. Kenny Henderson used to make me go get checks for Naomi and Mary. For kids who
needed yearbooks, caps and gowns, a meal. They never said a word. And I was one of those recipients. I look at my good friend here speaking and I say,
you know, and to the Commissioner, God bless you, Mrs. Family, for having to deal with them at the flophouse. But it's, it's, it's full circle
because I look at that first two rows of people that I've dealt with and those are two, two rows of legends. I got Doctor Ozimek here. She saved me. And an
elementary school principal suspended me from school. So I'm this is very humbling to hear Mrs. Archie talk from cross
sections of life. How many people that you guys have touched? I'm looking in this crowd of people who have truly
benefited from everything that you guys have done. So whatever God had planned for you, I'm sure you're working that plan. And, you know, I know I'm a
recipient of it. I know that we are better as a community because of you. So, mayor, I thank you for just giving me a chance to just say just a little bit because I know just a little
bit of what you've done, and your humbleness is not allowed you to brag about what you've done. And that's what makes a human being remarkable and
great. So thank you. Anyone else like to speak? Okay. So that concludes our presentations and
proclamations. Oh. I'm sorry. Oh, God. Joan Jennings, 2204 Pine Drive in Tarpon. I was privileged to meet the child
when she was on the public art committee. And through Miss Ella, I met Kevin. She alluded to the rubber ducks. He was
working on Barbies. And not only did he have beautiful landscapes and representational art, he also had very stinging social commentary, which for which he
won many awards. I think the only thing that Kevin loved more than Tarpon and SPC were Mikayla
and Nicholas. Oh. Okay. That concludes our presentations. I'll give. Okay, I'm gonna
break. In 15 minutes. Five minutes? Yeah. Let's do this. Why don't we take a let's say
ten minute break, get back here at 755, and then we'll have
public comments on other items. Into the mic. Can everyone
please sit down? Please, sir? Thank you. Thank you. Okay.
Thank you. Okay, so I will wait for Commissioner Coleus to. Is
he out there? No, no, I don't know. Robin, can you see if Commissioner Coleus is out there
socializing? We need the assistant chief. Oh, I don't see
him out there. Text him. Oh. You know anybody watching these meetings, they're like, oh, man,
Tarpon Springs different. We're calling people out. Get in here. Well, okay. Just. Hey, Derek,
can you see if. Commissioner Coleus and your colleague are out there? There he is. Yeah,
here he comes. He's making his entrance. You look good. Your
hair is perfect. And here he comes. Okay, so let's go to item number three on our special
presentations. It's the Charter Revision Commission recommendation. It'll be Doctor Kerry Root. Thank you very much.
Mayor. I'd like to thank the Board of commissioners and Attorney Salzman, the chief and
assistant chief, city clerk and the city manager for allowing us time to share some ideas with you. First, I want to thank all the board for the opportunity
that this commission has had to serve the city of Tarpon Springs. It's a tremendous honor. And. Studying the. The
charter, which is the governing document of the city. Finds an insight on how the city is run unlike anything else I've experienced. And I'm lucky this
is my second time on the Charter Revision Commission. So first, thank you for the opportunity to serve. The second thing I'd like to do is I would like to
recognize two of the Charter Revision Commission members that are here with me, John Jennings and Mike. Excuse. We had we had a full year last year of
discussions and deliberations and interested citizens coming and talking to us. It was a very, a very interesting period
of time in my life last year. And I want to say, echoing what we just heard with the proclamations and memorials,
Tarpon Springs isn't just a city, it's a community of engaged, committed and involved individuals with hearts of service. And that is just so
true in all that I experience here in Tarpon. Okay, so I also want to say thank you very much to the vice mayor for attending our last charter meeting. I know
that they go long sometimes, but I appreciate that you showed an interest in came. Why? So why am I here? Wasn't our job done with the amendments made to the
charter? Well, we had many individuals come to talk to us citizens commissioners, employees of the city. We had a
lot of people that had opinions that they shared with us. And during the process of our deliberations, there were items discussed that our commission
deemed that were just not appropriate as charter amendment changes. I mean, charter changes for amendment. But we felt that there were a number of items
that would benefit the city for the Board of Commissioners to review. And that is the genesis of the recommendations. I'm going to summarize, and it's for
your information, we hope that you will take these and consider them for action. But that's not our job. Our job is just to share information here. So the
first one came from a desire to keep tarpon vibe as a small town. Even though we've grown into a much larger city. So the first recommendation is that we
actually adopt an ordinance for building height restrictions require those height variances to be approved by the Board of Adjustments that also require a supermajority approval from the
Board of Commissioners, and any change of that ordinance should also require a supermajority approval from the Board of Commissioners. And what I'm reading from is part of your
backup. So you don't need to take notes. It's all there. The second thing is we request that the city be more active in maintaining the cuts in our
waterways to provide recreational access to the Anclote River and the Gulf of America. This is a charter provision, but it has not been well planned for in the budget.
And there's not a published plan for completing this work. Even though cut access has degraded significantly over the years. And in some areas, those cuts
are no longer providing recreational or access or otherwise. The next item is received a tremendous amount of
discussion. We believe that the that by allowing the planning and zoning recommendations to be included in the consent agenda to address better use of the Board of Commissioners, P and Z
applicants and staff time would be a real positive. Okay in the charter is a requirement for a civil service board, and we left
it in so there would not be a perceived loss of employee benefits. However, it is incumbent on the Board of Commissioners and the city Manager to make all employees
aware of the Civil Service Board. As we discussed with employees. The Civil Service Board is addressed as a part of their orientation to employment,
but that's also a time when they're learning many other things related to their new employment, and it's just not sufficient to ensure that they
have awareness of this benefit. Along with that. And. The Board of Commissioners, please consider appointing and maintaining a membership for the
Civil Service Board. Right now, it's just a name and a charter. The next thing we discussed is that this city is large enough for a full time city attorney.
So we suggest that y'all consider bringing one on staff. We're doing a tremendous amount in the city with forward thinking. We'd like to recommend
that the guidelines from the Sustainability Committee be shared with the boards of the City of Tarpon Springs. All the boards should have that and should review it. I know
sometimes it's hard to share all the information or make sure that people are reading what they need to read, but we need to do a better job of that. We
would request that in order to generate more civil or other citizen participation in our bar boards, that we improve and expand public outreach to
citizens to increase their involvement in the city government. We think you should consider an active recruiting process where critical skills to board are mapped to citizens,
and then a direct ask to those citizens to serve, as opposed to just having applications come in. And then you do the best fit. We think the city would be
better, better managed that way. We request that that the city focus more on maintaining their CLG status and follow the
National Historic Guidelines for Local and National Historic Districts. This is a really critical time as well, with all the flooding that's happening
and recognizing that this may require training for that board, we request that our sidewalks of the city be repaired. Please
budget for this. Please set up a plan for repair and for future funding. It is. It's a big part of what people see when they go down and walk around the sponge
docks. When they see Spring Bayou, we need to do a better job of maintaining that. And then the last item here is revitalizing the Marine Commerce
Committee. We recommend that this be adopted as an ordinance. We have written a summary of our thoughts on what that board
should be doing. And that's the second page of the information provided. And we ask that you you seriously consider this because Tarpon Springs is more
than just tourists. This is an active working port, and that is as important to our heritage as the tourism piece. Let's not forget that and I just will
close with a big thank you. This has been a tremendous experience for me, and thank you to my fellow commissioners on this Commission. Thank you. Thank you
very much, Doctor Rude. Let's we'll have any comments or questions to Doctor Rude. I just want to start off by saying that
I hear all your recommendations, and many of them have merit, but but more importantly, I just want to thank you. I know you guys worked really hard, had a
lot of meetings, you spent a lot of time diving very deep into our charter, and the city owes you a debt of gratitude. So
thank you very much. Thank you very much, Commissioner Banther. Yes, thank you, Doctor Root and all and all the members here tonight. I got to serve with you. I think it was like 2019 or
2020. I know that's a hard board. You guys meet a lot. You guys meet more than the boards that meet year round. As far as you know, ours combined. You made some great recommendations tonight. The one that popped out
to me was the last one you just said was the Marine Commerce Committee. I know we started that almost ten years ago or not started it but revitalized it. We were doing we were we were
preparing for the recent dredge. So I'd like the city manager after we get through budget season, to have that on the agenda for us to discuss up here. Thank you very much. It is very important. Yes. Thank you
very much. Commissioner Donato. I too would like to thank all of you, three of you for your your time. I do know that it's quite an involvement to go through the
entire charter and spend the time that you've all spent. And I'm grateful, having spent three different times on that committee, I know how detailed it can be, and you've done a
thorough job, and I thank you. Thank you very much, Commissioner Coleus. Yes, thank you, Doctor Rue, Miss Jennings, as well as Mr. Curtis for volunteering as well as everyone
else who was on the board volunteering for the Charter Revision Committee. It's every week during what, almost, almost a year, you know, so they've done a great job. I appreciate your recommendations. And at
some point I'm sure we'll review them all. And I'd like to ask, when we do go to review them, that we do have members of the charter revision here to help supplement any additional income
or other information as we talk about this. And so thank you all for this report and this commission. We're not active for the next four years, but we are
available to answer questions about our deliberations. So they don't hold the commission. We're just not active just unless we're called vice mayor. Thank
you. Mayor. I just want to thank you. I know just how hard you worked. It's not an easy charter to deal, especially to get out
23 and us adding it to 24 and trying to get to a an agreement. I did watch every single one of your charter meetings, even the
one you weren't there, Carrie, and you were out and it was sometimes contentious. But we got a lot accomplished, and I
was just glad to be present at as many as I could possibly be. I was impressed with everybody's input because we did have a
very, very diverse group of people. So I just want to thank John Jennings, Mike Curtis and all the rest who are not even
here. But it was it was really well thought out. It's our Bibl. And, you know, it's not easy to change things and you have to get really into the nitty gritty
of what is viable to be changed and what we should leave. I also am thanking you for all these suggestions. They're all good suggestions, and I look forward
to with the rest of this board moving forward and discussing all of those suggestions. I think it was a great idea. It's I know it's not part of the
charter, but it's you're a resident and you have two residents, supporters here. And I think it was very good that you bringing this up to us. We
kind of had an idea, but it always is a blessing to get it from the horse's mouth. And so just thank you for all your hard work. I, I know with your schedule you really had to stay
on top of things and keep tabs of what you covered and what you didn't cover and who said what and who didn't say what. And is one more thank you. I wanted to do. And that's to our attorney,
Mr. Saltzman, who sat with you all. Is you still listening there, Mr. Saltzman? He deserves a big thank you. So he he helped us tremendously answering all our questions and everything.
