City Council

MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING CITY OF NEW PORT RICHEY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, FIRST FLOOR, CITY HALL, 5919 MAIN ST., NEW PORT RICHEY, FL 34652 August 5, 2025 6:00 PM ORDER OF BUSINESS 1. Call to Order Roll Call The meeting was called to order by Mayor Chopper Davis at 6:00 p.m. Those in attendance were Mayor Chopper Davis, Councilman Peter Altman, Councilman Bertell Butler IV and Councilman Brian Jonas. Deputy Mayor Matt Murphy arrived at 6:03 p.m. Also in Attendance were City Manager Debbie L. Manns, City Attorney Timothy Driscoll, City Clerk Judy Meyers, Finance Director Crystal Dunn, Fire Chief Chris Fitch, Public Works Director Robert Rivera, Police Chief Bob Kochen, Librarian III Stephanie Jones, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Trapp, Community and Development Director Dale Hall, Technology Solutions Director Leanne Mahadeo, and Human Resources Director Arnel Wetzel. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Moment of Silence 4. Swearing In of New District Chief Evan DeVore City Clerk Judy Meyers administered the oath to new District Chief Evan DeVore. 5. Police Department Awards Presentations a. Officer Nicholas Campana – Departments Life Saving Award Police Chief Robert Kochen presented Officer Nicholas Campana with their Department Life Saving Award. b. Melissa Hagerman – Departments Citizens Award Police Chief Robert Kochen presented Melissa Hagerman with their Department Citizens Award. 6. Presentation by Duke Energy RE: Renewable Energy Certificates Katie Christian and Travis Knows from Duke Energy made a presentation to Council regarding renewable energy certificates. 1

7. Proclamations a. Florida Water Professionals Month (By Title Only) 8. Approval of Minutes a. July 15, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes and July 16, 2025 Work Session Minutes Motion made by Brian Jonas, and seconded by Bertell Butler IV to approve the minutes as submitted. The Motion Passed. 5 - 0 Ayes: Chopper Davis, Matt Murphy, Peter Altman, Bertell Butler IV, Brian Jonas 9. Vox Pop for Items Not Listed on the Agenda or Listed on Consent Agenda City Attorney Driscoll read aloud the rules governing Vox Pop. Mayor Davis then opened the floor for public comment. The following people came forward to speak: Kim Brust, 6545 Circle Blvd., NPR spoke regarding the Cultural Affairs Committee and NPRMS funding and activities. Donna Jensen, 5922 Wyoming Ave., NPR spoke regarding Schwettman Education Center and the SOS GHS 1922 group taking part in the planning activities. Jackie Phillips, 5411 Drinkard Dr., NPR spoke regarding installing a backflow device for residents of Drinkard Drive. Nathan Pollock, 6153 Massachusetts Ave., NPR spoke regarding his fundraiser for Tunnel for Towers and a letter he received from Mr. Driscoll and his appeal hearing. Shinikki Whiting, 5755 Indiana Ave., NPR thanked the City Manager and staff for the flowers and help provided with her father's recent passing. With no one else coming forward for public comment, Mayor Davis closed Vox Pop. 10. Consent Agenda Motion made by Matt Murphy, and seconded by Brian Jonas to accept the Consent Agenda. The Motion Passed. 5 - 0 Ayes: Chopper Davis, Matt Murphy, Peter Altman, Bertell Butler IV, Brian Jonas a. Purchases/Payments for City Council Approval b. Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting Minutes - April-June 2025 c. Library Advisory Board Minutes - April and June 2025 11. Public Reading of Ordinances a. First Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2330: Designation of School Zones for Placement of Speed Detection Systems City Attorney Driscoll read the proposed ordinance by title only. City Manager Manns introduced Police Chief Robert Kochen who then presented the item to Council. He stated the purpose of this agenda item was to conduct a first reading of an ordinance for the designation of school zones for placement of speed detection systems. He stated the four school zones defined in Ordinance No. 2025-2330 are staffed with school crossing guards trained and employed by the city. These four school zones are clearly identified by pavement markings, signage, and/or flashing yellow lights, 2

