City Council

CITY OF PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MAY 21, 2025, 9:00 A.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Denton, Julian, Lockhart, Lux, Polk CITY STAFF PRESENT: Interim City Manager Reichert; Interim City Attorney Leskovich; Kristin Simeone, Finance Director; Tom Spencer, Utilities Director; Ron Everts, Public Works Director; Jeff Payne, Human Resources Manager; Boyd Lawrence, Planning Director; Pam Smith, Police Chief; Holden Gibbs, Fire Chief; Anne Heinen, Procurement Manager; Bradford Schuette, Information Technology Manager; City Clerk Welch CALL TO ORDER Mayor Lux called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Mr. Bill Frank provided the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Lux noted the next regular City Council meeting was scheduled for June 4, 2025. AGENDA APPROVAL There were no changes to the agenda. 1) PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS 1.a Family Abduction Awareness Day Exhibits: Cover Page Family Abduction Awareness Day Councilmember Polk presented the proclamation, which was accepted by Ms. Pam Smith, Police Chief. 1.b National Public Works Week Exhibits: Cover Page National Public Works Week Councilmember Julian presented the proclamation, which was accepted by Mr. Ron Everts, Public Works Director. 1.c Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom Florida Weekend Exhibits: Cover Page Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom Florida Weekend 2025 Mayor Lux presented the proclamation, which was accepted by Mr. Carl Steinhoff, Chairman of the Board for Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 5. 1.d Memorial Day

Exhibits: Cover Page Memorial Day Mayor Lux presented the proclamation to Mr. Steve Cornwell, Charlotte County Veterans Council Chairman. 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. There were no introductions. 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. Mr. Tom Cavanaugh, Learn to Sail Director, requested Council consider additional space for Learn to Sail to store vessels outside of the existing building. Mr. Joe Comeaux expressed preference for the former Bayfront Center to be returned to green space, perhaps with temporary buildings, and suggesting funds for a structure in that location be reappropriated to repair the Veterans Park gazebo or the elevator at Herald Court Centre. He opined previous attempts to establish a boat park had not been successful, noting Learn to Sail had a greater interest in Gilchrist Park and kayaks could be better accommodated at Ponce de Leon Park. He then reviewed the history of boat canopies, opining visibility concerns would be an impediment to boat covers. He encouraged residents to attend the Military Heritage Museum's Memorial Day activities. Ms. Connie Payne, NAACP President, encouraged all to attend the Juneteenth Celebration at Cooper Street Recreation Center on June 18, 2025, and requested Councilmembers' attendance. Mr. Cole Kelly urged Council to consider the allocation of commercial slips at the Laishley Marina, noting Freedom Boat Club utilized 13 of 14 commercial slips with Sea Tow utilizing the remaining commercial slip. He expressed concern regarding equitable access to this public resource, noting the Freedom Boat Club was a members-only organization and not a local business. He stated his company was informed the waitlist for commercial slips was ineffective. Mr. Bill Page announced his candidacy for the Punta Gorda City Council, speaking on his experience living in the City. He opined he would balance the City’s needs with what residents were willing to spend and keep the City a small town. Mr. Gary Skillicorn opined the City needed more opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the water. He commented positively on the tiki hut proposal; however, he was concerned its function would be limited as same did not contain storage and could attract individuals who were unhoused. He then spoke on the speed bumps at Maria Court. Ms. Wendy Mueller suggested Council pursue a 7,000-square-foot chickee hut in order to accommodate storage for the Learn to Sail Program and still provide