He's a tremendous resource. Well, you know what? He had to take all of the comments and turn them into charter, you know, wording. And for those who
don't know, it's not easy. You know, he's limited to 75 words. So not everything you know transpires to the to the public. So I know that you all worked
very hard. And I just want to thank everybody. It was a blessing to work with you and to see you in action. So thank you. It was a lot easier to get things done when Irene gave me a
gavel and I didn't have to use my shoe. Next year you can borrow this one. Okay, let's go to public comments that will be on any items could be on the
consent agenda items or any items not to be discussed in
further in the in the meeting. Micah 623 East Tarpon Avenue. Just to piggyback with with with
doctor Ruth said is but also a thank you very big thank you to staff because staff made what we did much, much easier when we
needed something. They were there. Michelle and Irene, you know kudos to Mr. Saltzman for his input. And but you know you've got a wonderful staff
that really helped guide us through. And we're right on top of what we needed to come up with the during the charter revision meetings. Thank you.
Thank you. Thanks for your time as well. Hello. Tori Hough, 40 West Boyer Street, Tarpon Springs. I just want to bring to
your attention to things that are fantastic. And I don't think that you always hear about that and they are both present. And so I thought I'd take this
opportunity. First of all as Assistant Chief Mathis, I saw your unhoused liaison officer
have a fantastic interaction with an unhoused individual last week, and it moved me to tears.
The empathy, the kindness, the understanding. I wanted in my car and at my home because I
literally live right by the Shepherd center. They're my neighbor, so I always have water and prepackaged food in my house
area and also in my car. Having been someone who worked previously in my old city with the unhoused, but I also have in
my car. And so my first reaction anytime I see someone is, I want to go to my car and grab my bag and take things. But when I saw your officer, I realized I
didn't need to do that. And so I just want to thank you. I want to thank your department for the leadership and for the kindness that I saw displayed. Thank you
so very much. And I want to thank Ada. As my neighbor, the Shepherd center. I have never, ever had a problem. My home, my
vehicles have never been broken into. I've never had anything vandalized. I have lived there now a year, and as some of you
know, that area of the fruit bowl was devastated by the storm surge of the hurricane. I had over four feet of water in my
home, and. We could have had squatters in our home while it was being repaired, not once. I
have my regulars who I see on my street, and I know by name that will just come in and check in on me. I'm known as the Mango Lady. I have two mango trees
that I regularly give out mangoes to and I say hello to them and they say hi to me and I think they are just as
protective of my property as I am of them. And I just want to thank you. Thank you for your leadership and your love and
your care. And I want to thank you because these attitudes come from our leadership. So thank you for your guidance. Thank
you. Thank you pastor. Anyone else? Here? Lack is 514 Ashland
Avenue. Tonight's reading will be short, but I think it lends to what we've been discussing today. This is Isaiah 56. This
is what the Lord says. Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand, and my righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the
man who does this, the man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without consecrating it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil. So as far as the
charter recommendations of the height restrictions, I think is good, the sustainability guidelines, that's nice. But unless there's some teeth that the other boards have to
implement those guidelines into their decisions, it's just information. The Revitalizing the Marine Commerce Committee is something we've spoken about
before. And as was mentioned, this is a big part of our community and we need to do what we can to maintain that and actually try to help it grow.
Lastly, from the new business Observer, the Florida Tax Watch says the latest round of tariffs is causing more agitation among Florida fiscal analysts. Florida Tax Watch, a nonprofit
government watchdog and taxpayer research institute, look at the latest tariffs and concluded while the tariffs aim to protect domestic industries and boost capital investment in the long term, they pose significant risks to the broader economy.
The new tariffs will likely exert pressure on Florida's economy as consumers face higher prices. Small businesses encounter increased operational costs, unemployment rises and
overall economic growth slows. And contrary to what other we hear that oh, Indonesia or Malaysia is paying 19% or 25.
They're not paying it, we end up paying for it. And here are some examples. And the National Association of Home Builders, 20, 75% of the imported lumber
used for construction comes from Canada. And a crucial component of drywall, gypsum comes from Mexico. When these tariffs get hit, when these materials get hit with tariffs, costs in the construction industry are
expected to increase by more than 3 billion, with a 25% tariff on cars. One car for the domestic product, producers expect to increase by at least
15%. The report also found specific impacts on Florida consumers. The higher construction costs can increase the price of a typical house built by Florida developers by 10,000. An average Florida
Floridians Weekly grocery bill is expected to increase by 10 to 15% as a result of the imported tariffs. We need to stop this
foolishness because basically it's a switcheroo. We end up paying taxes for it and in return give tax breaks to the rich corporations. Thank you,
thank you. Yeah, I made my time, did a good job. Any any further comments? Good. That's there.
Hello. Eric Allman 313 North Avenue I'd like to discuss agenda item number 26 regarding the versus surface on the
Riverside tennis courts. Sir, we we're not talking about anything on the agenda on the business items. When we get to that thing, that point, you can
actually get up and speak. Okay? Okay, okay. Thank you. These are all the items that are not on the agenda, just general
comments. So Katie Taylor, 657 Haven Place, Tarpon Springs I would like to say good evening. First of all, I would like to thank all of you, the mayor and
commissioners here who voted to approve item number four on the agenda last week in the June July 8th consent consent agenda
for the Sponger project to be moved off, relocated off of MLK and gross to move it up into Dorset Park. Thank you even more
for not following Vice Mayor Eisner down a rabbit hole that appeared to imply one of only three people on our council submitted fraudulent residency
information on their application to the city. Ma'am. Katie, we have rules. We're not allowed to. You're not allowed to address. Well, individual commissioners, just if you could
make your comments to the commission as a whole. Okay. Well, at least you know where I'm coming from. She just she didn't address anybody. Okay.