in accordance with state law requirements. The police department conducts traffic enforcement and deploys additional traffic safety measures to include the traffic mannequin being utilized in these zones. All the above resources are in place in these four school zones to promote traffic safety for the hundreds of school children who utilize these school zones daily. Despite these measures, comprehensive speed studies conducted in March 2025 across the four school zones indicate that on average drivers travel more than ten miles per hour over the posted 15 mile per hour speed limit in these active school zones. This means that many vehicles traveling through the four school zones identified in Ordinance No. 2025- 2330 exceeded the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour, which is unacceptable. The State of Florida has enacted laws in Chapter 316 that authorize counties and municipalities to establish speed detection systems in school zones. The City Council has adopted Ordinance 2025-2318 providing for the operation of a school zone speed detection system in the city. These laws are intended to enhance traffic safety within school zones across the State of Florida. These four school zones meet the criteria for a heightened safety risk based on the speed studies conducted in these zones. He stated this ordinance will enable the police department to establish an additional layer of traffic safety initiatives by installing speed detection devices in these school zones where speed violations are occurring. This added deterrence and enforcement will help ensure that we are doing everything possible to promote traffic safety within our school zones to protect our children. Upon opening the floor to public comment, no one came forward therefore Mayor Davis returned the floor to Council. Motion made by Bertell Butler IV, and seconded by Brian Jonas to approve the ordinance upon on its first reading. The Motion Passed. 5 - 0 Ayes: Chopper Davis, Matt Murphy, Peter Altman, Bertell Butler IV, Brian Jonas b. Second Reading, Ordinance No. 2025-2318: Authorizing the Placement of Speed Detection Systems within School Zones City Attorney Driscoll read the proposed ordinance by title only. City Manager Manns introduced Police Chief Bob Kochen who then presented the item to Council. He stated the purpose of this agenda item was to conduct a second and final reading of an ordinance which authorizes the placement of speed detection systems in school zones within our city’s jurisdiction, as permitted by Florida Law. He stated that city’s three schools, as outlined in the ordinance have multiple school zones that are staffed with school crossing guards. These school zones are clearly identified by pavement markings, signage, and/or flashing yellow lights, in accordance with state law requirements. The police department conducts traffic enforcement and deploys additional traffic safety measures to include the traffic mannequin being utilized in these zones. All the above resources are in place in our school zones to promote traffic safety for the hundreds of school children who utilize these school zones daily. Despite these measures, comprehensive speed studies conducted in March 2025 across the four school zones indicate that on average drivers travel more than ten miles per hour over the posted 15 mile per hour speed limit in these active school zones. This means that many vehicles traveling through the school zones identified in the attached study exceeded the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour, which is unacceptable. The State of Florida has enacted laws in Chapter 316 that authorize counties and municipalities to establish speed detection systems in school zones. These laws are intended to enhance traffic safety within school zones across the State of Florida. He stated this ordinance will enable us to establish an additional layer of traffic safety initiatives by installing speed detection devices in our school zones where speed violations are occurring. This added deterrence and enforcement will help ensure that we are doing everything possible to promote traffic safety within our school zones to protect our children. Upon opening the floor to public comment, no one came forward therefore Mayor Davis returned the floor to Council. 3

Motion made by Bertell Butler IV, and seconded by Matt Murphy to approve the ordinance upon on its second and final reading. The Motion Passed. 5 - 0 Ayes: Chopper Davis, Matt Murphy, Peter Altman, Bertell Butler IV, Brian Jonas 12. Business Items a. Board Re-Appointment: Richard Melton, Cultural Affairs Committee City Manager Manns introduced the item to Council. She stated the purpose of this agenda item was to approve the re-appointment of Richard Melton to the Cultural Affairs Committee. She stated Mr. Melton has been a member of the Cultural Affairs Committee since 2017 and currently serves as chairman for the committee. Mr. Melton's will expire on August 15, 2025 therefore he has submitted his application for re-appointment. If approved, Mr. Melton's term will be for two years and will be up for renewal on August 15, 2027. Upon opening the floor to public comment, no one came forward therefore Mayor Davis returned the floor to Council. Motion made by Bertell Butler IV, and seconded by Peter Altman to approve the item as presented. The Motion Passed. 