City Council

MEMBERS Debi Lux, Mayor Melissa Lockhart, Councilmember Jeannine Polk, Vice Mayor Janis Denton, Councilmember Greg Julian, Councilmember CITY OFFICIALS Melissa Reichert, City Manager Sara Welch, City Clerk Steven S. Leskovich, Interim City Attorney CALL TO ORDER Roll Call Invocation Pledge of Allegiance Announcements Next Meeting - April 8, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting at 9am at Laishley Community Room AGENDA APPROVAL 1. PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS 1.a St. Vincent de Paul Day 1.b Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day 1.c Trabue-Woods Economic Development Day 2. PUBLIC INPUT 2.a Those wishing to introduce themselves as nominees for a board or committee may do so at this time. Those who choose to speak must state their name for the record. 2.b Anyone wishing to address the Council on any matter must state their name for the record. Each person will be allowed to speak up to a maximum of three minutes. 3. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA (Quasi-Judicial and Legislative) 3.a QUASI-JUDICIAL: VR-02-2025- A request by Kurt Havel and Delonda David, property CITY COUNCIL AGENDA 120 LAISHLEY COURT, PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA 33950 *******AMENDED******** MARCH 25, 2026, 9:00 AM 1

owners, for an initial determination of vested rights, pursuant to Chapter 27, Vested Rights Determination, Punta Gorda Code, to allow the applicants to develop the property in accordance with the zoning designation in place at the time of purchase. 4. ORDINANCES / RESOLUTIONS (No Public Hearing Required) 4.a LEGISLATIVE: ZA-03-2026 Proposed amendment to Chapter 26, Articles 3.4 and 3.5 to allow for the possible expansion of the General Single-Family and General Multi-Family Districts, and require multi-family structures within the GM Districts to comply with Article 7 with exemptions. SECOND READING. 4.b QUASI-JUDICIAL: CP-01-2026 - An Ordinance of the City Council of Punta Gorda, Florida, amending the Comprehensive Plan - Future Land Use Map to reflect the change in the current designation from Low Density Residential (LDR) to High Density Residential (HDR) for 1.87 acres, of land situated in the State of Florida, County of Charlotte, lying in Section 13, Township 41, Range 22, and being further described and incorporated herein; providing for findings; providing for conflict; providing for severability; and providing an effective date. SECOND READING. 4.c QUASI-JUDICIAL: Z-01-2026 - An Ordinance of the City of Punta Gorda, Florida, amending the City of Punta Gorda District Map for seven (7) parcels consisting of approximately 1.87 +/- acres, identified by the Charlotte County Property Appraiser as parcels 412213258001, 412213258002, 412213258003, 412213258004, 412213258005, 412213258006, and 412213258007, and being more particularly described below, from General Single Family-3.5 (GS-3.5) to General Multi-Family-10 (GM-10); providing for findings; providing for conflict; providing for severability; and providing an effective date. SECOND READING. 5. CONSENT AGENDA 5.a February 23, 2026, Pre-agenda City Council Meeting Minutes 5.b February 25, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes 5.c Invoice of Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A. for legal services rendered on January 31, 2026 in the amount of $4,725.00. Invoice of Allen, Norton & Blue, P.A. for legal services rendered on February 28, 2026 in the amount of $563.56. 5.d Invoice of Leskovich Law Group, P.A. for legal services rendered through February 2026 in the amount of $6,562.50 5.e Demolition Permits Update 6. REGULAR AGENDA 6.a *Homeowners Against Landfill Odor (HALO) 6.b *A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Punta Gorda, Florida approving and ratifying an agreement between the City and Southwest Florida Chapter - Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA) effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026; authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the City; and providing an effective date. 6.c A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Punta Gorda, Florida, authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Local Agency Program (LAP) agreement with the Florida 2