Okay. I would like to thank. She said Vice mayor Eisenhower, she said commissioners, we're all adults here. Come on. Just just
just address me, Katie, and just address me, please. Okay. As mentioned in the meeting, each of you and the city clerk, Irene Jacobs, received an email I sent
to each of you from Rose Cemetery Association with the new Sun Beds report showing that they had a newly elected board each year that organization send
the city their new board of directors, a list of their new board of directors of anybody called the city asking who's in charge of that cemetery. The city will be able to direct them
to the proper party. I would like, if I can say it, I would like to say thank you to two of the people on this, three of the people on this diocese. Well, for really for taking time to of
them to call me two people on that diocese call me when there was a conflict that they seen when I sent that Sundays report, which showed my address as
holiday on the sun beds report, and as of Tarpon address on my license. And I provided Irene with the proper information for my application for the Art
Council. I've had that holiday address as a mailing address on Sundays since 2016, and that's my son's address if you need to know. I was very surprised when
a certain person on this diocese requested item four be deferred because he felt he needed clarification on a member's address. That person know my phone number? He didn't call me
before, so why didn't he bother to call me this time? Two people called me and I gave them the information. I provided the information that they requested to ensure that I was safe on
this board. It seems like a lot of in-depth questions was done to done in vain to stop the project from that, from that
project happening. I don't appreciate being viewed as I was submitting fraudulent documentation. I know you're going to say I never called her name. You didn't have to because I sent you the email. That's the
email you brought to this, to this floor, and you read from it. So you can't say that you didn't know by reading certain addresses as a, as a, as a official on that board. You, you, you violate those in
violation of my privacy to, to reveal addresses. And it was abusive abuse of your platform.
The. In the end I just want to want to say that if that happens again, I would prefer a phone call. I'd appreciate a phone call because I was it was
clearly explained. And on that tape, if you listen on that July 8th tape, that particular person said, oh my God, oh my God was the right person to call. Because if you come for me
again, I'm going to file a complaint. Thank you. Anyone
else? Mr. Hi I'm Sherry went I live at 1214 Riverside drive and I. I'm coming with a little bit of a problem that I thought this
time I would ask for help because I didn't before. And a friend had recommended that maybe I should just come in and
ask if somebody had any ■idea oy in downtown that is at 109 Hibiscus Street. I have a triplex and I have a gallery of
fun finds, which is an an artist co-op, which is there. About three years ago, I encountered a problem where I, I had a lot of trees on the back of the
property and two beautiful oaks that had grown together, and their complaint came in from code enforcement that some one of my back, one of the trees,
the one in the back, was shedding leaves and things and tree and pieces of the tree, and it was causing a problem. The code enforcement told me they couldn't tell me who it was, but
that I, I needed to cut the trees down. I did, or I did call and contact code enforcement. I talked to the arborist and ultimately I went to a meeting
and in the end, I, I lost and the trees came down, even though one was alive and one was dead. So I it was disappointing that
that happened for a lot of money. Then a week ago, I get a call from the gentleman that owns that property behind me
that that he he is getting ready to bring in a large building, a metal building, and put on that property that will be of some income for him and it will be
going lot line to lot line, because we have zero tolerance in that neighborhood, which I did not know. And it seems like it's kind of like a downtown area. It seems like putting any
kind of a building lot line to lot line is kind of crazy. But I did check on that and that's what we have. And he said he was
he was going to put that in and he would be coming in off of hibiscus, which has just kind of like a little alley. It doesn't even have a name. One, I have
concern that if he's going to rent out storage or whatever is going to happen, it's going to be a little difficult there. It's already hard to get a UPS truck or anything big in and out
of there. Secondly, though, he told me that the trees that I had along my property line were going to be in in the way they were, they had they had started
growing over the years. And I have seven huge sable palms and they they give me shade and they give me protection for like a
hurricane that's coming. They they help a lot. He said. They, they had to go. So and I talked to him for a few minutes. I said I why do you have to put your
building like right at the fence? Well that's what he wants to do. And he was going to put a monolithic slab and he said, I'll be cutting your roots and I
will be, you know, you have I'll be cutting your trees. I said, I'll get back to you. So then today I get up. First I get a
message. I he found me a. Quote for $1,600 so that I could take my trees down. All of them. I don't want to take my trees down, but. So at some point I
did call him, and he said that he'd already been to the city. He's already talked to arborist, he's already talked to everybody. And he's going to he's going to do this. And he
told me, I already have permitting cherry. Yes I apologize. Yes. Your three minutes are up. Okay. So why don't you get the city manager's card? Okay. It's either right
there or in the back and give him a call and discuss your matter, okay? And I'm sure he'll help you. I would like some help because I do not want to cut my trees down. You. Thank you. Call
him. Thank you. Anyone else? Mayor, can I. Can I ask you to consider to waive the rules just for the riverside courts and just give them maybe one minute to speak? Because about an hour and a half, I actually moved the
Riverside Court up to the first business item. Okay. So. Perfec. If that's okay with all the other commissioners, that's fine. Is that okay with everyone? All right. Thank you.
I'll move it up to the first item. So let's go ahead with the consent agenda first. So consent agenda number four item for
attorney fees. Eunice Salzman John Johnson Jackson LLC. Number five Award file for single source purchase of Commons
original equipment manufacturer parts and service. Number six Award file repair services for Godwin pumps. Number seven
special event. Detour Music Festival. Number eight award file for Guardian Fueling Technologies. Number nine award
file for Bernard water control valves, parts and service. Number ten Award file for fire alarm panel number 11 increase
file single source purchase of mental health resources. Number 12 Award file for single source purchase of Vector and Elgin
original equipment manufacturer parts and service number 13. Award file for leak detection. Excuse me. Detection services
number 14 increase file for annual maintenance and support software to Central Square Technologies. Number 15. High Visibility Enforcement Program
contract agreement. Number 16 adoption of the 2025 Urban Forestry Management Plan by the City of Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners, number 17.
Increase file for the annual maintenance of Power DMs air Policy Number H, number 18 increase file Microsoft and
software licenses through Sourcewell cooperative contract and number 19 award file for single source purchase of
ammunitions. Is any commissioner wish to pull any of these items? With that said, is there any
discussion on any of these items? No discussion on consent? No discussion, no discussion on consent. Let's go to roll call, please. No, no, we need a
motion. So moved. I'm sorry. Was there a second? Yes. I'll second. Okay. Sorry. Microphone okay. With with that said let's go to roll call please. Commissioner. Yes, Commissioner.
De Donato. Yes, Commissioner. Cool. Yes, yes. Vice mayor. Yes. Mayor. Kelly. Yes. Okay. So we're going to move item number
26. The update on the Riverside courts of to our 20th spot. Mr. Robertson or city manager, who?
Whichever city manager. Yes, certainly. I can kick us off. Basically this item we originally intended to bring it to you. We had an agreement with the manufacturer because of the complaints we received to remove
the courts. They would do the labor palletize them and all we could get was $30,000 refund. We're past well past the refund date. However, they they had a
clause in the contract which they won't remove that we can't sign a confidentiality clause. Our attorneys advised us we can't sign that. So we're sort
of at an impasse with them of we can remove the courts ourself and keep them. We looked into surplus them on gov deals and auctioning them. We found there's very little money there.
We could try to find a use somewhere else, but we need to get direction from you if we need to continue to pursue, to remove them or just leave them there. Okay. Did you have
anything to add? No, mayor. Thank you. Okay. So let's let's have questions before we go to public comment. Let me I'll
start off. And this will be questions and comments I will go to both. So you know I don't play tennis I played pickleball
on there one time. You know. Yeah the ball doesn't bounce quite as well as it would on on like the courts we have down on
Safford. I mean I'm indifferent to what we do here, but I've heard enough from enough people that actually have been enjoying those courts for many years. And
if the rest of the board wants to pull those courts out, then I'll go along with that. Commissioner Banther. What's the. This might be for the city
attorney. What is the purpose of this non-disclosure? I mean, like we're at a public meeting discussing this. Is that what they don't want to have happen or what can we not disclose? I mean, we have to be able to
disclose, as you know, because if somebody made a public records request. So we can't sign anything that says confidential because it's we can't I mean, we're just not allowed to put it in. That's
just absurd, right? That that seems to be a stumbling block. And that's contingent upon this $30,000 refund, apparently. And I assume you've worked them as hard as you can. We have, other
than I haven't had a contact to talk to anybody over there, but apparently that's the position they've presented that we have to sign this confidentiality, which we are legally prohibited
from doing. We originally offered we removed that section and offered to return it to sign. They wouldn't accept that. I mean, I'm good with whatever
the majority of this commission wants. Like the mayor. I'm not a tennis player. I mean, I grew up across the street from these courts as one of the first things I remember I did as I emailed Beverly Blair, so I
emailed we didn't have email back then, but I called Beverly Blair, who was the mayor, and asked her to paint those light poles. That's, you know, that's that that shows my age a little bit. But I don't play tennis. I
don't have any opinion on this. I think it would might be better city attorney. I don't know if this would work, but maybe if you could get in touch with their attorney and just talk them through this. I understand a non-disclosure in business,
but this is a city. We literally it's the opposite of what we do. So maybe just if you could have try and get Ahold of their counsel, if they have it, to see if they can eliminate that, because I don't feel that's
right. They're making this contingent upon that. But if they refuse, we have to make it right. So I'm good with whatever. Can I let me ask one question on this non-disclosure.