covered space for other purposes. She suggested the savings from a smaller footprint be put toward maintenance. Ms. Cindy O’Hara stated she would rather delay acting on the former Bayfront Center slab in order to pursue a grander option. She then spoke against allowing boat canopies, expressing concern they would negatively impact property values. Ms. Donna Barrett, Charlotte-Desoto Building Industry Alliance Executive Director, stated planning for commerce took many years, expressing concern reverting to the prior Land Development Regulations (LDRs) would negatively impact the likelihood of a hospital being rebuilt in the City. She suggested the prior and current LDRs be compared line by line, indicating builders desired to participate in the review of certain areas. Mr. Daniel O'Connell stated his home was uninhabitable following the recent storms, indicating demolition was delayed due to the need for an engineer’s report to process the Certificate of Appropriateness for a demolition permit. He requested the requirement for the report be waived. Mr. Jack Howard requested updates on the following: impervious surface at 300 West Retta Esplanade; Fishermen’s Village reverter parcels; hurricane preparedness; upcoming workshops; status of a new Punta Gorda hospital. Mr. Mike Polk expressed concern the Bert Harris Act was used to intimidate local governments. He expressed concern regarding potential development under the current LDRs. He concluded government should regulate health, safety, and welfare, indicating the Bert Harris Act did not negate this. He requested City Council rescind the current LDRs. 3) PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA(Quasi-Judicial and Legislative) No items were scheduled. 4) ORDINANCES / RESOLUTIONS(No Public Hearing Required) No items were scheduled. 5) CONSENT AGENDA Councilmember Polk MOVED to approve the Consent Agenda, SECONDED by Councilmember Julian. MOTION UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. 5.a Invoice of Persson, Cohen & Mooney, P.A. for legal services rendered through May 5, 2025, in the amount of $1,270.50. Exhibits: Cover Page Invoice #5978 in the amount of $1,270.50 5.b March 11, 2025, Workshop Minutes Exhibits: Cover Page March 11, 2025, City Council Workshop Minutes 5.c March 19, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes Exhibits:

Cover Page March 19, 2025, Minutes 5.d April 2, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes Exhibits: Cover Page April 2, 2025, Minutes 5.e April 16, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes Exhibits: Cover Page April 16, 2025, Minutes 5.f April 22, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes Exhibits: Cover Page April 22, 2025, Workshop Minutes 5.g *City of Punta Gorda's Traffic Signal Maintenance Compensation Agreement Exhibits: Cover Page Agreement 6) REGULAR AGENDA 6.a Event Permit 25-191417, Juneteenth Celebration, 6/21/2025, Request for Road Closure(s) Exhibits: Cover Page Updated Road Closure Map Ms. Rachel Barry, Zoning Official, stated Charlotte County NAACP Branch 5093- B was requesting approval for the temporary closure of Mary Street from Cooper Street to Showalter Avenue as part of the Juneteenth Celebration event, which would take place on June 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cooper Street Recreation Center. Councilmember Lockhart MOVED approval of the temporary street closure, SECONDED by Councilmember Denton. MOTION UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. 6.b Angel Wings Mural at Artisan's Atelier Exhibits: Cover Page Application Angel Wings Mural Ms. Barry explained Artisan’s Atelier was requesting permission for the mural of angel wings to remain outside of their rear entrance at 117 Herald Court, Unit 113, concluding staff supported the request. Councilmember Polk MOVED approval for the mural to remain, SECONDED by Councilmember Lockhart.

