City Commission Regular Meeting on 2026-02-24 6:00 PM - This meeting will utilize Communications Media Technology for hybrid purposes. Amended to add Item No. 26-0431 and add attachment to Res. No. 2026-R-14.
Regular MeetingNorth Port, FL · February 24, 2026
Minutes
4970 CITY HALL BLVD
City of North Port NORTH PORT, FL 34286
Meeting Minutes
City Commission Regular Meeting
CITY COMMISSIONERS
Pete Emrich, Mayor
Barbara Langdon, Vice Mayor
Phil Stokes, Commissioner
David Duval, Commissioner
Demetrius Petrow, Commissioner
APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Jerome Fletcher, City Manager
Michael Fuino, City Attorney
Heather Faust, City Clerk
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 6:00 PM City Commission Chambers
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Emrich called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: 5- Mayor Pete Emrich, Commissioner David Duval, Commissioner Demetrius Petrow,
Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon and Commissioner Philip Stokes
ALSO PRESENT
City Manager Fletcher, City Attorney Fuino, City Clerk Faust, Board Specialist Lindner,
Police Captain Fussell, and Fire Chief Titus.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Mayor Langdon.
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Emrich requested a motion to approve the agenda.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Stokes,
to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried on the following vote:
Yes: 5- Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon
and Commissioner Stokes
2. PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ms. Faust read the following eComments into the record:
Debbie McDowell: Spoke to procedural rules, annexation concerns, meeting
transparency, and Boca Chica Park.
Cheryl Cook: Spoke to suspension of rules and public participation.
Steven Harrison: Spoke to advisory board recruitment and charter language.
In Person:
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City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes February 24, 2026
Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding meeting conduct and property rights.
Tim Drumm: Expressed concerns regarding recent email communications.
Valdy Olender: Expressed concerns regarding public trust and property rights.
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. 26-0137 Announcement of Current Advisory Board and Committee Vacancies
Mayor Emrich announced the item and called on the City Clerk to read the
announcements.
Ms. Faust read the announcements into record.
4. CONSENT AGENDA:
Mayor Emrich announced the item and queried the City Manager regarding items pulled
from the consent agenda for discussion.
Public Comment:
In Person:
Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding fee increases.
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Stokes,
to approve the consent agenda as presented. The motion carried on the following
vote:
Yes: 5- Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon
and Commissioner Stokes
A. 26-0336 Approve Change Order No. 1 to Work Assignment 2025-12PW Under
Professional Engineering Services - Continuing Services Contract No.
2024-14.11 By and Between the City of North Port and OCI Associates,
LLC for Indoor Air Quality at Police Department Headquarters Located at
4980 City Hall Boulevard North Port, Florida, 34286 in the Amount of
$184,030.00.
This item was approved on the consent agenda.
B. 26-0342 Approve the Acceptance of the Harry Shapiro Charitable Foundation Grant
in the Amount of $25,000 to Purchase Cool-Weather Jackets, Gear, and
Accessories 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.
C. 26-0344 Approve the LexisNexis Risk Solutions Master Terms & Conditions –
Government and Schedule A, By and Between LexisNexis Risk Solutions
FL Inc. and City of North Port, Florida, for the North Port Police Department
for TraX and VIPER (Virtual Pen Register) Software Subscription in the
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City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes February 24, 2026
Annual Amount Per Schedule A With Automatic Renewal Terms and Fee
Increases.
This item was approved on the consent agenda.
D. 26-0348 Approve the Award of Funds From the Special Event Assistance Program
to North Port Area Chamber of Commerce in Support of the Business &
Community Expo to be Held on March 14, 2026, in an Amount up to, and
Not to Exceed, $500 to Cover the Costs of City Fees and Services.
This item was approved on the consent agenda.
E. 26-0373 Approve the Encoretech Change Order 1 By and Between the City of North
Port, Florida, and Encoretech Global, Inc. for Additional ndMAX
Professional Service Hours in the Amount of $2,500.00.
This item was approved on the consent agenda.
F. 26-0374 Approve the Second Amendment to the NetDocuments Software as a
Service Agreement By and Between the City of North Port, Florida, and
NetDocuments for AI300 - ndMax Enterprise Services in the Initial Amount
of $8,100.48.