What was the confidentiality? Okay. It's confidential on not disparaging their product. Is that what this is about? No, that the whole agreement is confidential. Can't do that.
Right. Which we can't do. Can't do such. Okay, Commissioner De Donato, I still would like to hear some public comment on the on the issue, but I agree with what Commissioner Barnier just
stated. I certainly would rather get 30,000 than try to, you know, get the 1000. That's kind of a no brainer, I think. But I'll yield to what the board
determines is best. I know when this was discussed, it came right on about the time I came on and it it had been researched according to our public
director. But you know, it was new. So there's just a lot of, a lot of ifs, ands and buts about the project. But certainly we should negotiate our best deal.
So I would think we should go back to the attorney and see where we can go from there. Vice mayor oh I'm sorry Commissioner. Yes I'm sorry. Yes. What I think
is like, we do this, let our attorneys talk. Hopefully we can get the $30,000, I mean. That's something maybe we should have picked up just in case. But, you
know, we were told by staff, and. And it's not putting anything on anybody that these were good, you know, internationally certified. You know, first, of course. And I'm sure they've been good, you
know, for certain areas. But the fact of the matter is we got this wrong. And, you know, as a board, whoever is on the board at the time, including myself, and so we should have paid the
money we needed to get them resurfaced in a way that would keep the, the same core and foundation of the court for
residents to, to improve on. So I'm in a position that we just we do it the right way. We bite the bullet, we take them out, we try to get the 30,000. If not, keep them to the side. There
might be some other, more useful place to be able to build in the future where, you know, it's not so much driven by morning activity, where the dew is on the floor and stuff. And so we
just got to bite the bullet. Unfortunately, we got it wrong. And the way to make it right is to do it, put it, resurface it back in its original court, you know, fix the little divots or
whatever is there and it's going to cost money, but it's the right thing to do for us. Vice mayor, thank you. So once again, I'm just going to tell you, I
probably did most of the research on this one. I have to tell you, we had a choice. We had $100,000 to repair the court. We had 250,000 to get a
lifetime, you know, protection with this court. And then we had a choice of redoing the entire court for 500,000 at the time, with what was presented to us,
we had the this was the best choice. What was neglected from this discussion was the fact that, as Commissioner Kulas said
about the Morning Dew, it's best suited to be used in a place where it's either going to be used in the afternoon or it's going to be used on a private tennis court. I did make calls because I knew what court was
going to give us. I called private locations. They will give us the exact same amount as versus court, and I don't think we would have that clause to
sign with the private company. So as I'm hearing that that was the stickler, I would be happy. It doesn't have to be me to do
it. We could have our own. I'll get Janine over there. Who's to? To try to work a deal. I didn't mean to throw it on you, Janine,
but we love you. I just think that we could do better. Even if we do the same amount. At least we won't have to get into this. Because we do have to disclose it. You know, we're a public
records situation and we just can't not disclose what we do. It kind of how do you how do you make a deal and have a non-disclosure to sign? It's
just it's illegal. So, you know, it doesn't matter whether we whether they offer us 30,000, 10,000, 50,000, we can't sign it because of the clause. So I didn't know why this was being
the can kicked down the road. Now I know, but like I said, we do have someone who actually what he did was he went on Google Earth. He took the
picture of the tennis courts he gave me. I think it was like $1.26 per square. And when I did my calculation, it came out to $30,000. And the only reason I
didn't want to, you know, go with him was I just said, you know, that's what the court's giving us. But I didn't realize versus court has this clause. So I think we could pursue a
different venue. We should get it up off the ground. And they also specifically asked us before we do this to load it
onto skids in a certain way. They have a video on how to do it so that, you know, the product doesn't get damaged and you know, they they would be happy to sell it for us. So
there is other avenues that we don't have to deal with versus court. Because honestly with what's on the table, we can't do it, period. I mean, we're stuck,
you know, we want to do it. We can't sign a contract because the court wants a non-disclosure clause and we can't sign that. So that just leaves us in limbo unless we go to a private
person. But that's so that's my take on it. I'd rather try to get it sold privately. Whether we whether this guy sells it to, you know, somebody tennis court
in the back of the house in Minnesota or wherever he's going to sell it that, you know, they don't have that morning. Do you know, we weren't presented that these courts come with built in
rubber on them. They come with all different composites. We were not told any of this. They we just got this and that's what we got. So can oh go ahead.
Public comment. Let's go to public comments on this. Not to not to dissuade further public comment. And sir, I know you've
been patient so you can speak, but I think you can kind of see the count here. So I don't know that we need to speak on it, but please go ahead. Yeah. I'll
shorten my 15 minute speech to one minute. No, seriously. Thanks. Clearly you guys are hearing the feedback that we've all been giving to you guys about the playability of these
these courts. I am an avid tennis player, playing 3 to 4 times a week, and these are by far the worst service I've ever played on compared to, you know, poor quality concrete surfaces
with cracks and clay courts. In addition to it being slick because they're squares. If a ball lands in perfectly in the middle of the square, it will actually trampoline up. If it
lands in an intersection of the squares, it's a dud. You hear like a click sound. So not only is it dangerous, is it slippery in the morning dew or after a rain shower. Also, just
generally the playability is pretty poor. If you hit any balls with spin, they slide. They don't bite like they would on a traditional tennis court that has grit on it. So overall
playability is very poor. Just to give you some context from a from a tennis player. In addition, I just wanted to kind of bring to your attention the timing element of this. You
know, what we do with it is obviously in question who gets it. But I mean, if there's a way to get it off the courts as soon as possible, stack it in some corner or warehouse and then figure out what to do with it,
that'd be incredible because I just I could see this potentially lingering on as we try to figure out what the best thing to do with this court is. And in the meantime, there's injury risk and then there's
just general, you know, lack of us being able to use our courts that we've had for many years. So yeah, that's just the one point I wanted to make is the
timing. Whatever we need to do, got to get the plastic off the courts as quickly as possible. So thank you very much. Thank
you. Anyone else? Hi Lauren Almond, I'm with him. I just also wanted to say that, you know, it was was great having
these four courts. Obviously we're getting extra congestion, extra wear and tear on Craig Park. And for those of us that were used to driving ten minutes
to Riverside to play, we're now having to drive to Holladay or to Dunedin. I don't even think we're supposed to be using those courts because we're Tarpon Springs residents. We're not to needed residents, and now we're
clogging that up. So, like Eric said, the timing is a big deal. And if you plan any sort of leagues, your options for surfaces include hard courts and clay and maybe grass. But I
don't have any grass. I can't, you know, schedule a meeting with a schedule or something with an opponent and have them come play on plastic because they're like, should I wear my hard shoes or my clay shoes? And
I'm like, about that. No, like, so just wanted to add that there are other complications and other things going on in our everyday life that, you know, we used to be a lot easier and now
we're we're basically commuting to play tennis. Thank you. So let's let's come back to the board and let's I'd like to entertain a motion to pull the
surface off the court and then let the city manager explore the options after that. So moved second. Okay. Can I follow up
with some information staff and maybe Bob, by these courts being the versus courts being removed, are the surfaces ready to be playable? I'm not sure. I
haven't seen the condition in a long time. I would, I would assume not. So we would probably have to take a next phase. Will we need to do is amend that
motion to either remove the courts, but also have staff come back with an update on some possible costs to finish the courts in a certain manner.