MOTION UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. 6.c Tiki Hut & Kayak Rental Gilchrist Park Exhibits: Cover Page Presentation Mr. Carl Benge, Principal Planner, recalled City Council had expressed approval for the concept of constructing a chickee hut at the former Bayfront Center site, providing a presentation on the proposal. He noted the Florida Building Code prohibited electrical, plumbing, or HVAC for traditional chickee huts and required thatch be used. He stated staff desired to create a landscaped approach to the chickee hut, to use hedges as screening, and to establish rustic wooden storage for kayaks. He indicated flex spaces could be used for events, passive recreation, and food trucks. He requested direction as to the size and amenities to be included. Councilmember Julian questioned how the suggestion for a 7- to 8-thousand- square-foot chickee hut would be accommodated. Mr. Benge replied the slab would need to be expanded. Councilmember Denton suggested part of the parking area closest to the water could be used. Mayor Lux concurred, speaking in favor of including a stage in the chickee hut. She spoke in favor of including lighting, plumbing, roll downs, and fans. Councilmember Julian inquired as to bathrooms. Mr. Benge replied a restroom was available further down the park. Councilmember Denton commented positively on the tiki hut at TT’s Tiki Bar, suggesting a City-owned tiki hut could be rented to recover some money. Mr. Benge noted if the car park were used for the tiki hut, then there would be less space for food trucks. Mayor Lux inquired as to the suitability of the green space near the West Retta Esplanade on-street parking for food trucks. Mr. Benge replied same could be considered. He stated if changes were desired, now was the time to make those decisions. Mayor Lux spoke in favor of pursuing a larger tiki hut. She questioned if a storage space could be placed closer to the Boat Club. Mr. Benge replied same could be brought back. Councilmember Lockhart concurred with the suggestions this date, suggesting a protocol be developed for usage of the space prior to making it available. Councilmember Julian stated Council preferred a tiki hut over a chickee hut. Councilmember Denton expressed preference to use natural thatch for an enhanced aesthetic. Mayor Lux acknowledged the importance of ensuring maintenance funds were available. Councilmember Lockhart inquired as to storage for Learn to Sail (LTS). Mr. Benge replied same could be discussed with LTS. Councilmember Denton inquired if LTS could be accommodated at the Boat Club. Councilmember Lockhart provided a history on the Boat Club and LTS, agreeing the Boat Club should assist with accommodating LTS. Mr. Joe Camerano recommended using potable water and numerous electrical boxes, with static electricity for light and safety. He indicated the City could

charge for events and water and electricity could be turned on and off remotely. He concurred natural thatch was preferable and money should be put in reserves for maintenance. Ms. O’Hara suggested the property be evaluated and maximized for the community’s use and not limit the discussion to the existing slab. Interim City Manager Reichert noted a resident had offered donation of a kayak rental system, indicating same could be considered on a future agenda if Council was interested. Consensus of Council was to hear same. NOTE: An 8-minute break was called at 10:12 a.m. 6.d Hurricane Readiness Exhibits: Cover Page Presentation Mr. Holden Gibbs, Fire Chief, provided a presentation on the City’s hurricane readiness, reviewing data from the prior season as well as 2025 forecasts. He then provided information on storm surge and evacuation plans, emphasizing the importance of not driving on flooded roads during or after storms. He then reviewed steps residents could take to prepare in advance of storms, encouraging all to sign up for Alert Punta Gorda notifications. He then provided a presentation on the potential use and cost of Tiger Dams for flood protection at City Hall ($100,532), City Hall Annex ($60,327), Herald Court Centre (Building 1 - $94,645; Building 2 - $102,865); Punta Gorda Fire Department Station 3 ($24,402); Public Safety Building ($38,182), for a total cost of $420,953. Councilmember Julian inquired as to the flood gates at Herald Court. Mr. Ron Everts, Public Works Director, replied staff were procuring improved flood gates which could be installed more quickly. He noted pumps would be installed behind the dams and a system would be installed to ensure water did not enter the second building from the storm water system. Councilmember Julian inquired as to sandbags. Mr. Everts replied same would continue but improvements would be made to alleviate challenges citizens experienced last year. Councilmember Julian inquired if there was money from the State for these purchases. Mr. Gibbs replied the City could submit for a grant but funding would not be available until the future and was not guaranteed. Interim City Manager Reichert noted funds were currently available for this purchase. Ms. Kristin Simeone, Finance Director, explained approximately $1.4 million had been set aside in the General Construction Fund for needs that arose, indicating Council could direct staff to purchase the Tiger Dams using those funds. Mayor Lux spoke in favor of purchasing Tiger Dams as presented. She then inquired as to facilities that could be used by residents after storms. Mr. Gibbs replied a bathroom trailer could be purchased which would have between 4 and 6 restrooms available, noting they could also be used by Emergency Operations Center staff and rented for events in the City parks when restroom facilities were still awaiting repairs.

