City Commission Regular Meeting

City Commission Chambers

Agenda — 62 items

1. 1 PUBLIC COMMENT: Properly submitted comments will be accepted and included in the official record of the meeting pursuant to City Commission Policy No. 2020-04. Public comment may be submitted in the following ways: In Person Attendance: Submit a comment card to the City Clerk. Comment cards with completed information may be submitted until the Mayor closes Public Comment for the agenda item. Public comment is limited to three minutes per person. Online: Submit a written eComment using the eComment link at cityofnorthport.legistar.com/Calendar. The link will be available online at 8:00 a.m. the day before the meeting until one hour prior to the start of the meeting. Your public comment is limited to 2,000 characters. Voice Mail Message: Leave a voice mail message via telephone at 941-429-1032. Voice Mail messages will be accepted the day before the meeting from 8:00 a.m. until one hour prior to the start of the meeting. Please provide information as listed in the City’s outgoing message. The message must not exceed two minutes, fifteen seconds.
2. 2 CALL TO ORDER ▶ jump to 1:57
3. 3 ROLL CALL ▶ jump to 2:13
4. 3 ALSO PRESENT ▶ jump to 2:13
5. 4 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ▶ jump to 2:41
6. 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA approved Pass ▶ jump to 3:22
7. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT: ▶ jump to 4:08
8. 7 (The purpose of the Public Comments Section of the Agenda is for members of the public to speak to the City Commission/District Governing Body on any subject pertaining to City Business whether or not it is on the Agenda, with the exception of Quasi-Judicial Items.)
9. 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS ▶ jump to 18:54
10. A. Announcement of Current Advisory Board and Committee Vacancies 26-0134
11. 4. CONSENT AGENDA: approved on consent Pass ▶ jump to 19:43
12. 11 (All matters under the Consent Agenda are considered by the City Commission to be routine and will be enacted by one motion. Any City Commission member may, however, remove an item from the Consent Agenda by request. Items removed for separate discussion will be considered after the motion to approve the Consent Agenda.)
13. A. Approve the Letter of Agreement and Contract Between the City of North Port, Florida, on Behalf of the North Port Police Department and University of North Florida Training and Services Institute, Inc., d/b/a Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), a Direct Support Organization of the University of North Florida, for Reimbursement of Costs in an Amount Not to Exceed $7,143.38, for the North Port Police Department to Provide High Visibility Law Enforcement Operations in Areas With a High Rate of Pedestrian/Bicycle Crashes. 25-2777 approved on consent
14. B. Approve First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for Commercial Driver License Training Between Charlotte County Public Schools and the City of North Port, Florida. 25-3035 approved on consent
15. C. Approve Election Day Polling Place Agreement Between the City of North Port, Florida and the Supervisor of Elections of Sarasota County, Florida Regarding Use of the Premises Located at 6207 West Price Boulevard, North Port, Florida, 34291, Morgan Family Community Center, Multi-Purpose Room A and B, for the August 18, 2026, Primary Election and November 3, 2026, General Election. 25-3042 approved on consent
16. D. Approve the Interlocal Agreement for Emergency Water Interconnect Between the City of North Port, Florida, and Englewood Water District. 25-3071 approved on consent
17. E. Approve Request from Sarasota Memorial Hospital Seeking Relief From the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Article II, Division 2. Noise, to Allow Concrete Pouring Activities to Occur at the Sarasota Memorial Hospital - Sumter Boulevard Location Between the Hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the Following Day on Weekdays and 9:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. on Weekends and Holidays, Beginning February 1, 2026, and Extending Through September 30, 2028. 26-0003 approved on consent
18. F. Accept the Cash Receipts Summary Report for October 2025. 26-0078 approved on consent
19. G. Approve the Affiliation Agreement for Clinical Practice Between the City of North Port, Florida, and The School District of Manatee County, Florida, to Permit Students Enrolled in the School District's Health Science Programs at Manatee Technical College to Ride-Along With North Port Fire Rescue Crews. 26-0132 approved on consent
20. H. Approve the November 18, 2025 Commission Regular Minutes, December 1, 2025 Commission Workshop Minutes, December 9, 2025 Commission Regular Minutes, December 11, 2025 Commission Regular, and December 11 Commission Special Meeting Minutes. 26-0189 approved on consent
21. I. Approve Construction Contract No. 2025-45 Pan American Wastewater Reclamation Facility Centrifuge Building By and Between the City of North Port, Florida, and Close Construction Services, LLC, in the Amount of $253,046.85 with a Contingency of $25,304.00, for a Total Amount of $278,350.85. 26-0260 approved on consent
