City Commission Regular Meeting on 2025-05-27 6:00 PM - Amended to Modify Staff Summary of Ord. No. 2025-11.

4970 CITY HALL BLVD City of North Port NORTH PORT, FL 34286 Meeting Minutes City Commission Regular Meeting CITY COMMISSIONERS Phil Stokes, Mayor Pete Emrich, Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon, Commissioner David Duval, Commissioner Demetrius Petrow, Commissioner APPOINTED OFFICIALS Jerome Fletcher, City Manager Michael Golen, Interim City Attorney Heather Faust, City Clerk Tuesday, May 27, 2025 6:00 PM City Commission Chambers CALL TO ORDER Mayor Stokes called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: 5- Vice Mayor Pete Emrich, Commissioner David Duval, Commissioner Demetrius Petrow, Commissioner Barbara Langdon and Mayor Philip Stokes ALSO PRESENT City Manager Fletcher, Interim City Attorney Golen, Assistant City Clerk Powell, Deputy Police Chief Morales, Police Chief Garrison, Fire Chief Titus, Development Services Planner II Bowling, Public Works Director Speake, Development Services Director Ray, Parks and Recreation Director Pfundheller, Legislative Analyst Miles, Public Works Deputy Director Wisner, Deputy City Manager Yarborough, and Assistant Development Services Director Quintas. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Charles Hines. 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mayor Stokes requested a motion. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Emrich, seconded by Commissioner Langdon, to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried on the following vote: Yes: 5- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Commissioner Langdon and Mayor Stokes 2. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Powell read the following eComments into record: John Parker: Expressed concern over voter rejection of referendums. Ron Orlilkowski: Expressed frustration over the installation of large direction arrows and City of North Port Page 1 Printed on 6/25/2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes May 27, 2025 raised reflectors on U.S. 41 intersections. Robin SanVicente: Spoke to support for the Warm Mineral Springs Conservation Easement. John Rawlings: Spoke to respect for the referendum results and spoke to city needs. In person: Brian Sodre: Spoke to affordable housing. Scott Smith: Spoke to the Police Headquarters. Debbie Blackwell: Spoke to Warm Mineral Springs. Valdy Olender: Spoke to police, various statutes and election results. Eve Alexander: Spoke to transparency and practical planning. 3. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. 25-2303 Announcement of the May 13, 2025 Special Election Results Mr. Powell announced the election results. The results of the City of North Port Special Election held on May 13th, 2025, are as follows: North Port Referendum Question 1 regarding Florida local governments may issue certain debt for various governmental purposes. The City Charter requires voter approval before the City issues any debt. Should the Charter be amended, allowing the City to issue debt payable from funds other than property taxes without voter approval to respond to a declared emergency or disaster. Yes – Amend the City Charter received 4,585 votes. No – Do not amend the City Charter received 6,840 votes. North Port Referendum Question 2 regarding the City Charter requires that the City Clerk and City Attorney establish residency in the City of North Port within one year of being hired and that each maintain residency in the City while in the position. Should the Charter be amended to remove the residency requirements for the City Clerk and City Attorney positions. Yes – Amend the City Charter received 2,768 votes. No – Do not amend the City Charter received 8,672 votes. North Port Referendum Question 3 regarding to finance a new Police Department headquarters facility, shall the City of North Port be authorized to issue bonds in one or more series in a total aggregate principal amount not to exceed $ 115,000,000, maturing no later than 30 years from issuance, bearing interest at no more than the maximum lawful rate and payable from ad valorem property taxes levied in amounts sufficient to pay debt service on such bonds. Yes – For Bonds received 3,638 votes. No – Against Bonds received 7,789 votes. North Port Referendum Question 4 regarding to finance a new solid waste transfer station, shall the City of North Port be authorized to issue bonds in one or more series in a total aggregate principal amount not to exceed $ 14,000,000 maturing no later than 30 years from issuance, bearing interest at no more than the maximum lawful rate and payable from the revenues of the City’s Solid Waste District. Yes – For Bonds received 5,426 votes. No – Against Bonds 5,946 votes. City of North Port Page 2 Printed on 6/25/2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes May 27, 2025 North Port Referendum Question 5 to finance capital improvements to the City’s wastewater treatment facility located on Pan American Boulevard, shall the City of North Port be authorized to issue bonds in one or more series in a total aggregate principal amount not to exceed $17,000,000, maturing no later than 30 years from issuance, bearing interest at no more than the maximum lawful rate and payable from the revenues of the City’s water and sewer utility system. Yes – For Bonds received 5,584 votes. No – Against Bonds received 5,836 votes. There was no public comment. Mayor Stokes requested a motion. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Emrich, seconded by Commissioner Langdon, to accept the election results as presented. The motion carried on the following vote: Yes: 5- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Commissioner Langdon and Mayor Stokes B. 25-2300 Announcement of Current Advisory Board and Committee Vacancies Mayor Stokes announced the item and called on the Assistant City Clerk to read the announcements. Mr. Powell read the announcements into the record. 4. CONSENT AGENDA: Mayor Stokes announced the item and queried the City Manager regarding items pulled from the consent agenda for discussion. There was no public comment. Mayor Stokes requested a motion. A motion was made by Commissioner Langdon, seconded by Vice Mayor Emrich, to approve the items in the consent agenda pulling Item No. DAG-24-113 for discussion. The motion carried on the following vote: Yes: 5- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Commissioner Langdon and Mayor Stokes A. DAG-24-113 Termination of the Transportation Impact Fee Reimbursement Agreement Regarding the Tuscola Boulevard Bridge (DAG-24-113). Mayor Stokes announced the item. Mr. Fletcher introduced the item. Commission questions and discussion took place regarding developer and citizen input, prior approval, traffic impact, terminating agreement, city staff recommendations, Tuscola Boulevard Bridge, continuing the item, development master plan, alternative suggestions to traffic impact, developer communication, and traffic study. Mr. Quintas spoke to traffic impact and house construction progress. City of North Port Page 3 Printed on 6/25/2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes May 27, 2025 Mr. Fletcher spoke to the developer agreement. Mr. Powell played the following voicemail into the record: Tom Tree: Expressed support of the Tuscola Boulevard Bridge. Mr. Powell read the following eComments into record: Steven Skoa: Expressed opposition to the item. Gene Mitchell: Expressed opposition to the item. Dale Thompson: Expressed opposition to the item. Linda Wells: Expressed opposition to the item. Patrick Maltby: Expressed opposition to the item. David Green: Expressed opposition to the item. Debbie McDowell: Expressed opposition to the item. James Forrest: Expressed opposition to the item. Anna Kopfhamer: Expressed opposition to the item. William Kropfhamer: Expressed opposition to the item. In person: Charlie Bailey: Expressed support to the item. Peter Van Buskir: Expressed support to the item. Mayor Stokes requested a motion. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Emrich, seconded by Mayor Stokes, to deny Item No. DAG-24-113 as presented. Commission questions and discussion continued regarding the impact fee reimbursement agreement and Tuscola Boulevard Bridge. The motion carried on the following vote: Yes: 5- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Commissioner Langdon and Mayor Stokes B. 24-1616 Approve the Memorandum of Understanding Between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lee County Sheriff's Office, and Participating Agencies Designed to Monitor and Mitigate Threats Against Schools and the Community. This item was approved on the consent agenda. C. 25-2060 Approve the Reappointment of Joe Justice as a Regular Member to Serve a Second Term on the Charter Review Advisory Board From June 7, 2025, Through June 8, 2028. This item was approved on the consent agenda. D. 25-2103 Approve the First Amendment to Master Services and Purchasing Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc., for the Addition of Body Cameras, and Tasers with the Additional Cost of $336,101.70 and to authorize the City Manager to approve future amendments, provided such modifications do not impact the City's financial obligations. This item was approved on the consent agenda. City of North Port Page 4 Printed on 6/25/2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes May 27, 2025 E. 25-2182 Approve the Application to Sarasota County's Community Development Block Grant Program in the Amount up to $800,000 for Two High-Water Rescue Vehicles and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review, Should