5 - 0 Ayes: Chopper Davis, Matt Murphy, Peter Altman, Bertell Butler IV, Brian Jonas b. Board Re-Appointment: Rose Mohr, Environmental Committee City Manager Manns introduced the item to Council. She stated the purpose of this agenda item was to approve the re-appointment of Rose Mohr to the Environmental Committee. She stated Ms. Mohr has been a member of the City's Environmental Committee since 2011 and currently serves as Vice-Chair. Ms. Mohr's term expired on February 21, 2025 therefore she has submitted her application seeking re-appointment to the Committee. If approved, Ms. Mohr's term will be for two years and will be up for renewal on August 5, 2027. Upon opening the floor to public comment, no one came forward therefore Mayor Davis returned the floor to Council. Motion made by Bertell Butler IV, and seconded by Brian Jonas to approve the item as presented. The Motion Passed. 5 - 0 Ayes: Chopper Davis, Matt Murphy, Peter Altman, Bertell Butler IV, Brian Jonas c. Peace Hall Fee Waiver Request - Brainstormsnpr, Inc. December 2025 Events City Manager Manns introduced the item to Council. She stated the purpose of this agenda item was to approve waiving the Peace Hall rental fees which total $1,149.00 for Brainstormsnpr, Inc. event's scheduled for December 6, 2025 and December 14, 2025. Upon opening the floor to public comment, the following people came forward to speak: Bonnie Martin, Treasurer of Brainstormsnpr, Inc. spoke regarding the non-profit, their Board of Diretors and the mentorship from the Children's Museum in St. Petersburg. She also gave an overview of each of the scheduled December events. With no one else coming forward Mayor Davis returned the floor to Council. Motion made by Bertell Butler IV, and seconded by Matt Murphy to approve the item as presented. The Motion Passed. 5 - 0 Ayes: Chopper Davis, Matt Murphy, Peter Altman, Bertell Butler IV, Brian Jonas d. Recommendation for Approval of Cultural Event: Oktoberfest NPR City Manager Manns introduced the item to Council. She stated the purpose of this agenda item 4

was to approve funding in the amount of $4000.00, for the purpose of presenting Oktoberfest NPR, an educational and entertaining family-friendly event that highlights German culture through traditional music and dance. If approved, the event would take place at the Richey Suncoast Theater on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., aligning with the traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest, which runs from mid-September through the first weekend in October. The event will be free and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Upon opening the floor to public comment, the following people came forward to speak: Susie Saxe, Executive Director of RST spoke regarding the activities associated with the event. With no one else coming forward Mayor Davis returned the floor to Council. Motion made by Brian Jonas, and seconded by Matt Murphy to approve the item as presented. The Motion Passed. 5 - 0 Ayes: Chopper Davis, Matt Murphy, Peter Altman, Bertell Butler IV, Brian Jonas e. Resolution No. 2025-26: Adoption of the 2025 Pasco County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan City Attorney Driscoll read the proposed resolution by title only. City Manager Manns introduced Fire Chief Chris Fitch who then presented the item to Council. He stated the purpose of this agenda item was to approve a resolution to adopt the 2025 Pasco County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. He stated as required by Florida Administrative Code 27P-6, each county is required to submit a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) to the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) at a minimum of every four years for review and approval. Pasco County Emergency Management submitted their 2025 CEMP to the FDEM and received approval on April 8, 2025, and subsequent approval by the Board of County Commissioners on June 3, 2025. The Pasco County CEMP represents an all-hazards, whole community approach to Emergency Management inclusive of the six municipalities within the county, to reinforce the coordination of mitigation strategies across jurisdictional boundaries. He stated all municipalities must be covered by the Pasco County CEMP for Pasco County to be eligible to receive federal mitigation funds. Upon opening the floor to public comment, no one came forward therefore Mayor Davis returned the floor to Council. Motion made by Peter Altman, and seconded by Bertell Butler IV to approve the item as presented. The Motion Passed. 5 - 0 Ayes: Chopper Davis, Matt Murphy, Peter Altman, Bertell Butler IV, Brian Jonas f. Consider Addendum Two: Extension of 2023 Interlocal Agreement for Legal Services w/Pasco Sheriff City Manager Manns introduced Police Chief Robert Kochen who then presented the item to Council. He stated the purpose of this agenda item was to approve Addendum Two, which extends the existing 2023 Interlocal Agreement between the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the New Port Richey Police Department from July 13, 2025, to July 13, 2026. The 2023 Interlocal 5