Councilmember Lockhart inquired as to where the Tiger Dams would be stored. Mr. Gibbs replied in crates at Public Works. Councilmember Lockhart inquired as to how many staff members would be needed to install the proposed Tiger Dams. Mr. Gibbs replied the State used 4 to 5 people per building. Councilmember Lockhart questioned if surrounding businesses would be informed the Tiger Dams might divert water toward their buildings. Mr. Gibbs replied the Tiger Dams would not significantly divert water, noting the Tiger Dams would be placed approximately 2 feet from the building walls. Councilmember Polk questioned where the water would go when the Tiger Dams were emptied. Mr. Gibbs replied the water would be emptied into drains. Councilmember Polk anticipated it may take 2 days before the Tiger Dams could be emptied and removed. Mr. Gibbs stated storm surge had taken approximately 24 hours to recede, suggesting the water could be utilized for other purposes such as power washing the sidewalks. Mr. Everts anticipated Tiger Dams could be removed from Herald Court in approximately an hour. Councilmember Denton inquired if volunteers could be used to assist in installing the Tiger Dams. She questioned if the City could purchase Tiger Dams and also apply for grant funding. Mr. Gibbs replied he was uncertain if the State would provide reimbursement. Ms. Kristin stated same was unlikely. Mr. Joe Camerano inquired as to the lead time for purchasing the Tiger Dams. Mr. Gibbs replied Tiger Dams had not provided an exact timeframe but had indicated purchasing could be completed quickly. Mr. Everts noted utility locates would need to be performed and anchoring points would need to be identified and installed. Councilmember Lockhart MOVED approval to purchase the Tiger Dams, SECONDED by Councilmember Denton. MOTION UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. Interim City Manager Reichert questioned if Council was interested in determining the cost to color code stop signs according to evacuation zones. Mr. Gibbs stated he had asked the Charlotte County Fire Chief regarding the costs and would supply that information once received. Consensus of Council was to examine same. 6.e Traffic Calming Exhibits: Cover Page Traffic Calming Presentation Ms. Daniela Maria, Planner, provided a presentation summarizing traffic crash data for West Marion Avenue and West Retta Esplanade between Shreve Street and US 41 Southbound. She then reviewed traffic calming strategies which could be implemented, requesting direction from City Council. Mayor Lux suggested a wider, flatter speed cushion would be better when going over the bridge and attempting to turn left onto Gulfview Road, adding placing a speed cushion after the Gulfview Road bridge would be helpful.

Councilmember Julian stated Mr. Skillicorn suggested installing a right-turn- only sign at Maria Court. Mayor Lux noted same would divert more traffic to Gulfview Road, speaking in favor of placing speed cushions on either side of the bridge. Councilmember Julian questioned if rumble strips or other measures had been considered. Ms. Maria replied staff had not yet done so, noting same could increase noise for residents. Councilmember Lockhart concurred with Mayor Lux on switching the Maria Court and West Marion Avenue speed cushions and making them wider and lower. Councilmember Denton inquired as to addressing West Retta Esplanade. Ms. Maria clarified the road would not actually be narrowed but rather treatments would be used to make it appear narrower. Mr. Everts cautioned longer, lower speed cushions were easier to drive over at higher speeds and so may not reduce speeds as effectively. Councilmember Lockhart noted residents were the ones speeding in these areas. Mr. Norm Nahra, Police Captain, concurred residents were the ones speeding in the area, noting enforcement could be increased in the area but officers could not be directed to issue tickets. Mayor Lux suggested slow speed signs be installed on both sides of Colony Point Drive. She questioned if speed cushions would be effective at reducing accidents on West Retta Esplanade Councilmember Denton suggested delaying a decision about West Retta Esplanade. Councilmember Polk opined West Retta Esplanade was already quite narrow and did not present an issue. Mr. Nahra replied he had not received any complaints for West Retta Esplanade. Consensus of Council was to table further discussion of traffic calming measures for West Retta Esplanade. Ms. Wendy Mueller suggested a sign be installed that indicated the fine for speeding. Councilmember Lockhart MOVED to use the existing purchased speed cushion and switching the speed cushions as discussed, and not addressing West Retta Esplanade at this time, SECONDED by Councilmember Julian. Mr. Gary Skillicorn commented on placement of the sign warning of the speed bump on the side of the bridge’s descent. Councilmember Lockhart concurred. MOTION UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. 6.f Land Development Regulations Exhibits: Cover Page *Attorney General Response Interim City Manager Reichert reported the Florida Attorney General had provided an informal opinion in response to City Council’s question regarding the adoption and potential repeal of the Land Development Regulations and Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2024.