Department of Transportation (FDOT) for design services/improvements to Cooper Street from Airport Road to East Marion Avenue (US 17-SB), providing sidewalks, bicycle facilities, decorative streetlights, and street trees; providing for conflicts; and providing for an effective date. 6.d Award of Amendment to Carollo Engineers, Inc., of Sarasota, FL, to provide professional services for the mechanical integrity test and renewal of the operating permit for the Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plant Deep Injection Well. 6.e Award of Amendment to Carollo Engineers, Inc., of Sarasota, FL, to provide funding and planning assistance for the Supplemental Appropriations for Hurricanes Helen and Milton Program through the Federal Department of Environmental Protection Agency for the Water Treatment Plant. 6.f City Council Travel Policy: Community Events 6.g AI Governance Policy 6.h Kayak Services Discussion 6.i Fiscal Year 2026-2030 Long Range Financial Plan and Property Tax Reform 6.j Local Option Sales Tax 6.k Project Updates 7. BOARDS / COMMITTEE 7.a Announcement of Vacancies: Board of Zoning Appeals (1 alternate) 7.b Announcement of Vacancies: Building Board (1 regular) 7.c Announcement of Vacancies: Burnt Store Isles Canal Advisory Committee (1 regular and 1 alternate) 7.d Announcement of Vacancies: Utility Advisory Board (1 regular and 1 alternate) 7.e Nominations: Code Enforcement Board (1 regular) 8. REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS 8.a City Clerk 8.b City Manager 8.c City Attorney 9. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS 10. PUBLIC INPUT 10.a Anyone wishing to address the Council on any matter must state their name for the record. Each person will be allowed to speak up to a maximum of three minutes. ADJOURNMENT 3

If any person decides to appeal any decision made by City Council or an Advisory Board/Committee with respect to any matter considered at the meeting or hearing, he or she may need a record of the proceedings, and for such purpose he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Florida Statute 286.26, the location of this public hearing is accessible to persons with disabilities. If you are a person with disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Interpreters for the hearing impaired (TTY 941-575-5013) or non-English speaking citizens, and any other special accommodations can be requested by contacting the Human Resources Manager/Non-Discrimination Coordinator whose address is 326 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, whose telephone number is (941) 575-3371, and whose email address is humres@pgorda.us at least two (2) calendars days prior to the meeting. 4

Title: St. Vincent de Paul Day Funds: Not applicable. Recommended Action: City Council issue the proclamation, which would be accepted by Peter Catauro and Joe-Ann Pierre, Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Charlotte County. Summary: The proclamation declares March 28, 2026, to be St. Vincent de Paul Day in honor of the 17th annual Walk for the Poor. Department/Division: City Clerk CITY COUNCIL CITY OF PUNTA GORDA 03/25/2026 PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS EXHIBITS: 1. St. Vincent de Paul Day 5

PROCLAMATION City of Punta Gorda WHEREAS, poverty in Charlotte County continues and has been compounded by rising rent, food, and utility costs as well as unsettled hurricane insurance reimbursements, with many more of our neighbors finding themselves in dire distress and in need of assistance; and WHEREAS, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Charlotte County’s mission is to assist those in need by responding to community and individual needs through programs such as disaster relief services, food pantries, housing programs, utility support, thrift stores, and other programs and services; and WHEREAS, the Society partners with local churches and charities, including Harry Chapin Food Bank, to stock food pantries and feed several thousand people each month, helping to alleviate hunger in the community, as well as participating in seasonal programs for snacks, school supplies, and holiday assistance; and WHEREAS, each year the four conferences of St. Vincent de Paul in Charlotte County hold a Walk for the Poor to raise funds and to increase awareness of the less fortunate among us, with every penny raised benefitting our neighbors in Charlotte County. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Punta Gorda, Florida does hereby proclaim March 28, 2026, as ST. VINCENT DE PAUL DAY and encourages all City of Punta Gorda and Charlotte County residents to participate in the 17th annual Walk for the Poor, make a donation, and use their talents by volunteering with the Society to support its mission. PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 25th day of March, 2026. CITY OF PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA __________________________ Deborah O. Lux, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________ Sara Welch, City Clerk 6

Title: Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day Funds: Not applicable. Recommended Action: Present the proclamation to Sam Taylor, Disabled American Veterans. Summary: The proclamation declares March 29, 2026, to be Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day. Department/Division: City Clerk CITY COUNCIL CITY OF PUNTA GORDA 03/25/2026 PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS EXHIBITS: 1. Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day 7