This item was approved on the consent agenda.
G. 26-0378 Approve the January 13, 2026 Commission Regular Minutes, January 20,
2026 Commission Regular Minutes, and the February 2, 2026
Commission Workshop Minutes.
This item was approved on the consent agenda.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
ORDINANCE - Second Reading:
A. ORD. NO. An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Providing for the Imposition
2026-01 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.
Mayor Emrich announced the item and called on the City Clerk to read by title only.
Ms. Faust read the Ordinance by title only.
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.
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There were no Commission questions or discussion.
Public Comment:
In Person:
Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding property owner allocations, trespassing, local
adjudication, and lien laws.
Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.
A motion was made by Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Commissioner Duval,
to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-01 as presented. The motion carried on the following
vote:
Yes: 5- Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon
and Commissioner Stokes
B. ORD. NO. An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Adjusting the
2026-02 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.
Mayor Emrich announced the item and called on the City Clerk to read by title only.
Ms. Faust read the Ordinance by title only.
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.
There were no Commission questions or discussion.
Public Comment:
In Person:
Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding raises, trespassing, and protection.
Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.
A motion was made by Commissioner Stokes, seconded by Vice Mayor Langdon,
to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-02 as presented. The motion carried on the following
vote:
Yes: 5- Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon
and Commissioner Stokes
RESOLUTION:
C. RES. NO. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida,
2026-R-14 Amending City Commission Policy No. 2021-05 Related to Commission
Meeting Schedules, Notices, and Agendas; Providing for Incorporation of
Recitals; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing
an Effective Date.
Mayor Emrich announced the item and called on the City Clerk to read by title only.
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Ms. Faust read the Resolution by title only and introduced the item.
There were no Commission questions or discussion.
Public Comment:
In Person:
Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding proposed salary adjustments and fiscal
impacts.
Mayor Emrich closed the public hearing and requested a motion.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Stokes,
to adopt Resolution No. 2026-R-14 as presented. The motion carried on the
following vote:
Yes: 5- Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon
and Commissioner Stokes
6. GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. 26-0419 Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Approaching the Sarasota
County School District About Underutilized Space at the Heron Creek
Middle School Campus. (Requested by Commissioner Duval)
Mayor Emrich announced the item.
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.
Commissioner Duval spoke to the item.
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding School Board use
limitations, engagement processes, and potential collaboration.
Public Comment:
In Person:
Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding background checks.
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.
A motion was made by Commissioner Duval, seconded by Vice Mayor Langdon, to
direct the City Manager to work with staff to engage with the Superintendent of
Sarasota County Schools to discuss underutilized space at Heron Creek Middle
School campus. The motion carried on the following vote:
Yes: 5- Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon
and Commissioner Stokes
B. 26-0416 Discussion Regarding Administrative Safeguards for Permit Processing
and Development Services Interactions Involving Elected Officials and
Related Parties.
Mayor Emrich announced the item.
Mr. Fletcher introduced the item.
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Commission questions and discussion took place regarding intent, safeguards utilized by
other municipalities, allegations and sworn affidavits, email communications, board
member and meeting procedures, ethical responsibilities, legal concerns, transparency,
public perception, reporting processes for ethical concerns, refuted information, impacts
to reputation, and potential investigation.
Public Comment:
In Person:
Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding lawsuits, advisory board safeguards, and
citizen involvement.
Mark Frandsen: Expressed concerns regarding conduct during meetings and related
communications.
Tim Drumm: Expressed concerns regarding transparency.
C. 26-0431 Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Sending a Letter of Support to
Governor Ron DeSantis on Behalf of the City Commission in Support of the
Continued Funding and Expansion of the Teen Court Program.(Requested
by Vice Mayor Langdon)
Mayor Emrich announced the item.
Ms. Faust introduced the item.
Vice Mayor Langdon spoke to the item.
Commission questions and discussion took place regarding intent.
Public Comment:
In Person:
Tim Doyle: Expressed concerns regarding property rights, police conduct, and opposition
to salary increases.
Mayor Emrich requested a motion.