22. J. Approve the Reappointment of Julianne Lacour as a Regular Member to Serve a Second Term on the Community Economic Development Advisory Board From February 14, 2026, Through February 14, 2029. 26-0261 approved on consent
23. K. Approve the Appointment of Sharon Matthews as a Regular Member to Serve on the Community Economic Development Advisory Board From January 13, 2026, Through January 13, 2029. 26-0314 approved on consent
24. L. Approve the Reappointment of Eva M. Rathgeber as a Regular Member to Serve a Second Term on the Art Advisory Board From February 28, 2026, Through February 28, 2029. 26-0262 approved on consent
25. M. Approve the Appointments of Robin J. San Vicente and Eva M. Rathgeber as Regular Members to Serve on the Environmental Advisory Board From January 13, 2026, Through January 13, 2029. 26-0263 approved on consent
26. N. Approve the Appointment of Cheryl L. Cook as a Regular Member to Serve on the Debt Management Committee Advisory Board From June 9, 2026, Through June 9, 2029. 26-0265 approved Pass ▶ jump to 24:53
27. O. Approve the Appointment of Carolyn Barry as a Regular Member to Serve on the Art Advisory Board From January 13, 2026, Through January 13, 2029. 26-0266 approved on consent
28. P. Approve Election Day Polling Place Agreement Between the City of North Port, Florida and the Supervisor of Elections of Sarasota County, Florida Regarding Use of the Premises Located at 1602 Kramer Way, North Port, FL, 34286, George Mullen Activity Center/Gym, for the August 18, 2026, Primary Election and November 3, 2026, General Election. 26-0272 approved on consent
29. Q. Approve Employment Separation and Release Agreement By and Between David Brown and the City of North Port, Florida. 26-0294 approved on consent
30. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
31. 30 ORDINANCE - First Reading:
32. 30 An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Providing for the Imposition and Collection of Non-Ad Valorem Special Assessments to Fund Costs Incurred by the City in Abating Nuisance Conditions of Excessive Growth of Grass and Nuisance Weeds on Developed Lots, and Hazardous Trees and Accumulation of Debris on Any Lot; Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Chapter 42 – Nuisances, Article II – Lot Clearing, to Create Section 42-27; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date. ORD. NO. 2026-01 read by title only Pass ▶ jump to 34:16
33. A. An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Providing for the Imposition and Collection of Non-Ad Valorem Special Assessments to Fund Costs Incurred by the City in Abating Nuisance Conditions of Excessive Growth of Grass and Nuisance Weeds on Developed Lots, and Hazardous Trees and Accumulation of Debris on Any Lot; Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Chapter 42 – Nuisances, Article II – Lot Clearing, to Create Section 42-27; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date. ORD. NO. 2026-01 ▶ jump to 34:16
34. 31 An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Providing for the Imposition and Collection of Non-Ad Valorem Special Assessments to Fund Costs Incurred by the City in Abating Nuisance Conditions of Excessive Growth of Grass and Nuisance Weeds on Developed Lots, and Hazardous Trees and Accumulation of Debris on Any Lot; Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Chapter 42 – Nuisances, Article II – Lot Clearing, to Create Section 42-27; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date. ORD. NO. 2026-01 continued for second reading Pass ▶ jump to 34:16
35. B. An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Adjusting the Commission’s Base Salary Rate; Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Section 2-23. - Declaration of Salary; Payment; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date. ORD. NO. 2026-02 ▶ jump to 49:03
36. C. An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the Unified Land Development Code Regarding Authorized Hours for Business Activities and Deliveries in Corridor Transitional and Corridor Zoning Districts by Amending Section 3.2.4.; Providing for Findings, Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date. ORD. NO. 2026-04 ▶ jump to 56:58
37. 33 An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Adjusting the Commission’s Base Salary Rate; Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Section 2-23. - Declaration of Salary; Payment; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date. ORD. NO. 2026-02 read by title only Pass ▶ jump to 49:03
38. 34 RESOLUTION:
39. 34 An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Adjusting the Commission’s Base Salary Rate; Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Section 2-23. - Declaration of Salary; Payment; Providing for Findings; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date. ORD. NO. 2026-02 continued for second reading Pass ▶ jump to 49:03
40. D. A Resolution of the City of North Port, Florida, Authorizing the Use of Electronic Records and Electronic Signatures Pursuant to the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act and Directing the City Manager to Adopt and Implement Control Processes and Procedures for the Use of Electronic Signatures; Providing for Incorporation of Recitals; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date. RES. NO. 2026-R-03 adopted Pass ▶ jump to 76:55