PROCLAMATION City of Punta Gorda WHEREAS, as we honor the enduring legacy of the Vietnam War, we reflect with solemn reverence upon the valor of a generation that served with honor, paying tribute to the more than 3 million men and women who bravely left their families to serve a world away from everything they knew and everyone they loved; and WHEREAS, we remember those who courageously served during more than a decade of combat over air, land and sea, and we pledge that their sacrifices in the name of freedom, often made in the face of extraordinary and unprecedented danger, will never be forgotten by a grateful nation; and WHEREAS, through the presence of the Vietnam Wall of Southwest Florida, dedicated on November 5, 2016, the citizens of Punta Gorda, Charlotte County, and the State of Florida are daily reminded of the more than 58,000 patriots who sacrificed all they had and all they would ever know; and WHEREAS, in the reflection of the Wall, we see the military family members and veterans who carry a pain that may never fade, and we seek to offer them peace in knowing their loved ones endure in the hearts of all Americans who remain forever grateful for their service; and WHEREAS, the formal Department of Defense 50th Anniversary Commemoration program concluded on November 11, 2025; however, the mission of gratitude continues, ensuring that this generation of proud Americans is forever honored for seeing our country through one of its most challenging chapters; and WHEREAS, let us strive to live up to their example by showing our Vietnam Veterans, their families, and all who have served from November 1, 1955, through May 15, 1975, the fullest respect and support, and remember that it is never too late to say, “Welcome Home” to the men and women who answered the call of duty. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Punta Gorda, Florida does hereby proclaim March 29, 2026, as Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day throughout the City and urges residents to reflect at the Vietnam Wall of Southwest Florida, to reach out to a veteran you know in the community, and to demonstrate their gratitude through active support of our local veteran organizations and service chapters. PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 25th day of March 2026. CITY OF PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA __________________________ Dr. Deborah O. Lux, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________ Sara Welch, City Clerk 8

Title: Trabue-Woods Economic Development Day Funds: Not applicable. Recommended Action: Present the proclamation to Anna Callwood, Trabue-Woods Economic Development, LLC. Summary: The proclamation declares March 25, 2026, to be Trabue-Woods Economic Development Day in celebration of their final loan payment to the City. Department/Division: City Clerk CITY COUNCIL CITY OF PUNTA GORDA 03/25/2026 PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS EXHIBITS: 1. Trabue Woods Economic Development Corporation 9

PROCLAMATION City of Punta Gorda WHEREAS, in 2005, in the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Charley, the City of Punta Gorda sought to partner with local entities to foster recovery, economic development, and the creation of affordable housing; and WHEREAS, the Trabue Woods Economic Development Corporation, under the steadfast leadership of President Anna Callwood, stepped forward to bridge the gap for low-income residents, securing a 20-year loan through Hurricane Charley recovery funds and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA); and WHEREAS, despite early skepticism regarding the long-term viability of the venture, Trabue Woods proved its critics wrong through disciplined management, community spirit, and an unwavering commitment to its mission; and WHEREAS, the Corporation demonstrated extraordinary resilience during the 2008 economic downfall, successfully completing an 8-plex townhouse building that provided much-needed stability and high-quality housing for Punta Gorda residents during a period of national financial uncertainty; and WHEREAS, Trabue Woods Economic Development Corporation stands today as the only original entity from its funding cohort to reach this 20-year milestone, fulfilling every obligation and serving as a beacon of the "public-private partnership" model envisioned by the City Council two decades ago; and WHEREAS, the successful retirement of this mortgage represents more than just a financial transaction; it represents two decades of providing "low-income affordable housing" and proves the adage that “Together We Achieve Much”. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Punta Gorda, Florida does hereby recognize and commend Trabue Woods Economic Development Corporation for twenty years of dedicated service to our community, for their perseverance through adversity, and for their successful final payment to the City of Punta Gorda. We celebrate this achievement as a victory for affordable housing and a shining example of the strength of our citizens. PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 25th day of March 2026. CITY OF PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA __________________________ Dr. Deborah O. Lux, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________ Sara Welch, City Clerk 10

Title: QUASI-JUDICIAL: VR-02-2025- A request by Kurt Havel and Delonda David, property owners, for an initial determination of vested rights, pursuant to Chapter 27, Vested Rights Determination, Punta Gorda Code, to allow the applicants to develop the property in accordance with the zoning designation in place at the time of purchase. Funds: Not applicable. Recommended Action: Staff, the Development Review Committee, and the Planning Commission recommend approval of the request. Summary: The applicant purchased the properties in April 2025 after meeting with staff several times to ensure a single-family residence was a permitted use. In July 2025, a previous version of Chapter 26, Land Development Regulations, Punta Gorda Code, was reimplemented, changing the zoning designation back to City Center. The City Center zoning district does not allow a single-family residence as a permitted principal use on the subject properties. As such, the applicant is seeking an initial determination of vested rights to construct a home in compliance with the regulations in effect at the time of purchase. Department/Division: Urban Design CITY COUNCIL CITY OF PUNTA GORDA 03/25/2026 PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA (Quasi-Judicial and Legislative) EXHIBITS: 1. VR-02-2025 City Council Staff Report 2. VR-02-2025 Application 11