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Langdon, seconded by Commissioner Duval, to
approve sending a letter of support on behalf of the City of North Port in support of
the Teen Court Program to the Governor of Florida. The motion carried on the
following vote:
Yes: 5- Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon
and Commissioner Stokes
Mayor Emrich passed the gavel to Vice Mayor Langdon.
A motion was made by Mayor Emrich, seconded by Commissioner Stokes, to
approve the Vice Mayor signing the letter in support of Teen Court. The motion
carried on the following vote:
Yes: 5- Mayor Emrich, Commissioner Duval, Commissioner Petrow, Vice Mayor Langdon
and Commissioner Stokes
7. PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ms. Faust read the following eComments into the record:
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Debbie McDowell: Spoke to procedural concerns.
Steven Harrison: Spoke to staff conduct and appreciation.
In Person:
Tim Doyle: Spoke to trespassing, fence construction, and expressed concerns regarding
City conduct.
8. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Emrich called on Commissioners for communications.
A. 26-0031 Commissioner Duval's Communications
Commissioner Duval reported on events attended and important topics.
B. 26-0032 Commissioner Stokes' Communications
Commissioner Stokes did not have a report.
C. 26-0033 Mayor Emrich's Communications
Mayor Emrich did not have a report.
D. 26-0034 Vice Mayor Langdon's Communications
Vice Mayor Langdon did not have a report.
E. 26-0035 Commissioner Petrow's Communications
Commissioner Petrow did not have a report.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REPORTS:
Mayor Emrich called on Charter Officers for reports.
A. 26-0158 City Clerk's Monthly Report
Ms. Faust did not have a report.
B. 26-0386 City Attorney’s Monthly Report
Mr. Fuino did not have a report.
C. 26-0412 City Manager's Monthly Report
Mr. Fletcher did not have a report.
10. ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Emrich adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m.
City of North Port, Florida
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City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Minutes February 24, 2026
By: __________________________________
Pete Emrich, Mayor
Attest: ________________________________
Heather Faust, City Clerk
City of North Port Page 8 Printed on 4/8/2026
Agenda
4970 CITY HALL BLVD
City of North Port NORTH PORT, FL 34286
Meeting Agenda
City Commission Regular Meeting
CITY COMMISSIONERS
Pete Emrich, Mayor
Barbara Langdon, Vice Mayor
Phil Stokes, Commissioner
David Duval, Commissioner
Demetrius Petrow, Commissioner
APPOINTED OFFICIALS
Jerome Fletcher, City Manager
Michael Fuino, City Attorney
Heather Faust, City Clerk
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 6:00 PM City Commission Chambers
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.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2. PUBLIC COMMENT:
(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.)
3. ANNOUNCEMENTS
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City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Agenda February 24, 2026
A. 26-0137 Announcement of Current Advisory Board and Committee Vacancies
Attachments: Vacancy List
4. CONSENT AGENDA:
(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.)
A. 26-0336 Approve Change Order No. 1 to Work Assignment 2025-12PW Under
Professional Engineering Services - Continuing Services Contract No.
2024-14.11 By and Between the City of North Port and OCI Associates,
LLC for Indoor Air Quality at Police Department Headquarters Located at
4980 City Hall Boulevard North Port, Florida, 34286 in the Amount of
$184,030.00.
Attachments: Change Order No. 1
Work Assignment 2025-12PW
Agreement No. 2024-14.11
Florida Division of Corporations Document
B. 26-0342 Approve the Acceptance of the Harry Shapiro Charitable Foundation Grant
in the Amount of $25,000 to Purchase Cool-Weather Jackets, Gear, and
Accessories and Authorize the City Manager or the Mayor, as Applicable
Under the City Charter, to Execute all Funding Documents After Legal
Review.
Attachments: Grant Application
C. 26-0344 Approve the LexisNexis Risk Solutions Master Terms & Conditions –
Government and Schedule A, By and Between LexisNexis Risk Solutions
FL Inc. and City of North Port, Florida, for the North Port Police Department
for TraX and VIPER (Virtual Pen Register) Software Subscription in the
Annual Amount Per Schedule A With Automatic Renewal Terms and Fee
Increases.