41. E. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida, Vacating Utility and Drainage Easements for Lots 15 & 16 Block 334 of the 5th Addition to the Port Charlotte Subdivision; Providing for Findings; Providing for Recording; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date. (QUASI-JUDICIAL). RES. NO. 2026-R-04 adopted Pass ▶ jump to 80:26
42. 36 An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the Unified Land Development Code Regarding Authorized Hours for Business Activities and Deliveries in Corridor Transitional and Corridor Zoning Districts by Amending Section 3.2.4.; Providing for Findings, Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date. ORD. NO. 2026-04 read by title only Pass ▶ jump to 56:58
43. 6. GENERAL BUSINESS:
44. 37 An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the Unified Land Development Code Regarding Authorized Hours for Business Activities and Deliveries in Corridor Transitional and Corridor Zoning Districts by Amending Section 3.2.4.; Providing for Findings, Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; Providing for Codification; and Providing an Effective Date. ORD. NO. 2026-04 continued for second reading Pass ▶ jump to 56:58
45. A. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Pursuing an Outstanding Spring Designation for Warm Mineral Springs. 26-0228 approved Pass ▶ jump to 89:21
46. B. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Lowering the Tax Rate That the City Charges on Citizens Florida Power and Light (FPL) Electric Service Bills. (Requested by Commissioner Duval). 26-0234 approved Pass ▶ jump to 166:37
47. C. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Advisory Board Recommendation Memorandum From the Charter Review Advisory Board Regarding Bond Issuance During Declared Disaster or Emergency Without Voter Approval. 26-0264 approved Pass ▶ jump to 210:27
48. D. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Approving the Appointment of Tim A. Drumm or Tiffany Arnold as a Regular Member to Serve on the Community Economic Development Advisory Board From January 13, 2026, Through January 13, 2029. 26-0274 denied Fail ▶ jump to 221:56
49. 41 A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida, Vacating Utility and Drainage Easements for Lots 15 & 16 Block 334 of the 5th Addition to the Port Charlotte Subdivision; Providing for Findings; Providing for Recording; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date. (QUASI-JUDICIAL). RES. NO. 2026-R-04 ▶ jump to 80:26
50. 7. PUBLIC COMMENT: ▶ jump to 226:07
51. 43 (The purpose of the Public Comments Section of the Agenda is for members of the public to speak to the City Commission/District Governing Body on any subject pertaining to City Business whether or not it is on the Agenda, with the exception of Quasi-Judicial Items.)
52. 8. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS: ▶ jump to 227:06
53. 44 Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Pursuing an Outstanding Spring Designation for Warm Mineral Springs. 26-0228 ▶ jump to 89:21
54. A. Commissioner Petrow's Communications 26-0016 ▶ jump to 227:15
55. B. Vice Mayor Langdon's Communications 26-0017
56. C. Mayor Emrich's Communications 26-0018 ▶ jump to 227:32
57. D. Commissioner Stokes' Communications 26-0019 ▶ jump to 227:37
58. 48 Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Approving the Appointment of Tim A. Drumm or Tiffany Arnold as a Regular Member to Serve on the Community Economic Development Advisory Board From January 13, 2026, Through January 13, 2029. 26-0274 approved Pass ▶ jump to 221:56
59. E. Commissioner Duval's Communications 26-0020 ▶ jump to 231:30
60. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REPORTS:
61. 10. ADJOURNMENT: ▶ jump to 232:26
62. 52 NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF REPORTS - The Agenda is a summary of the proposed actions to be taken by the City Commission. For almost every agenda item, the City staff has prepared materials for Commission consideration and provided a staff recommendation. All of these materials are available at the City Clerk's Office, during normal business hours, for inspection and (for a fee) copying. Questions on these materials may be directed to the staff member who prepared them, or to the City Clerk's Office, who will refer you to the appropriate person. AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 - The North Port City Hall is wheelchair accessible. Special parking is available on the west side of City Hall and the building may be accessed from the parking area. Persons with hearing difficulties should contact the City Clerk to obtain a hearing device for use during meetings. NONDISCRIMINATION: The City of North Port does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, family or religious status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or physical characteristic in administration of its programs, activities or services. No stenographic record by a certified court reporter is made of these recordings. Accordingly, anyone seeking to appeal any of the decisions involving the matters herein will be responsible for making a verbatim record of the meeting/testimony and evidence upon which any appeal is to be based. Copies of the recordings are available (for a fee) at the City Clerk's Office.