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 1 of 15 APPLICATION FOR INITIAL DETERMINATION OF VESTED RIGHTS STAFF REPORT TO: City Council FROM: Rachel Barry, Zoning Official DATE: March 25, 2026 RE: VR-02-2025 – 302 & 308 Goldstein Avenue Applicant Request: VR-02-2025: A request by Kurt Havel and Delonda David, property owners, for an initial determination of vested rights, pursuant to Chapter 27, Vested Rights Determination, Punta Gorda Code, to allow the applicants to develop the property in accordance with the zoning designation in place at the time of purchase. Supplemental Material/Issue Analysis Report: The City of Punta Gorda began working on a re-write of Chapter 26, Land Development Regulations (LDRs), Punta Gorda Code, following the 2019 Citywide Master Plan [when viewing this document electronically, click the blue underlined text and it will open in a web browser for cross referencing]. The City was simultaneously evaluating the City of Punta Gorda 2040 Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) in preparation for the 2045 Comp Plan. After multiple public hearings, the new LDRs were adopted on September 20, 2023, and the 2045 Comp Plan was adopted upon second reading on February 7, 2024, through Ordinance No. 2013-2024. The ordinance notes the effective date of the Comp Plan was to be the date on which the Florida Department of Commerce posted a notice of intent (NOI) to find the comprehensive plan “in compliance”. The NOI was posted on March 29, 2024, thereby causing both the 2045 Comp Plan and the LDRs to become effective on said date. For the purpose of this staff report, the version of LDRs that became effective on March 29, 2024, will be referenced as the “TPG LDRs” (Traditional Punta Gorda Land Development Regulations). The version of the LDRs that is currently in effect and was in effect prior to the adoption of the TPG LDRs will be referenced as the “current LDRs”. Upon the TPG LDRs becoming effective, the zoning designation of the subject properties was 12

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 2 of 15 TPG-RE (Traditional Punta Gorda Overlay – Residential Edge District). The TPG-RE District regulations are included with this staff report as “Exhibit 1”. This is not intended to be a complete list of applicable regulations, but is included for reference purposes. The applicant, Mr. Havel, met with staff multiple times to gather information on the subject properties, including the permitted uses and development standards, to ensure a single-family residence (SFR) could be built, and subsequently purchased the properties on April 2, 2025. On July 9, 2025, the ordinance that adopted the TPG LDRs was repealed, thereby reinstating the current LDRs. This resulted in the subject properties’ zoning designation being reinstated as City Center. The City Center District regulations are included with this staff report as “Exhibit 2”. The City Center District allows a SFR to be constructed in the Bethel St. Mark Historic Overlay, however, the subject properties are not located within said overlay; therefore, a SFR is not a permitted principal use for the properties. In an effort to establish a process for property owners to seek relief from impacts related to the change of LDRs, the city adopted Chapter 27, Vested Rights Determination, Punta Gorda Code, on July 2, 2025. Minutes and Board Recommendation(s): The request was heard before the Development Review Committee (DRC) on January 23, 2026, which voted unanimously to find that vested rights had been established. The request was then heard before the Planning Commission on February 23, 2026, who voted unanimously to find that vested rights had been established, and to recommend approval of the application along with the staff recommended conditions. Staff recommends approval of the request, with the conditions of approval as listed below in this staff report. Chapter 27, Vested Rights Determination, Punta Gorda Code. Sec. 2-3. Review and decision process; criteria; timeline. (a) Levels of review. The property owner shall submit a vested rights determination or modification of vested rights determination application to the Planning Director for initial review and recommendation by the City's Development Review Committee. If the Development Review Committee determines that a claim of vested rights has been established, the application and department recommendation will be submitted to the City's Planning Commission for secondary review and recommendation. If the Planning Commission supports the staff report and recommendation and finds that a claim of vested rights has been established, the application and both staff and Commission recommendations will be submitted to the City Council for public hearing and approval of the vested rights determination. (b) Criteria for vested rights determination. The following criteria shall be used to evaluate claims of vested rights: (1) Substantial good-faith investment. Showing that the applicant has made significant financial or material commitments to development of the subject 13