Okay. Would would would you pull your second on that. Yes. Yes. This doesn't this doesn't need to be part of the motion. But I don't know seasonally tennis. But I assume this is the least favorite time because it's hot
as hell. So we should do it pretty quickly. So it is ready for the cooler months. But the moment that is okay. So the motion will be to pull the
plastic surface up, the first court up, and to have staff come back to us sooner than later for options on what we can do with
the courts. Yes. And obviously you'll be able to assess them once the surface is off. I hear a second on that second, second,
second. Okay. Roll call please. Yes, Commissioner DiDonato. Yes, Commissioner. Cool. Yes, yes. Vice mayor Eisner. Yes, yes. Thank you. Guys, can I make a
quick comment on that? We already got priced to repair it at 100 grand. That was one of the decisions. Okay. Just so you know, I mean, that's what it was. I don't think it changed any, you know, it was 100,000 to
fix all the cracks. That's what it was. All right I know, but that was about a year ago. You know how prices are. We just we got to see what it looks like. But yeah, I support that.
They'll come back. Okay. Let's go to business. Item number 20 off. Wow. See? City government. Thank you. The people have
spoken and we listened. Okay. Item 20, authorize city manager to execute form D r 420. Form
DR4 20 t I f and form DR4 20 m m p. Finance director herring. Yeah. Good evening. Mayor. Commissioners. Ron Herring, finance director, Florida statute 200.065. Sets of
procedures for the adoption of the millage rate. The 420 document establishes a maximum millage rate for fiscal year 2026. I'm recommending to authorize the city manager to
sign form DR4 20 at the maximum millage rate of 5.37, which is the same rate as the current rate. With that, I'll leave it for any questions. Are there any questions? Commissioner Panther?
De? Do not. No, Commissioner. Cool. No, sir. Vice mayor. No. Okay. Thank you very much. Unless there's some public
comment. I forgot to go to zoom, but. Is there any zoom comment? Mr. Austin? Okay, so I'd like to
entertain a motion to approve item number 20. So moved. I'll second. Second. All right. Roll call, please. Commissioner. Van. Yes, Commissioner. Donato. Yes,
Commissioner. Cool. Yes. Yes, vice mayor. Eisner. Yes, mayor. Yes. Number 21. Award file 25
0202A job order construction services. Miss Janine Lewis. Lewis, please. Good evening. Mayor. Board of commissioners. Janina Lewis, procurement services director. Excuse me.
The item before you is to request the use of job order contracting services in the state of Florida. Utilizing our Omnia partners contract. The lead on that was Pinellas County
Schools. This particular job ordering contract services provides for small construction projects and an efficient delivery method that allows us to have selection of multiple
qualified contractors and a fixed price list catalog. We've used this over the past two years, and we've had some pretty successful projects. The latest
projects are listed in the back. We did a water treatment canopy from one of the tanks. We have also paved the parking lot outside of the water conveyance offices in the back, which
turned out really nice. And we are currently working on the Union Academy facility. And with that, I'll turn it over for any questions. Are there any
questions of Miss Lewis? Not a question. I just wanted to thank you. That's a amazing idea. It's great to have it move from, you know, so quickly. You know, some
of these projects doesn't have to come before us. These are things that you can handle. So thank you. I, I actually wrote down it was a great idea. So
appreciate it. Are there any. Are there any public comments on this item. Mr. Austin there are
no hands up at this time. Thank you. Let's come back to the board for a motion to approve. Item number 22. Award file. I'm sorry. 21 Award file. Job order.
Construction services. So moved second. Okay. Roll call, please. Mr. Banther. Yes, Commissioner. DiDonato. Yes, Commissioner. Coolio's. Yes. Vice mayor.
Eisner. Yes, mayor. Yes. Item number 22. Award file number 20 502 16. Ladder. Truck. Fire chief. Good evening, Scott
Young. Fire chief, we bring forward to you a request to the city to purchase a new ladder truck to replace the one we have now, the 2020. How this would
work is the trucks are taking 50 months plus to be built once you order them. Our current truck is five years old, a little over five. So this truck would be
about our current truck would be about ten years old. When this one finally arrives. We rotate our ladder trucks out every ten years because of the maintenance costs and wear and tear on them.
We also. It also keeps us in compliance with NFPA guidelines. The price of this truck will come out to be $1.6 million. Right now, the they are offering
us $450,000 for the current ladder truck once the new one is delivered. So we're at a point where the cost of the new ladder truck is going to go up, and the depreciation on our truck is
going to go down. So we're in that middle point right now. There's no cost no money out front right now until the truck is delivered. We have it set up that the penny fund will be
funding this truck. The finance directors will put $400,000 away each year for the next four years. We have cash when the truck is delivered. With that, I'll answer any questions. Okay.
Let's go to Commissioner. Questions of the fire chief. And I have no questions, Commissioner. Panther. No questions. Commissioner DiDonato. Where's the enterprise
fund or impact fees come from? You can't use some of that. That would be at finance director's
question. Just curious. So first of all. Yes, you can use some of the impact fees. We have about
300,000 in there. So yes you can use those if we need to okay. Commissioner Coolio's, no, I had a good talk with chief earlier. He explained it all and
honestly, the what the trading of the old one and what we'll get for it, the you know, the difference makes sense for us. So it's good. Thank you. Vice mayor. I also had a conversation
with the fire chief and I have no questions. Thank you. Do we have any public comments on this item? Mr. Austin, there are no
hands up at this time. Okay. We come back to the board for a motion to approve. Second, without any further comments,
roll call please. Commissioner. Yes, Commissioner. DiDonato. Yes, Commissioner. Coolio's. Yes. Vice mayor Eisner. Yes. Yes. Okay. Business item number
23 approved joint use agreements with Pinellas County School District. Mr. Kiger, thank you. Thomas Tiger, public services director. We have before you
today two agreements. These are historic joint use agreements we've had in place with Pinellas, Pinellas County School Board since 1989. We will point out one of the agreements that expire in 2020 and was renewed.
It was likely due to confusion during the early days of the Covid 19 pandemic. But these these practices have been in place for a long time, and it allows for joint use of our
recreation facilities and parking areas, as well as the school boards, by city facilities and for city events. So these are long running agreements that we've had in place, and we recommend that
they be renewed. And we also have Jamie Taylor, our recreation superintendent here, in case we have any detailed questions about programing or the nature of the use of these facilities. Does any commissioner have any questions
of Mr. Kiger? I do. Quick question. So are we going to be letting them the school use parking lots and we're going to use school properties. Is that
what it's about? This is a long running practice. So like for example, this allows the school board to use like our community center for like youth basketball
practices is one ongoing practice. Another thing is we use the high school parking lot for like overflow parking and for shuttle service during Sunset Beach concert series. And gotcha. Okay. Thank you. That's
all I wanted to know. We also use the. School parking lot for like dropping off of electronics
and other things like our during the year as well. So okay. Do we have any public comments on this item? Mr. Austin, there are no
hands up at this time. Okay. Come back to the board for a motion to approve. Second, if there's no further comments, roll call please. Commissioner. Yes, Commissioner. De Donato.
Yes, Commissioner. Yes. Yes. Vice mayor. Eisner. Yes. Yes. Thank you. Number 24 ratification of cultural and
civic services. Director. Miss Atkins, please. Good evening. Commissioners and Mayor Tabitha Atkins, new HR director here for the city. Before you guys, we
have the ratification of the appointment of Brandon Brock from the marketing operations manager to the director of cultural and civic Services. This will be effective August
7th, 2025. This is to replace the current director, who is retiring from her position after ten years. Brandon has been in his current position since 2021, has done a phenomenal job
leading our marketing program as a total of about 15 years experience in management of entertainment venues. And prior coming to Tarpon, he spent about ten years at Ruth Eckerd Hall in
Clearwater. You guys can see from his resume that he has been a key component in helping Tarpon Arts improve revenue, ticket sales and grant funding. And we feel like Brandon would
be a exceptional, qualified candidate for this position and highly recommend him. Okay. Do we have any questions from our
commission to Miss Atkins? Do we have any public comments? Austin there are no hands up at this time. Okay, I'd like to come
back to the board for a motion, please. So moved. Second roll call, please. Commissioner Banther. Yes, Commissioner. DiDonato. Yes, Commissioner.
Coolio's. Yes. Vice mayor. Eisner. Yes, mayor. Yes. Thank you. Okay. Yeah. We want to thank Diane to all her hard
work. And congratulations, Brandon. Yes. Congratulations, man. Item number 25,
ratification of public works director. Let's make this one stick, do you? Do you want are you are you want to speak on
this? Okay. Yes. So we are asking for the ratification to hire Chris Carter into the position of public works director. Upon approval, Chris will be relocating here from his current position as the Director of Public works in the coastal
community of Petersburg, Alaska. He's been serving as the director there since 2018, where he is responsible for water and wastewater, utilities, streets, fleet, sanitation, and building
maintenance. Chris has over 20 years supervisory experience, including ten years as the assistant public works director in Petersburg. Chris brings a wide range of experience and
expertise and will be an excellent candidate for this role. And yes, we hope this one. Thank you. Okay, let's have staff question. I mean a
commission questions. So city manager, is he good I believe so yes. All right. And you you give him a thumbs up I give him a thumbs up. All right. Good.