Agreement outlines the legal services provided by the Sheriff’s Office for prosecuting our department’s Risk Protection Orders before the Circuit Court. He stated that the State of Florida has enacted “Red Flag Laws” under Florida State Statute 790.401, which empower law enforcement agencies statewide to take possession of firearms from individuals who are deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. Moreover, these laws facilitate the removal of firearms from individuals through the circuit court for a period of up to one year to safeguard the community. Currently, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office provides the services of its attorneys to file and prosecute Risk Protection Orders before the Circuit Court on behalf of the New Port Richey Police Department. This arrangement is considered a best practice for our department because it ensures that Risk Protection Orders are handled by a legal unit within the Sheriff’s Office that specializes and excels in this area of law. Additionally, this partnership continues to strengthen the existing synergies between the Sheriff’s Office and the New Port Richey Police Department by fostering collaboration aimed at preventing dangerous individuals from accessing firearms. Upon opening the floor to public comment, no one came forward therefore Mayor Davis returned the floor to Council. Motion made by Bertell Butler IV, and seconded by Brian Jonas to approve the item as presented. The Motion Passed. 5 - 0 Ayes: Chopper Davis, Matt Murphy, Peter Altman, Bertell Butler IV, Brian Jonas g. Consider Mutual Aid Agreement w/FDLE: Tampa Bay Regional Operations Center Child Abduction Response Team City Manager Manns introduced Police Chief Robert Kochen who then presented the item to Council. He stated the purpose of this agenda item was to approve the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Mutual Aid Agreement to establish a Tampa Bay Regional Operations Center Child Abduction Response Team (CART). Once signed by the participating agencies, this agreement shall remain in effect until December 31, 2028. He stated the goal of the FDLE CART agreement is for participating agencies to pool resources across jurisdictional lines to assist each other in handling child abductions and other serious crimes involving children, as outlined in the agreement. By collaborating under the CART framework, law enforcement agencies can leverage enhanced resources to more effectively combat crimes against vulnerable children. The principal sites for CART activity shall be the following counties: Citrus, Sumter, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk and Hardee. When involved in CART operations under this agreement, participating agencies shall have jurisdiction anywhere in the State of Florida and shall have full authority to enforce laws and request assistance from other CART members. Upon opening the floor to public comment, no one came forward therefore Mayor Davis returned the floor to Council. Motion made by Bertell Butler IV, and seconded by Matt Murphy to approve the item as presented. The Motion Passed. 5 - 0 Ayes: Chopper Davis, Matt Murphy, Peter Altman, Bertell Butler IV, Brian Jonas h. Indoor Basketball Courts and Birch Room Wood Floors Sand and Refinish Project City Manager Manns introduced Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Trapp who then presented the item to Council. He stated the purpose of this agenda item was to approve the attached proposal from Southeastern Surfaces & Equipment, in the amount not to exceed $44,050.00 for the Birch Room wood floors sanding and refinishing. This contains piggyback pricing per the Manatee County School District bid# SDMC No 23-0100-KD. He stated the wood floors were last sanded and refinished in March 2020. Both rooms currently show signs of a dull finish, fading, scuffing and reduced protective coating. Upon opening the floor to public comment, 6