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 3 of 15 property based on prior approvals; The applicant has provided information confirming that he has expended over $300,000.00 to purchase the property. Mr. Havel applied for and received a Certificate of Appropriateness (CA) to remove the dilapidated accessory structure that previously straddled the dividing lot line of the subject properties. He has also been issued a CA to demolish the existing single-family home on Lot 1 - 302 Goldstein Street - subject to a nine (9) month delay from the January 22, 2026 HPAB meeting. As part of the CA demo application, Mr. Havel was required to obtain a structural engineer’s analysis report for the existing home, adding to the investment made into the properties. (2) Reasonable reliance. Showing that the applicant's investment was made in justifiable reliance on regulations existing at the time of the prior development approvals; The applicant met with current and past zoning staff several times prior to purchasing the properties. While physical evidence cannot be provided with the application, staff confirms the validity of this statement. (3) Governmental entity action impact. Showing that an act of a governmental entity has inordinately burdened or negatively impacted the previously approved development; The applicant purchased the property to construct a single-family home. The City Center District only allows this as a principal use within the Bethel St. Mark Historic Overlay, however, the properties are not located within said overlay. Each lot is approximately 90 feet deep by 52.5 feet wide; lots of this size have not been developed in the downtown area for commercial purposes in the recent past. The change of LDRs ultimately prohibited the applicants’ intended use of the property. (4) Public interest consideration. Showing that recognition of vested rights would not cause significant harm to public safety, health, or welfare. The southwest side of Goldstein Street – directly across from the subject properties – is zoned Neighborhood Residential-15, and contains existing residential uses. The northeast side of Goldstein Street – the side on which the subject properties are located – is within the City Center District, however, only one of the existing structures on this block of Goldstein is used for commercial purposes. Said structure was originally constructed in 1927 as a single-family home and has since been converted for business use. Allowing the construction of a home on the subject properties would not cause harm to public safety, health, or welfare. (c) Development Review Committee review. (1) Initial vested rights. If the Development Review Committee determines that a claim 14

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 4 of 15 of vested rights has been established based on the criteria set forth under subparagraph (b) above, it shall, within sixty (60) days from the date of application submission, issue a staff report and recommendation which describes the vested rights of the development, reflects the basis for the vesting determination, and describes the nature and extent of such vested rights and any restrictions or conditions thereon which are recommended to require for recognition and maintenance of such vested rights status. During the public meeting held on January 23, 2026, the DRC voted unanimously to find that a claim of vested rights has been established based on the above criteria. The applicant would be required to comply with all regulations of the TPG LDRs, including, but not limited to: parking, access, architectural requirements, etc. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the request subject to the following conditions, limitations, and/or safeguards: 1. This initial vested rights determination applies to the subject properties, 302 and 308 Goldstein Street, Punta Gorda, Florida 33950, otherwise identified by the Charlotte County Property Appraiser as Parcels 412306364001 and 412306364002, being legally described as Lots 1 and 3, Block 45, Punta Gorda, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 16, public records of Charlotte County, Florida. 2. The future development shall comply with all requirements of the TPG LDRs and the Residential Edge zoning district. 3. The vested rights shall run with the land. 4. Any reconfiguration of the subject properties from their original form when platted and recorded shall cause the vested rights to be null and void. Attachments: Exhibit 1: TPG LDRs, TPG-RE District Regulations Exhibit 2: Current LDRs, City Center District Regulations 15

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 5 of 15 Exhibit 1 (page 1 of 4): 16

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 6 of 15 Exhibit 1 (page 2 of 4): 17

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 7 of 15 Exhibit 1 (page 3 of 4): 18

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 8 of 15 Exhibit 1 (page 4 of 4): 19

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 9 of 15 Exhibit 2 (page 1 of 7): 20

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 10 of 15 Exhibit 2 (page 2 of 7): 21

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 11 of 15 Exhibit 2 (page 3 of 7): 22

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 12 of 15 Exhibit 2 (page 4 of 7): 23

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 13 of 15 Exhibit 2 (page 5 of 7): 24

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 14 of 15 Exhibit 2 (page 6 of 7): 25

VR-02-2025 Staff Report City Council | March 25, 2026 Page 15 of 15 Exhibit 2 (page 7 of 7): 26

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