Okay, Commissioner Banther. No questions. Thank you, Commissioner DiDonato. Questions. Thank you. Commissioner. Yes, congratulations to a new public works director. I know you wanted to come back to Florida.
And a lot warmer place than where he was coming from. So awesome. Vice mayor. I have no questions. Thank you. All right. Any public comments, Mr. Austin?
There are no hands up at this time. Okay. I'd like to come back to the board for a motion. So moved second. Okay. Roll call please. Commissioner. Panther.
Yes, Commissioner. Donato. Yes, Commissioner. Yes. Yes. Vice. Mayor. Eisner. Yes. Yes. Item number 27. Orange Street
reconstruction project alternatives. Mr. Robertson. Good evening. Bob Robertson, project administration department director and interim public works director for this
item. We're seeking the board's direction on the design options to include in the reconstruction of East Orange Street. I've given you a lot of information in your backup to process, so let me try to unpack it a bit
for discussion tonight. I have presented six conceptual alternatives for your consideration. Each option consists of the following elements. Looking at the project boundaries. Water line
replacement within the project. Roadway width, landscaping and lighting, and some other minor things I want to focus on the
boundaries for a second, and I'm going to draw your attention to the screen, or at least page 13. If you want to use the PDF. The. The project was originally intended to address Orange
Street between Pinellas and Safford. That would be in this box here, and I'm going to make that much thicker so we can see
that I guess I'm not okay. I get it. There we go. So from Pinellas to Safford, that was the original project. Extense.
This section is entirely brick and is in bad shape. A previous board asked us to look at expanding the project boundary to include this section of Orange Street between. Ring and
Safford. It's an asphalt section. It's still in pretty good shape. The next consideration is utilities. Within a quarter, anytime we do, we do. We want to consider
utilities. The sanitary sewer in this section is in good shape, so we don't need to replace that. But there is an existing six inch galvanized water line. It's an old pipe. We want to
replace that as part of the project. Third consideration is the roadway width. And associated with that would be parking that we can fit within the roadway. There are five
options of the six proposed leaving the width as is. One proposes widening it. And I'll get into these alternatives here in a minute. Other considerations are whether to include additional trees and
landscaping. Upgrading on our street lighting. There is existing street lighting on the north side now, adjusting the parking configuration and whether the intersection of Hibiscus at Orange should be a
four way stop. That was an item that a previous board wanted to emphasize. We can always look at that when we get through the detailed design, so you don't need to really decide that now. But something we should
consider, I think for safety. The last thing I want to point out, we posted the first three alternatives on Connect Tarpon Springs and got feedback from
159 respondents. Public public comment, public input, most most of whom supported alternative 2 or 3. And again, I'm going to tell you what those are all about here in a second. So what
you're looking at on the screen here, this is alternative one. And what this does is it replaces all the bricks. It keeps the same existing roadway width. It's a complete tear up.
And it's we think we can salvage roughly 90% of the bricks plus or minus. So we don't have to import about 10% of for the damage of broken ones. It's always nice to be able to retain
the historic bricks if we can. This alternative also includes the paving of this section. As I mentioned earlier, it includes the water line, and I think
those are the major issues or major items that addresses. It also includes some curb replacement that comes in at right around just under 1.4 million. These are some angled
shots to kind of get an idea. Some cross-sections of what the road would look like. I want to point out that existing drive aisle is nine feet wide, which
is too narrow. It does not meet fire code. It needs to be ten feet each total of 20ft. So that's something we're going to need to have to address. We might have to stagger parking if we were to keep this width, but
we can work around it. Alternative two is similar to alternative one, except that it does include some lighting improvements. I know it's hard
to see, but it also includes some additional landscaping, some trees, kind of redoing these bulb outs that are existing there, and it keeps the
same roadway width as the first alternative. The nine nine foot lanes does include the water line, and this one comes in at
right around 1.8 million. Alternative three is an option that allows us to widen the road. It takes a look at the bulb out areas here in this
section that are east of hibiscus and pushes those back again. We're still within city right of way, but what that does is it widens the road and I'll show you it gives us 12.5ft
lanes through that narrow section instead of nine foot. So what we're looking for from from you tonight is primarily the extents where, where you want the project to start and stop.
If we're going to Pinellas to Safford, or do we also want to include that section of asphalt between Safford and Ring? So the extent and then the width of the project, all the other details. I think what we'll do is once we
get through the detailed design, we'll come back to you for final approval, I think. Charles, I'd like to we talked about putting it out on on Tarpon one more time after we've got a little
bit more detailed information. You know, we did get a lot of comments. They were kind of all over the place. A lot of people supported widening it. A lot of people didn't want to widen it. Some people wanted landscaping.
Some people were concerned about parking. Some people wanted angled parking, perpendicular parking. So I want to consider all those things. It's hard to do all that with this many alternatives to think about. So
with your guidance, we'll put together a more detailed design to factors in what the public public input has given us. And just to add, the reason we're bringing this forward is this
has been in the problems in the general fund. It was and now it's we're moving it. We're recommending you move it to the CRA because it's a good CRA project for, for next fiscal year for construction. So we
figure we get a final design. Now we've got a few months to get the design portion phase completed so we can do construction next fiscal year. And I did fail to mention the price on alternative three. When
we widen the road, it does increase the cost quite a bit. Looking at this one, where alternative three takes the paving into account the asphalt, that one's coming in at around 2.5 million. Commissioner, you
and I talked about an additional option. Would you like me to present that or did you want to mention it, please? Okay. So Commissioner idea was also was to consider a version of
alternative three where we, we just focus on the brick section only and we widen the road. It kind of gives us the best of both worlds. It's still going to be expensive. It's still looking at our estimates around 2.2
million instead of a 2.5. But if you want us to look at that option, that's something we can do as well. So with that we'll go to commission questions and
I'll go I'll go first on this. Let me ask you if we do the widening, does that require an eminent domain. No. That's also within city right of way. It's
all right of way okay. And you know the part from Safford to
ring. Have you might before we move on that I, you know. Mr. Kokolakis owns all that property there. And we probably want to
find out what his intentions are because we'd hate to go in and repave that that stretch and then him bring in heavy equipment again. I don't know if
that is a concern, but it may be, you know, worth communicating with him and finding out what his intentions are and whether he's moving on
that soon or not. And the and the city manager already clarified that this is being most likely moved to CRA. So Commissioner Banther, yes, thank
you, Mr. Robertson. The last one you mentioned from Commissioner Cooley has caught my attention. Explain to me again the difference between this, I guess fourth alternative and alternative three. So the difference is really we're just
cutting off that paved section on between Ring and Safford. Is that the one you like? You like the best? Well, if we had all the money in the world, I think this one would probably be the
most ideal because it seems to solve most concerns. If you had all the money, or if we didn't have all the money, if I had all the money. So. So that's that. Because. Because the first few options, unless I misheard, were
in the one point like section, not the two point section, correct. The one point. Yes. That's right. So what's the difference again between so say we do say we, you know, is there a way that we just focus on the
brick part but lessen the cost. What's the cost difference. That's adding the cost up to over 2 million for this one. It's the widening. It's the removing all the existing curb,
rebuilding all the driveway aprons, redoing the sidewalk, a lot of concrete work that's involved in this one. Do we have the CRA money for that? That's a question for Charles in the
finance director. I know we've got 990,000 in it now. I think our in our current draft, we have about 1.1 million proposed
for this project. And then there's still about 1.9 million in CRA funds. That will be for the when the master plan is complete. So it's kind of undesignated. But it's for
master plan projects. This will be in the master plan. So that's we have about 1.9 million that we could I hate to designate a
million of it to this one little block, but that's a possibility. Well, I mean, it's a great street. We have we have we have one of our 1111 of our family offices off that street. And I
know it does get very busy. I think the I think a four way stop is a good idea for, for hibiscus. And I don't advocate for those very often the ones on Tarpon Avenue have I think cause
a lot of issues. So I definitely I like this kind of fourth alternative if we have the money for it, you know, if not, then you know the next best thing.