Attachments: LexisNexis Risk Solutions Master Terms and Conditions - Government
Schedule A (term and fee)
Procurement Packet
Florida Division of Corporations
City Commission Regular Meeting Minutes - March 26, 2024
D. 26-0348 Approve the Award of Funds From the Special Event Assistance Program
to North Port Area Chamber of Commerce in Support of the Business &
Community Expo to be Held on March 14, 2026, in an Amount up to, and
Not to Exceed, $500 to Cover the Costs of City Fees and Services.
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City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Agenda February 24, 2026
Attachments: Application for Assistance
Fee Overview
Community Assistance Account Overview FY2026
Resolution 2018-R-17
Resolution 2025-R-05
E. 26-0373 Approve the Encoretech Change Order 1 By and Between the City of North
Port, Florida, and Encoretech Global, Inc. for Additional ndMAX
Professional Service Hours in the Amount of $2,500.00.
Attachments: Change Order 1
Encoretech Statement of Work
September 9, 2025 Minutes
Laserfiche Request
Encoretech Florida Division of Corporations
F. 26-0374 Approve the Second Amendment to the NetDocuments Software as a
Service Agreement By and Between the City of North Port, Florida, and
NetDocuments for AI300 - ndMax Enterprise Services in the Initial Amount
of $8,100.48.
Attachments: Second Amendment
First Amendment
Software as a Service Agreement
Procurement Request
G. 26-0378 Approve the January 13, 2026 Commission Regular Minutes, January 20,
2026 Commission Regular Minutes, and the February 2, 2026
Commission Workshop Minutes.
Attachments: 1-13-26- Minutes
1-20-26- Minutes
2-2-26- Minutes
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
ORDINANCE - Second Reading:
A. ORD. NO. An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Providing for the Imposition
2026-01 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.
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City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Agenda February 24, 2026
Attachments: Ordinance No. 2026-01 - Second Reading
Ordinance No. 2026-01 - First Reading
Ordinance No. 2026-01 Business Impact Estimate
B. ORD. NO. An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Adjusting the
2026-02 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.
Attachments: Ordinance - Second Reading
Ordinance No. 2026-02
Business Impact Estimate
RESOLUTION:
C. RES. NO. A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida,
2026-R-14 Amending City Commission Policy No. 2021-05 Related to Commission
Meeting Schedules, Notices, and Agendas; Providing for Incorporation of
Recitals; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing
an Effective Date.
Attachments: Resolution
Policy 2021-05
Policy 2021-05 - Strikethrough Underline
Backup Materials
6. GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. 26-0419 Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Approaching the Sarasota
County School District About Underutilized Space at the Heron Creek
Middle School Campus. (Requested by Commissioner Duval)
B. 26-0416 Discussion Regarding Administrative Safeguards for Permit Processing
and Development Services Interactions Involving Elected Officials and
Related Parties.
Attachments: Relevant Email Correspondence
C. 26-0431 Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Sending a Letter of Support to
Governor Ron DeSantis on Behalf of the City Commission in Support of
the Continued Funding and Expansion of the Teen Court Program.
(Requested by Vice Mayor Langdon)
Attachments: Letter
7. PUBLIC COMMENT:
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City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Agenda February 24, 2026
(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.)
8. COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS:
A. 26-0031 Commissioner Duval's Communications
B. 26-0032 Commissioner Stokes' Communications
C. 26-0033 Mayor Emrich's Communications
D. 26-0034 Vice Mayor Langdon's Communications
E. 26-0035 Commissioner Petrow's Communications
9. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL REPORTS:
A. 26-0158 City Clerk's Monthly Report
Attachments: Open Requests By Status Chart
Fiscal Year to Date Requests - Closed Status
Public Record Requests Log
B. 26-0386 City Attorney’s Monthly Report
Attachments: Commission Directives to the City Attorney
Matter List (Redacted)
C. 26-0412 City Manager's Monthly Report
Attachments: City Manager Report - Febraury 2026
10. ADJOURNMENT:
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City Commission Regular Meeting Meeting Agenda February 24, 2026
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.
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