Interim City Attorney Leskovich stated the Attorney General’s opinion clarified that the moratoriums described in Chapter 2023-204, Section 14, Laws of Florida, as amended by Chapter 2023-349, section 15, Laws of Florida, were mutually exclusive, noting the Attorney General’s Office did not opine on whether adoption of the City's LDRs violated those provisions and could be repealed in their entirety, retroactive to the dates of their enactment. He indicated the prior City Attorney approved documents, including the Comprehensive Plan and LDRs ordinances, suggesting such wording on future legal documents be amended to read “approved as to form and content”. He further suggested a provision be included in future ordinances indicating remaining provisions would remain in full force and effect if certain provisions were deemed invalid. He stated he was working with Urban Design staff to determine which provisions were more restrictive. He recommended a workshop be held to compare the current LDRs to the prior LDRs to determine which provisions were more restrictive. He stated another alternative was to state the current LDRs were void ab initio; however, same could open the City up to a lawsuit as some provisions of the current LDRs were less restrictive. He noted he was developing a vested rights procedure to allow qualifying individuals to develop in accordance with the prior LDRs. Councilmember Julian noted repealing the current LDRs would return the City to traditional zoning as opposed to the current form-based code. Mayor Lux opined the current LDRs were null and void ab initio, not the Comprehensive Plan as same was less restrictive. Interim City Attorney Leskovich noted the Comprehensive Plan incorporated the LDRs by reference, indicating same could present an issue. Mayor Lux stated residents did not want some of the provisions that were more lenient, noting the State laws did not indicate more lenient provisions were protected. She expressed concern delaying repeal of the current LDRs would result in lawsuits. Councilmember Lockhart noted Interim City Attorney Leskovich was the third attorney which had indicated Council should compare the current and prior LDRs line by line. Mayor Lux opined the whole document was null and void ab initio. Councilmember Lockhart opined only the provisions that were more restrictive were eligible to be declared null and avoid ab initio. Councilmember Polk noted the Attorney General's opinion indicated the LDRs and Comprehensive Plan were likely null and void ab initio. She reviewed the Bert Harris Act, indicating a claimant had to prove they had a financial loss resulting from the City's action in order to receive compensation. She urged Council to act this date. Councilmember Lockhart pointed out anyone could sue anyone, indicating Interim City Attorney Leskovich had recommended a line-by-line review of the current and prior LDRs to limit the City’s exposure. Councilmember Polk stated reverting to the prior LDRs had also been presented as an option. Interim City Attorney Leskovich stated if the ordinance were repealed in its entirety, a vested rights determination procedure would need to be implemented to address property owners who had intended to develop a property under the existing LDRs. Councilmember Denton noted property ownership could be determined as could hurricane damage, opining same would limit the number of individuals who could make Bert Harris Act claims.