But I'll see what my colleagues have to say. Thank you, thank you. Well, I too am concerned about cost, but I'm also concerned with with it being
done properly often. I've seen in the history of redoing streets that they don't always hold up, but it depends on how it's done. So I think with the right specifications we can do
that. And I think that what Commissioner has suggested might be the best alternative, I, I don't I don't necessarily think one's enough. Two and three is
where I tend to lean. I'm worried about the money, where it comes from. I will also say for record, for those of you that would worry about us depleting the CRA funds that
annually we deposit funds back into that account. So I don't want anybody to think that we're zeroing out CRA money, because there will be additional funds coming to that. So I will go to
the wishes of the commission. But I tend to think that that commissioner suggestion was a good one. Commissioner. Yes. No, I just thank you for the
presentation, Mr. Robinson. And thanks, board members, for considering the reason why I harp on that one section from Hibiscus to Safford, because it's the one section where you
see there's the most right of way that's we don't have. And by widening that by two, three feet, we all know First Fridays that is the main artery going in
and out to both the east west side of town. As Mr. Robinson stated, by doing that alternative three, just in that
section, we would be compliant for, you know, emergency vehicles to be able to go through. And anyone sees what that's like on First Fridays, it's important. And also there
is a parking lot that we do lease, you know, but we don't know if that's certain forever that that could end from year to year. Added some additional parking on that one side and we
can widen the road. Bob, if you can consider not minimal on the landscape, I mean, just a little strip of grass if needed. A couple trees, obviously some lights, but try to keep the cost
down on that side of there's some some new homes and stuff that have done a good job, as well as maintaining their importance and cleanliness of the right of way. So I'd like to
see a little hybrid of some of the alternatives mixed, but please consider the widening part from that section, as it's very important to the community. Emergency vehicles and
congestion during one of those once a month. And so thank you guys for listening. Thank you,
Vice Mayor. Bob. Why where does the six inch galvanized run? The whole distance. It runs primarily underneath all the brick section, but all the way
down to rink. Yes. Between Pinellas, do you have any idea what the condition of that is? As a general rule, any galvanized pipe is too old to.
Let me rephrase. It needs to be replaced whenever we have a chance. I figured that, and that's I'm in agreement to what commissioner said, and I was
leaning towards three. Of course, the finances are what restricts you. I also made, you know, I also asked the city manager to put the reasons for
the survey in there because, you know, most of the people were wanting number two, and I wanted to see whether they were valuable answers or whether it
was, you know, sometimes we just get very interesting comments is all I'm going to say. So I figured everybody would get to look at them and judge them for themselves. So I'm in agreement
to three. I did recently just drive through there. It definitely the what we could do is widening that street to 12ft
in that one. You also have on the curb corners where it juts out nine feet. I would prefer if it jumps out eight feet because
our parking spots are eight feet. We don't need nine feet. That just restricts a foot on each side and makes a little bit of a bottleneck. I'd rather it
be straight. The street between Hibiscus and Safford is the worst there is, so we do have to make that wider. And as was said
on First Friday, if you've ever gone by there, you could lose side mirrors. It's ridiculous. So we do need to add that extra
feet to 12ft. I do think unless we could realign the pipe, I would like to pull the asphalt while we're doing it or it'll never get done. I'm going to.
I'm just saying I'll bite the bullet. I don't want to spend the other half $1 million, but we're there. And to tear it up again. But I also agree with what the mayor said. We need to
speak to Kokolakis and see what his. Because if he's going to do any sort of work there, I don't want to have to do that roadway twice. Right. So before we
actually go through this whole procedure, I'd like to have all my I's dotted and T's crossed, but widening it is the thing. But you know, like I said, I
know it's very small, but those jut outs on each corner, why do we need those? Yeah, those those are purpose a purpose to maintain the site triangle. So
cars don't park up close to the edge I know. And so it prevents people from parking up close to a stop sign. So you can see around the corner. That's that's a pretty important thing. And I don't mind I think your
suggestion is fine. Drop them down to eight feet. I think that works too, because it keeps larger vehicles from bumping up against them when they make those turns. But the cars are six, six, seven feet. If we have
an eight foot, we're making that a nine foot. So you know I know it protects the cars only at that corner. Once they drive down, if they're texting, they're going to catch somebody's mirror anyway. So I
just to me it's a hindrance. You know, I know some of the people put down that it was going to be, you know, they wanted to slow the traffic down for safety. You know, that's a main
road. You know, people coming up Spring Bayou for the Spring Bayou, they'll either turn down hibiscus, turn on Safford. We have to make that at least a
secondary roadway to Tarpon Avenue. But I am I am hesitant to want to change the six inch galvanized. But if we if he's
not going to do anything to it, I'd like to spend that extra money and just get it in one full pipe rather than do this twice. I agree, and if I can, even though I understand the
money wise. Yeah, yeah. You know, if I could make a suggestion, mayor, if you don't mind, to the vice Mayor, one thing we could do is we could put the paving of this section as an additive alternate to the
bid. So if it fits within our budget, then the board has the ability to approve that included with the award to the contractor. Or you could you could leave it out. If our funds don't cover it. Well, these
these are also estimates right at this point. Yes, sir. Yeah. Because you know, what I said to this city manager was some of these estimates and I'm talking about even the design. I
couldn't see the difference in the prices of the design. It was way too much for three. Oh I see, yeah. Because that's what, what's different? We just got to
take out the curb, bump it back. There's the sewer on Stafford has to be moved, but all the lighting is fine. All the poles are fine. They all line up with
where his place is, so nothing has to be moved. We don't have to move any any Duke Energy lines. The only thing we have to move is that that sewer on that corner. That's it? Yeah. The
storm water. Well, I do have to do more survey. I've got to do more geotech under the areas where we'll be digging. There's a little bit more involved in design, but I will tell you this. The design numbers here are estimates. They're based on
15% of the construction cost only. I will be negotiating the design cost with our engineer. After you tell me what scope of work you want me to do. Okay, like I said, that's the route I want to go. I just think some of
these things are a little excessive as far as pricing for what needs to be done, but I'm leaning on three as and either way, whether it does it, whether we go into a ring, you know that
that extra section I think it's wise to do while we're there. But otherwise, you know, whatever. Let's is there any
public comments on this item? Anita. Pros 901 Bay Shore Drive I hope you take into consideration and do this in the
summer instead of the wintertime traffic. Greek Easter and Epiphany tradition has been they've always walked down Orange Street. They couldn't go
on Sanford and they come around ring. It's been that way for years. And in the summer that will not interfere with the Greek church. It will not interfere with the heavy winter
traffic. It will be hot, but it can be done in the summer. I think that would be very advantageous for the city. Something to think about. Good
idea. Any other comments? Zach Atkinson 621 East Orange I just had a question. Wasn't this at the rec? Did you guys put this
at the Rec to let people see it? Yeah, we did do that. We had a public meeting. Yeah, I thought I saw it there. You mentioned that you got 100 and some odd people from connect that did the
survey. What was the number of people that filled out the information that was at the Rec? I don't recall. Okay. But it
wasn't taken. Okay. Yeah. Thank you. Any other public comments, Mr. Austin? No. Hands up at this time. Okay, let's come back to
the board. Commissioner, do you want to make the motion? Yeah, I'll make a motion for to go with alternative three with staff to come back with options for cost to include the staff or
to Ring Avenue as well. And without second. Okay. So let's have commissioner comments. So I, I'm in agreement that, you
know, we don't want to do this project without widening that road. It would it would be a waste. So. Commissioner Panther no comments. Thank you
Commissioner DiDonato. No I'm fine with the way the commissioner has no comments. Vice mayor, no comments. Okay,
so let's have roll call, please. Commissioner. Yes, Commissioner. Yes, Commissioner. Yes, vice mayor Eisner. No longer do I have to check the shocks in my
truck. Yes, mayor. Yes. Good job. Okay, let's go to item 28. City attorney, would you please read the resolution? Resolution
20 2550, resolution of the Board of Commissioners of the City of Tarpon Springs, Florida, supporting the mission of the nonprofit Solar and Energy Loan Fund in the city of Tarpon
Springs, providing consent to Solar and Energy Loan Fund for the use of the city seal and providing for an effective date
hereof. Okay, Mr. Kiger, you want to make your presentation. Yes. Thomas Kiger, Public Services Director. This is a really great program that we're
proposing, and this was brought through the sustainability program. So with that in mind, tonight, we've got our sustainability coordinator, miss Holly Langston, to present to
you on this project. All right. Good evening, mayor and commissioners. Holly Langston sustainability Coordinator. So this is a very brief
presentation. Let's see here. Wrong thing. Doesn't really matter. Sorry. This is an awkward height for me. All right. We'll just do it like