no one came forward therefore Mayor Davis returned the floor to Council. Motion made by Brian Jonas, and seconded by Bertell Butler IV to approve the item as presented. The Motion Passed. 5 - 0 Ayes: Chopper Davis, Matt Murphy, Peter Altman, Bertell Butler IV, Brian Jonas i. ITB 25-016 Basketball Court Repair Bid Award City Manager Manns introduced Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Trapp who then presented the item to Council. He stated the purpose of this agenda item was to approve the bid submitted by the Timm Group Building & General Contractors, Inc. in the amount not to exceed $126,310.00 for ITB25-016 Basketball Court Repair at the Recreation & Aquatic Center. The scope of this project includes the following elements resurfacing the asphalt surface, applying an acrylic surface to the entire court, install four (4) new basketball hoops and backboards, and stripe the court for basketball play. He stated this area is open to the public and frequently used for drop-in basketball play, youth basketball practices, and an open area for exercising in a variety of ways. Upon opening the floor to public comment, no one came forward therefore Mayor Davis returned the floor to Council. Motion made by Bertell Butler IV, and seconded by Matt Murphy to approve the item as presented. The Motion Passed. 5 - 0 Ayes: Chopper Davis, Matt Murphy, Peter Altman, Bertell Butler IV, Brian Jonas j. Approval of Client Service Agreement with RSC Insurance Brokerage Inc. d/b/a Risk Strategies Company (Gehring Group), for RFQ 25-015 Insurance Broker of Record/ Risk Management Consulting Services City Manager Manns asked for this item to be deferred until the August 19, 2025 meeting. 13. Communications Councilman Altman spoke regarding Ms. Phillips' comments about backflow protection. He would like to hear the response from Public Works. City Manager Manns stated she will provide a written report. He spoke regarding Beth-El Shalom property and the interest of the property owner having it acquired by the City. Councilman Altman and City Manager Manns held a brief discussion regarding the new Economic Development Director. He stated he will fill a great need. He thanked Council for the Brainstorms item. He stated the interest brought forth by Ms. Martin is only the beginning. He stated that there is a compelling opportunity for us to be attractive with amenities. Councilman Butler stated he will be reaching out to the Drinkard Drive residents. He has spoken to city staff regarding the re-hearing request by Mr. Pollock. He stated what Mr. Pollock presented is basis for a re-hearing in his opinion. He spoke regarding Section 2-13 of the Charter will provides that any Council member can present an ordinance. He would like this ordinance on the August 19th agenda and it will be to repeal the solid waste program. He stated he does not feel there is enough information for it to be a solid waste tax. He stated the tax only provides revenue to the City and puts the burden on residents. He stated this ordinance will put it on the utility bill unless the residents put forth an amendment. He spoke regarding comments made at the work session regarding his attendance at meetings and work sessions. Councilman Jonas spoke regarding Drinkard Drive. He would like to get more information and what we can do to address it. He stated in reference to Councilman Butler's comments on absences he stated he was more concerned we were all here and voting and representing our residents. He would like to have a work session on the RAC property and to discuss our ultimate goal. Deputy Mayor Murphy agreed there is a lot of things going on with the RAC property and work session would be good so we can plan accordingly. Mayor Davis spoke regarding the Rio Drive resident meetings and suggested 7

other Council members reach out to the residents since they were not in attendance. He spoke regarding the AAAP and their lack of plans. He stated they just want access to the property. He stated when they want to use the property they will have to come up with some type of drawing. He stated Congressman Bilirakis secured funding for this project. He stated he is not in favor of moving the skate park over to Frances as there is no building for staff to be in. He stated he has spoken to staff about trying to put together a Veterans Day Parade on November 11th. City Manager Manns stated she will put together a full report on the Rio Drive meetings. She stated she does plan to bring the parade item forward on the next Council agenda. She will work to secure a date for a work session on the RAC property to discuss the best use of space. City Attorney Driscoll stated in regards to the information presented by Councilman Butler that if there is an advertisement requirement the ordinance may have to be moved to September 2nd. 14. Adjournment There being no further business to consider, upon proper motion, the meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m. (signed) _________________________________ Judy Meyers, MMC City Clerk 8