Councilmember Polk opined use of “more burdensome” concerned the impact of development. Councilmember Julian concurred that he, Councilmember Polk, and Councilmember Denton were elected because residents strongly opposed the current LDRs. Mayor Lux opined delaying action would allow more properties to be transferred and could lead to more Bert Harris Act claims. Interim City Attorney Leskovich stated burdensome had not been defined and it was up to a property owner to prove their damages. He suggested Council would want to sit with the CDBIA. He cautioned against repealing the current LDRs this date without the vested rights determination procedure. He suggested he could provide a draft for review City at Council's June 4, 2025, meeting. Mayor Lux opined examining both sets of LDRs would burden staff. She spoke in favor of immediately proceeding with the process to repeal the current LDRs and put a vested rights determination procedure in place. Councilmember Polk MOVED to repeal the current Land Development Regulations, with the first public hearing to be scheduled for June 4, 2025, and to establish a vested rights benefitted party procedure which would be reviewed at that meeting, SECONDED by Councilmember Denton. AYE: Denton, Julian, Lux, Polk. NAY: Lockhart. MOTION CARRIED. Mayor Lux called a 5-minute break at 12:44 p.m. NOTE: Item 6.g was heard following Item 6.d. 6.g Discussion and consideration of increasing Procurement one-quote threshold and City Manager award thresholds. Exhibits: Cover Page Presentation Ms. Anne Heinen, Procurement Manager, reviewed the City’s current and proposed procurement thresholds, explaining the increased one-quote thresholds would assist the City in capturing more local vendors and would align with Charlotte County and federal guidelines. She then requested permission to increase the City Manager’s award threshold levels as follows: (1) commodities, contractual or construction services - $275,000; (2) sole/single source purchases up to and including $100,000; (3) emergency procurements exceeding $25,000; (4) professional and consultant services up to and including $75,000; (5) exempt purchases up to and including $75,000. She opined increasing the City Manager’s award levels would expedite the approval process, thereby shortening timeframes on projects. Councilmember Lockhart MOVED approval to increase the one-quote threshold and the City Manager’s award threshold as presented, SECONDED by Councilmember Polk. MOTION UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. NOTE: Agenda Item 6.h was heard after Agenda Item 6.c.

6.h Consideration of agreement extension request from Waste Management for Recycling services Exhibits: Cover Page Extension of Renewal Request Agreement Amendment 1 Renewal Ms. Anne Heinen, Procurement Manager, explained the City’s agreement with Waste Management Inc. would expire on September 30, 2025, noting Waste Management had requested the City consider renewing the contract for an additional 5-year period and allowing a 3-year renewal option. She stated Waste Management would hold the current pricing for the first 2 years of the agreement, with years 3 through 5 aligning with the agreement’s price adjustments for contract renewals (1 price adjustment each year compared with the Consumer Price Index South Region percent of change for the previous 12-month period immediately preceding the date of the written request), with adjustments becoming effective October 1 of the subsequent year. She concluded a 120-day notice was required prior to the end of the contract year, with current pricing at $7.60 per month per unit. She noted the City could go out to bid if preferred. Mayor Lux questioned if it had been determined what percentage of recycling occurred. Ms. Heinen replied the City had a 25% contamination rate in the recycling stream. A brief discussion ensued regarding what constituted and caused contamination in the recycling stream. Mayor Lux questioned if it helped for recycling to be sorted. Mr. Ron Clayton, Waste Management, replied in the negative, explaining single- stream recycling was performed at their facility. Mayor Lux inquired as to competition. Ms. Heinen replied it was difficult to determine comparable pricing as most municipalities combined waste and recycling. She noted one price received was less; however, Waste Management provided bonds to ensure services were provided per the contract. Councilmember Polk MOVED approval of the agreement extension with Waste Management, SECONDED by Councilmember Lockhart. MOTION UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED. Ms. Heinen stated an amendment including terms and conditions would be prepared, questioning whether the City Manager and City Attorney could approve same. Consensus of City Council was to allow same. 6.i Charlotte Harbor (National Estuary), the Peace River, the Myakka River, and Mosaic Phosphate Mining Exhibits: Cover Page Presentation Backup