this okay. That's okay. So what is self. That is the question right. So self solar and energy loan fund. This is Florida's first green bank. They are a 500 1C3 organization and a certified
community development financial institution. Their mission is to rebuild and empower underserved communities by providing access to affordable and innovative financing for sustainability property improvements with the primary focus on energy
efficiency, renewable energy, and climate resilience in low and moderate income neighborhoods, they strive to create positive social, economic, and environmental impacts by helping people improve the health, safety and quality of life in their homes,
while reducing operating costs and the benefit of greenhouse gas emissions reductions. So what does self offer and why would the city want to support it? So what self does? Is there
an alternative financing mechanism to traditional banks. So they have programs that are their applicants are not approved based on their credit score, but rather their ability to pay? They have special
lending programs for veterans, for seniors, female head of household, disabled persons, low income homeowners, as well as those with poor credit so homeowners can apply for resilience loans to improve the
properties for better recovery after storms, of course, as well as just general home improvements landlords can apply. They do have a special category of hurricane relief loans, and they also have a
program where local contractors can apply to become a trusted contractor through them and be referred to essentially take some of the applicants once
they're approved. So what are some of the home loans that they they approve? I think it's over a dozen different types of home loans, but essentially roofing windows, doors. Again, it's
storm resilience, weatherization, energy efficiency improvements. So that could be lighting, that could be solar if someone chose to apply for that. And then again, health and safety. So I know like during the summer months they
have air conditioning special that they've been doing to obviously help people stay comfortable in their homes. If perhaps they've had a problem with their system. So this is just a great resource that
people can tap into. That is again, a non traditional lending option. So they've actually done over $50 million in total loans. Now they have a very low default rate. They work very closely
with their applicants. And kind of every case is an individual case. They work closely with the city of Saint Petersburg, Tampa, Hillsborough County, lots of
local and again across Florida. Other cities and counties are kind of partnered with them or just support their programing. And again, contractors also can benefit by being involved. So
it's really wide ranging. Over 10,000 people have updated their homes in the state of Florida. So really amazing wide reaching. So what are we asking? We're
really just asking for the support of the Board of commissioners to say, yes, this is a resource that we want our residents to know about. Self would then be able to put our city seal on their website and
say that, you know, we are a city that supports what they are offering. And we would just generally, you know, publicize this so that residents in the city know about it, because I think it's kind of an
underutilized resource. So we have a sustainability newsletter. We put it there. We have, of course, been working on updating our web pages. So really just getting it out through our various city departments that work closely
with the public and putting public outreach for it. And then the benefits, of course, very wide ranging people can increase their home equity, increase their living conditions,
obviously healthier, safer, more comfortable, cost effective so they could be saving money with putting in more energy efficient appliances and then storm resilience, reducing operating
costs and just peace of mind that people know that there's something they can go to, you know, sort of a different option for funding should they not have the finances to do something on their own. And just one side
note is that no one is excluded. While they do focus on low and moderate income, other people can also apply. And again, they do have those special programs for certain categories of
applicants. So that is really it. Thank you for your attention and for hanging in there tonight. Thank you very much. I don't have any questions on this matter. I know we did. We
discussed it this morning. So I got all the information I need. Commissioner Banther. No, sir. Commissioner Donato. Good. Commissioner. Yes. Looks like a
great program for the community. Thank you. Commissioner. Vice mayor Eisner. Yes. Thank you for bringing this up. But I have no questions on it. Thank you,
thank you. Is there any public comments, Mr. Austin? There are no hands up at this time. Okay. I'd like to come back to the board for a motion. So moved
second, that said roll call. Commissioner Banther. Yes, Commissioner. Yes, Commissioner. Yes, yes. Vice mayor Eisner. Yes. Yes. Thank you very much.
Okay, that concludes all the items. Let's go to board and staff comments. Assistant chief, no comment. City attorney, no
comments. Mayor. City manager, just a couple things. We passed out, passed around a letter, a thank you letter to Congresswoman Luna for her help in getting the urban forestry grant that paid for the plan. I
hope everyone signed that. Also let you know that I'm taking vacation next month. I won't be at the next meeting. Chief young is going to sit in for me. I'll be in Brazil so I won't be able
to watch you on YouTube, but I won't be able to tell me I can't access my email. And then also, I'm going to make put in your mailbox an evaluation form for
myself. It's time for my annual review, the second meeting in August, so that will be on the agenda. If you could fill those out and bring them to Trish. And what? I don't know how you
handle it here in the past, but what I was used to was the mayor would then accumulate them and kind of summarize them at the meeting, if that works for everybody. We didn't do that. We
didn't do that. No, everything was separate. Everything was separate. However you want to do it, but it will be. The review will be on the second meeting in August. And then I've sent out an invitation for a workshop for
next week to workshop the pay plan. Hopefully we can get that done in a we'll have lunch available for you, and then we'll work through that and hopefully get that completed so we can finalize that part of the
budget. Thank you. If you have any lunch preferences, let us know. I'll just bring my own. I eat the same thing every day, so. Restrictions. Yeah. All
right. City clerk I have no comments. Thank you. Okay, Commissioner Banther, no comments. Thank you. Commissioner DiDonato. I just want to thank all those that
came tonight and they are here now. But I for one. Enjoyed the presentations. And I agree with you, mayor, that it's nice to be
able to do that while people are still here. So I am grateful for that and just want to continue the good work and get things
done. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Coolio's. Yes, we had a good meeting tonight. I, I do want to let this board know. I did try to talk with the city manager. It was last minute to
try to bring an agenda item to have this loan that we talk about within our budget go to referendum. And so we have our city attorney who's going to be looking at it now. And after he
looks into all the information, hopefully we can bring it forward. And I'll present my case, because I just think it's important that we try to get the citizens vote on this type of loan. So other than that, it's a
great meeting, great honoring these people have contributed to the community. And thank you. Thank you, Vice Mayor. Thank you. I need to clarify a couple
of things. I know we all got a letter, and there's things in that letter that just were not 100% true. So I wanted to just clear the air. And first I'd
like to say that I singled out nobody, anybody that would send me any sort of a letter that states they don't live in the city of Tarpon. I would call out
whether it's commissioner, whether it's the city manager, whether it be anybody. So if you're going to send me anything that states that I will definitely always bring it up.
But I also want you to know that the person that I didn't speak of and didn't name anybody, I also was instrumental in encouraging the person to join a
board. I was the person who appointed her, and so I don't know why it was turned around. There is a three member board,
and if that person is a full fledged member, it's three member. If they're not a full fledged member, it's two. So two cannot be a quorum. And that is why I voted against it. It had
nothing to do with moving the project or not moving the project. It had to do. Whether it was a legitimate quorum board, if anybody took anything
other than what I'm saying, I apologize because that was not my intention. But like I said again, if anybody sends me anything that says they don't live in tarpon, I would be happy
to go through. And I did with ask Irene and the city clerk to try to clarify it before the meeting. And truthfully, I got the clarification at the end of
the meeting is when I got it. So just for the record, nobody tried to single anybody out. Nobody tried to call anybody out. And I definitely didn't call anybody any names. So I
appreciate all the volunteer boards of what they do. And once again, I'm going to repeat it. I was the one who encouraged her to join the board. So that's
what I want to say. Thank you. Okay. I too enjoyed tonight's. Honoring of the people we did.
And if you know anyone else has any people of worthy honoring, then they can bring it here. Just like I did with the two
sisters. I, I was out running on Saturday morning and at the corner of. Gulf Road and North
Florida Avenue, there was a little man who had a walker. He was sitting on the sidewalk. He
had fallen over and there was two officers there helping him. Christine and I don't know the other one. If you could find who
else was on duty that at that corner, they were so kind to this man, and it you know, our
police, you know, have to deal with the tough stuff. But they're soft when they have to be. And assistant chief, please
find out who they are and please commend them for their kindness. They they couldn't have been more kind to that. That elderly
gentleman. And it's just, again, how much we love our our police officers and what they do. And I can't say enough about them.
With that said, I adjourn the meeting at 936. I call it I said
nine, 930. I said, I said nine, 930, I did.