the Grant be Awarded to the City. This item was approved on the consent agenda. F. 25-2183 Approve the Subrecipient Agreement Between Sarasota County, Florida, and the City of North Port in the Amount of $300,000 for the Hope Park Playground Renovation and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review. This item was approved on the consent agenda. G. 25-2210 Approve Agreement No. 2025-07 with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for Professional Engineering Services for Fixed Weir Nos. 157 and 158 Replacements in an Amount of $270,798.25. This item was approved on the consent agenda. H. 25-2215 Approve Agreement No. 2025-08 Between the City of North Port, Florida, and Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for Professional Engineering Services for Water Control Structure Nos. 121 and 130 Replacements in an Amount of $360,742.75. This item was approved on the consent agenda. I. 25-2220 Approve the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Grant Amendment 3 Increasing the Grant Amount to $2,758,116.01 for Myakkahatchee Creek Maintenance and Debris Removal and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review. This item was approved on the consent agenda. J. 25-2222 Approve the Grant Application to the Sarasota County Resilient SRQ Voluntary Home Buyout Program in the Amount of $954,000 and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal Review, Should the Grant be Awarded to the City. This item was approved on the consent agenda. K. 25-2232 Approve Letters of Recognition From the Commission to be Sent to Dakota P., Krysta F., and Victoria M., in Recognition of Receiving the Girl Scouts “Gold Award” for Their Efforts to Improve the Community. This item was approved on the consent agenda. City of North Port Page 5 Printed on 6/25/2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes May 27, 2025 L. 25-2266 Approve the 2025 Suncoast Summer Reading Challenge Letter of Agreement Between the Patterson Foundation and City of North Port, Florida. This item was approved on the consent agenda. M. 25-2267 Approve the Information Sharing Access Agreement With the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable Under the City Charter, to Renew the Agreement Every Three Years, Contingent Upon No Substantive Changes to Terms or Conditions. This item was approved on the consent agenda. N. 25-2269 Approve the Appointment of Michael Matassa as a Regular Member to Serve on the Community Economic Development Advisory Board From May 27, 2025, Through May 28, 2028. This item was approved on the consent agenda. O. 25-2270 Approve Change Order No. 1 to the Sole Source Purchase of Neptune Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Water Meters from Ferguson Enterprises, LLC. dba Ferguson Waterworks for an Additional Amount of $3,507,512, for a Total Cost of $3,736,970 This item was approved on the consent agenda. P. 25-2272 Approve the May 5, 2025, Commission Workshop, and May 13, 2025, Commission Regular Meeting Minutes. This item was approved on the consent agenda. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: ORDINANCE - Second Readings: A. ORD. NO. An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending Chapter 58, of 2025-11 City Code, Creating the Targeted Industry Incentive Program and Amending the Impact Fee Deferral Program; Providing for Findings; Providing for Posting; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date. Mayor Stokes announced the item and called on the Assistant City Clerk to read by title only. Mr. Powell read the Ordinance by title only. Mr. Fletcher introduced the item. Mr. Bowling spoke to continuing the Ordinance to a third hearing on June 24, 2025. City of North Port Page 6 Printed on 6/25/2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes May 27, 2025 Commission questions and discussion took place regarding impact fees, timeline, general funds, affordable housing, work force housing, incentives, Commission role, deferral program, City of North Port growth, and job growth. Ms. Ray spoke to affordable housing and alternative funding sources. Mr. Powell read the following eComments into record: Robin SanVicente: Spoke to opposition to the item. William Kopfhamer: Spoke to opposition to the item. Anna Kopfhamer: Spoke to opposition to the item. In person: Pat Neal: Spoke to affordable housing and sprinklers. Christian Jennings: Spoke to affordable housing, investors, and sprinklers. Alex Chandler: Spoke to affordable housing and sprinklers. Jeffery Boone: Spoke to opposition to the item. John Thaxton: Spoke to opposition to the item. Pam Tokarz: Spoke to opposition to the item. Mr. Titus Spoke to the fire code and life safety code. Commission questions and discussion continued regarding next steps, incentive plan, impact fee forgiveness, affordable housing, public safety, business impacts, and tax waivers. Mayor Stokes closed the public hearing and requested a motion. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Emrich, seconded by Commissioner Duval, to deny the adoption of Ord. No. 2025-11 as presented. The motion carried on the following vote with Commissioner Langdon dissenting due to bringing the Ordinance back for a third hearing. Yes: 4- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow and Mayor Stokes No: 1- Commissioner Langdon Mayor stokes passed the gavel. A motion was made by Mayor Stokes, seconded by Commissioner Langdon, to direct the City Manager to schedule a workshop in the reasonably near future to discuss affordable housing and workforce housing incentive programs. The motion carried on the following vote with Commissioner Petrow and Commissioner Emrich dissenting due to timeline constraints. Yes: 3- Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Langdon and Mayor Stokes No: 2- Vice Mayor Emrich and Commissioner Petrow Vice Mayor Emrich passed the gavel. Recess was taken from 8:09 p.m. to 8:21 p.m. B. ORD. NO. An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Amending the Non-District 2025-12 Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 for Opioid Treatment and Prevention Items in the Amount of $109,000; Providing for Findings; Providing for Posting; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing City of North Port Page 7 Printed on 6/25/2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes May 27, 2025 an Effective Date. Mayor Stokes announced the item and called on the Assistant City Clerk to read by title only. Mr. Powell read the Ordinance by title only. Mr. Fletcher introduced the item. There were no Commission questions or discussion. There was no public comment. Mayor Stokes closed the public hearing and requested a motion. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Emrich, seconded by Commissioner Duval, to adopt Ord. No. 2025-12 as presented. The motion carried on the following vote: Yes: 5- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Commissioner Langdon and Mayor Stokes RESOLUTION: C. RES. NO. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida, 2025-R-32 Repealing and Replacing Resolution 2024-R-45, Reallocating State-Funded Grant Funds From Construction Services to Construction Engineering and Inspection Services, Providing for the Approval and Execution of the State-Funded Grant Agreements Between the City of North Port and the State of Florida Department of Transportation Regarding the Reconstruction of Drainage Under Price Boulevard at the Blueridge Waterway, MacCaughey Waterway, Lagoon Waterway, and Creighton Waterway; Providing for Incorporation of Recitals; Providing for Conflicts, Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date. Mayor Stokes announced the item and called on the Assistant City Clerk to read by title only. Mr. Powell read the Resolution by title only. Mr. Fletcher introduced the item. There were no Commission questions or discussion. There was no public comment. Mayor Stokes closed the public hearing and requested a motion. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Emrich, seconded by Commissioner Langdon, to adopt Res. No. 2025-R-32 as presented. The motion carried on the following vote: Yes: 5- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Commissioner Langdon and Mayor Stokes 6. GENERAL BUSINESS: City of North Port Page 8 Printed on 6/25/2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes May 27, 2025 A. 25-2195 Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Proposed General Terms and Parcel Map to Facilitate Development of a Conservation Easement Between the City of North Port and Big Waters Land Trust, Inc. for a Portion of the Warm Mineral Springs Park Parcel. Mayor Stokes announced the item. Mr. Fletcher introduced the item. Ms. Pfundheller spoke to conservation easement and Warm Mineral Springs. Commission questions and discussion took place regarding acreage, preservation conservation easement, permitted uses, garden, routine maintenance, plant removal, financial impact, provision for 10,000 square feet, additional acreage, development, regulations, family friendly, conservation easement, taxpayers impact, and safety. Mr. Powell read the following eComment into record: Jasmine Brown: Expressed support for conserving all Warm Mineral Springs Park. land. Dave Phillip: Expressed support for the proposed conservation easement over intensive development. Anna Kopfhamer: Expressed support for the proposed conservation In person: Christine Johnson: Expressed support of Warm Mineral Springs conservation easement. Josh Smith: Expressed support of conversation easement. Mayor Stokes requested a motion. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Emrich, seconded by Commissioner Langdon, to approve the proposed General Terms and Parcel Map to facilitate development of a conservation easement between the City of North Port and Big Water Land Trust, Inc. for a portion of the Warm Mineral Springs park parcel changing the carve out of 12 acres to become 20 acres. Commission questions and discussion continued regarding maintenance expenses, acreages, financial burden, taxpayer impact, increasing parking lot, conservation, future buildings, community usage, and additional acreage. The motion carried on the following vote with Commissioner Duval dissenting due to funding from the city for invasive species. Yes: 4- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Petrow, Commissioner Langdon and Mayor Stokes No: 1- Commissioner Duval B. 25-2304 Discussion and Possible Direction Regarding Funding Options to Respond to Declared Emergencies or Disasters. Mayor Stokes announced the item. Mr. Fletcher introduced the item. Commission questions and discussion took place regarding additional elections, natural City of North Port Page 9 Printed on 6/25/2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes May 27, 2025 disasters, funding, emergency borrowing, earning trust from citizens, exploring additional funding, Certificates of Participation (COPS), and no limit on borrowing. Mr. Golen spoke to the COPS to be used for one project. Mr. Miles spoke more in depth on COPS and borrowing funds. In person: Josh Smith: Spoke to government spending. Pam Tokarz: Spoke to emergencies or disaster borrowing. Susan Balmer: Spoke to emergencies or disaster borrowing. Mayor Stokes requested a motion. Mayor Stokes passed the gavel. A motion was made by Mayor Stokes, seconded by Commissioner Duval, to direct the City Manager to explore the use of Certificates of Participation (COPS), including submitting the necessary amendment to the City Attorney, to engage Greenberg Traurig under the existing consulting agreement to assist with related legislative matters, and to evaluate for evaluation of options for increasing the City's reserves. The motion carried on with the following vote with Commissioner Langdon dissenting on a preference to consider COPS for a future project. Yes: 4- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow and Mayor Stokes No: 1- Commissioner Langdon Vice Mayor Emrich passed the gavel. A motion was made by Commissioner Langdon, seconded by Mayor Stokes, to include placing a referendum question on the next general elections for borrowing in response to declared emergencies for natural disasters Commission questions and discussion continued regarding exploring further discussion at a later date and timeline for general election in 2026. The motion failed on the following vote with Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Emrich, and Mayor Stokes dissenting due to exploring COPS. Yes: 1- Commissioner Langdon No: 4- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow and Mayor Stokes Recess was taken from 10:18 p.m. to 10:28 p.m. C. 25-2305 Discussion and Possible Direction Following the May 13, 2025, Special Election Results Regarding the Referendum Question Seeking to Change Residency Requirements for the City Attorney and City Clerk and to Move Forward With the Recruitment and Final Posting for the City Attorney. Mayor Stokes announced the item. Mr. Fletcher introduced the item. There were no Commission questions or discussion. City of North Port Page 10 Printed on 6/25/2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes May 27, 2025 Public Comment: Josh Smith: Spoke to living within City limits as a city leader. Mayor Stokes requested a motion. A motion was made by Commissioner Langdon, seconded by Mayor Stokes, to direct the City Manager to proceed with the recruitment process, finalize the job posting for the City Attorney position to include confirming the job description, salary range, and desired qualifications, identify appropriate channels for advertising the position and a proposed timeline and process for candidate review, interviews, and final selection. The motion carried on the following vote: Yes: 5- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Commissioner Langdon and Mayor Stokes D. 25-2306 Discussion and Possible Direction Regarding Funding Options for the Police Department Headquarters Project. Mayor Stokes announced the item. Mr. Fletcher introduced the item. Commission questions and discussion took place regarding solicitation numbers, timeline, and research avenues. Public Comment: Pam Tokarz: Spoke to the amount of funding for the Police Headquarters. Josh Smith: Spoke to City Manager comments and Back the Blue signs. Jerry Nicastro: Expressed support of Police Headquarters and public safety. Mike Morales: Expressed support of Police Headquarters. Mayor Stokes requested a motion. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Emrich, seconded by Mayor Stokes, to direct the City Manager to explore Certificates of Participation (COPS), Public Private Partnerships (P3), State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loans, Bank Loans and Lines of Credit, Increasing Fund Balance Reserves, and Pay-As-You-Go (Pay-Go) Financing for the New Police Department Headquarters Project, and to bring back the findings and recommendations for further discussion and possible action at a future meeting. The motion carried on the following vote: Yes: 5- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Commissioner Langdon and Mayor Stokes E. 25-2307 Discussion and Possible Direction Regarding Funding Options for the Solid Waste Transfer Station. Mayor Stokes announced the item. Mr. Fletcher introduced the item. Commission questions and discussion took place regarding alternate funding options, Solid Waste increase, registration fee to empty lots, Certificates of Participation (COPS approach, Return on Investment (ROI), rate increase, finial estimates, and 10% increase. Mr. Speake spoke to a 10% increase, borrowing options, and revenue. City of North Port Page 11 Printed on 6/25/2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes May 27, 2025 Public Comment: Josh Smith: Spoke to funding options for the Solid Water Transfer Station. Mayor Stokes requested a motion. A motion was made by Commissioner Duval, seconded by Commissioner Langdon, to direct the City Manager to explore the use of Certificates of Participation (COPS), along with a potential solid waste fee increase to support the funding of the COPS agreement, and to bring the findings back to the Commission for discussion at a future meeting. Commission questions and discussion continued regarding Public Private Partnerships (P3). A motion to amend was made by Commissioner Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Duval, to add a Public Private Partnerships (P3) to the motion. The motion to amend carried on the following vote: Yes: 5- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Commissioner Langdon and Mayor Stokes The main motion as amended carried on the following vote: Yes: 5- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Commissioner Langdon and Mayor Stokes F. 25-2308 Discussion and Possible Direction Regarding Funding Options for the Effluent Pumping Station & Pipeline Project. Mayor Stokes announced the item. Mr. Fletcher introduced the item. Commission questions and discussion took place regarding additional funding options, West Villages, Certificates of Participation (COPS), Public Private Partnerships (P3), Transfer Station, and 0% interest rates. Ms. Wisner spoke to a meeting with West Villages, COPS, and P3. Mr. Yarborough spoke about bond validation, loans, and interest rates. Public Comment: Josh Smith: Spoke to Capital Improvement Project (CIP). Mayor Stokes requested a motion. A motion was made by Commissioner Langdon, seconded by Vice Mayor Emrich, to direct the City Manager to explore Certificates of Participation (COPS), Public Private Partnerships (P3), including West Villages option, State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loans, and increasing fund balance reserves for this project. The motion carried on the following vote: Yes: 5- Vice Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Commissioner Langdon and Mayor Stokes 7. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment. City of North Port Page 12 Printed on 6/25/2025 City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes May 27, 2025 8. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Stokes called on Commissioners for communications. A. 25-2295 Commissioner Duval's Communications Commissioner Duval reported on events attended. B. 25-2296 Commissioner Langdon's Communications Commissioner Langdon will submit report to City Clerks office. C. 25-2297 Mayor Stokes' Communications Mayor Stokes reported on events attended and important topics. D. 25-2298 Vice Mayor Emrich's Communications Vice Mayor Emrich did not have a report. E. 25-2299 Commissioner Petrow's Communications Commissioner Petrow did not have a report. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REPORTS: Mayor Stokes called on Charter Officers for reports. A. 25-2264 City Attorney's Monthly Report Mr. Golen did not report. B. 25-2301 City Clerk's Monthly Report Mr. Powell did not report. C. 25-2312 City Manager Report Mr. Fletcher did not report. 10. ADJOURNMENT: Mayor Stokes adjourned the meeting at 11:25 p.m. By: ___________________________________________ Phil Stokes, Mayor Attest: _________________________________________ Heather Faust, City Clerk City of North Port Page 13 Printed on 6/25/2025