Mr. Tim Ritchie, March Against Mosaic, provided a resident presentation detailing the impact of the phosphate mining industry on the Charlotte Harbor estuary, the Peace River, and the Myakka River. He noted the Charlotte Harbor Estuary was composed of 230,334 square miles and a variety of water bodies and waterways. He stated the waste produced by phosphate mining was slightly radioactive. He noted Plant City was the first location Mosaic planned to create their first of four 8,000-foot-deep injection wells to hold blended acidic, radioactive, chemically- laden water. He described several incidents wherein accidents at Mosaic facilities resulted in the release of waste into the environment, including an event wherein a gypsum stack had more than 215 million gallons of acidic, radioactive water burn through limestone and dump for 19 days before Mosaic notified the public. He noted Mosaic sprayed acidic water into the air to help dissipate the radioactive waters. He stated in 2015, Mosaic was fined $1.8 billion for illegal discharge into creeks and streams and illegal storage of waste. He stated up to 27 million gallons per day were discharged into the Peace River. He pointed out the monitoring wells had elevated levels of gamma radiation, refuting Mosaic's statement that same was legacy radiation. He stated Mosaic had renewed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits. He noted the rivers receiving discharge waters would change to the same colors as the gypsum stacks at times. He stated Mosaic was pursuing an eastern extension. He estimated Mosaic was responsible for more than $25 billion in environmental destruction to Florida’s rivers, indicating he would be going to State representatives to request reverse osmosis wastewater facilities installed at each Mosaic location. Mayor Lux inquired what was desired. Mr. Ritchie requested adoption of an ordinance banning all phosphate mining in order to send a message to Mosaic. Councilmember Polk stated the pictures in the presentation were shocking, thanking Mr. Ritchie for his efforts. 7) BOARDS / COMMITTEE 7.a Utility Advisory Board Composition Exhibits: Cover Page Utility Advisory Board Composition City Clerk Sara Welch provided a brief presentation on the composition of the Utility Advisory Board, recommending the membership be revised to 5 regular members and 1 alternate. Consensus of City Council was to proceed with adopting the recommended changes via resolution. 7.b Canvasing Board Appointment Exhibits: Cover Page Canvassing Board Appointment City Clerk Welch provided a brief presentation on the Canvassing Board's composition in years the City had a standalone election, recommending Charlotte

County (County) Commissioner Chris Constance be appointed as no Councilmembers were eligible to serve. Consensus of City Council was to appoint County Commissioner Constance. 7.c Announcement of Vacancies: Building Board (1 alternate) Exhibits: Cover Page Building Board City Clerk Welch announced the vacancy. 7.d Announcement of Vacancies: Code Enforcement Board (1 alternate) Exhibits: Cover Page Code Enforcement Board City Clerk Welch announced the vacancy, noting there was also a vacancy for a seat for a regular member. 7.e Announcement of Vacancies: General Employees' Pension Board Exhibits: Cover Page City Clerk Welch announced the vacancy. 8) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS 8.a Interim City Manager Interim City Manager Reichert provided the following updates: (1) Safe Streets for All grant application for audible signals at crosswalks would be submitted by June 26; (2) staff submitted a T-Mobile grant for $20,000 for the City's tree canopy - results to be announced in August/September 2025; (3) first staff survey was administered - results and an action plan would be included on an upcoming agenda; (4) Urban Qualification Interlocal Agreement would be amended to address an issue with dates; (5) Florida Department of Government Efficiency was amenable to developing a manageable timeline to provide information; (6) divers inspecting the TideFlex valves had discovered no issues so far; (7) marina contract would be put out to bid soon; (8) allocation of marina slips could be examined in the request for proposal process; (9) downtown flood study agreement was in final negotiations; (10) the Evaluation and Selection Committee's city manager search firm review was in progress; (11) City Hall roof solicitation would close June 2; (12) estimated cost for improvements to Historic City Hall was approximately $3.4 million. Consensus of City Council was to move forward with developing a scope and obtaining an opinion of cost. Interim City Manager Reichert received confirmation Council was amenable to the addition of the Englewood Fire Chief to the Public Safety Answering Point. She then stated Mr. Ellison Haddock was to be recognized for his years of service to the community at an upcoming event, confirming consensus of Council was to provide recognition from the City as well. She noted there were 14 fewer

terminations year-to-date for the current year. She encouraged everyone to attend City Council's Budget Workshop scheduled for May 22, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. Councilmember Denton requested an update on the Splash Pad. Mr. Everts explained final application of materials surrounding trench drains was scheduled for Friday, after which power washing and touch up painting would be completed. He stated the system would then begin operations in order to balance the water. He stated all City building permits had been passed. Interim City Manager Reichert requested an update on the boats which had washed ashore in the recent hurricanes. Mr. Everts replied the contractor would be allowed to dissemble boats in the parking lot near Laishley Marina to remove same expeditiously. Interim City Manager Reichert added the process to remove the boats would take approximately a week and a half. 8.b Interim City Attorney Interim City Attorney Leskovich stated the Emerald Lakes lawsuit was still pending and the official response for the RJ Gorman lawsuit was due by June 3, 2025. 8.c City Clerk City Clerk Welch indicated less than 500 vote-by-mail requests were currently active, encouraging all who planned to vote in that fashion to renew their requests. Mayor Lux inquired as to early voting for the City's election. City Clerk Welch replied vote-by-mail ballots would be available over the counter from the Supervisor of Elections Office rather than early voting. 9) COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS Councilmember Denton questioned if the requirement for a second engineering report could be waived for Mr. O'Connell's Certificate of Appropriateness application. Ms. Barry replied staff had not received an initial structural analysis report for 509 Palm Drive. Councilmember Polk received confirmation from Ms. Barry that the structure was on the Local Register of Historic Places. Ms. Barry indicated staff could request updated photos of the interior of the home. Councilmember Denton noted Interim City Manager Reichert had determined a way for local applicants to apply online for the City Manager position. Interim City Manager Reichert requested Councilmember Denton send any applications directly to Human Resources. Councilmember Lockhart requested a discussion of commercial slip leases. Interim City Manager Reichert indicated same would be addressed in the new RFP. Councilmember Lockhart inquired as to the status of the Gilchrist Park bathrooms. Mr. Everts replied Engineering was working to finalize document details before the project went out to bid, noting electricity had not yet been restored to the park. He stated the electric panels serving the bathrooms would be prioritized. Mayor Lux questioned if Tiger Dams should be considered for the park restrooms. Mr. Everts replied they likely would not have protected the bathrooms due to the boats which had entered the parks and damaged the bathrooms.

Councilmember Lockhart suggested a business workshop be held to discuss a set of topics to be determined, suggesting hurricane preparedness could be one topic. Interim City Manager Reichert replied same was scheduled for the first two weeks of July, noting impervious surfaces was one topic to be included but other topics could be added. Councilmember Lockhart questioned if the Planning and Zoning Board was required to hear the repeal of the Land Development Regulations (LDRs). Interim City Attorney Leskovich indicated he would examine same and provide advice. Councilmember Julian stated there was an appetite for updates on projects throughout the City, questioning if same could be posted on the website. Interim City Manager Reichert stated a project update would be included on the website and in agenda packets, adding same could also be shared in newspaper. Councilmember Julian expressed concern regarding the composition of the City's tax base, which was largely residential, suggesting annexation be pursued down Jones Loop Road. Councilmember Polk reviewed the purpose of the Charlotte County-Punta Gorda Metropolitan Planning Organization board meeting, emphasizing the importance of the Board in addressing transportation issues. She noted a common theme throughout Florida communities was funding to maintain existing roads and the importance of careful development. Mayor Lux requested recognition of Judy Jones at a future meeting. Councilmember Polk noted the funeral would be held May 23, 2025, at Kays-Ponger and Uselton Funeral Home, with the public welcomed from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., adding a celebration of life would be held at Cooper Street Recreation Center starting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Mayor Lux requested City Council consider a date to provide breakfast to staff as Councilmembers. She then suggested reflectorized paving around Fishermen’s Village. She urged all to attend Memorial Day events in the City. She received confirmation from City Clerk Welch that a Juneteenth proclamation was scheduled. She concluded with an announcement that Advent Health wanted to locate a facility in the Punta Gorda area, noting they would employ full-time nursing staff. 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. Mr. Ritchie emphasized the need for residents to understand the high-quality work Interim City Manager Reichert performed. He then expressed appreciation for City Council and the City’s staff. Interim City Manager Reichert announced the date for the City Council Business Workshop was scheduled for July 7, 2025, confirming a 2:00 p.m. start time would work for all Councilmembers. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1:48 p.m.