Pre-agenda City Council

CITY OF PUNTA GORDA, FLORIDA PRE-AGENDA CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 4, 2025, 9:00 A.M. 126 HARVEY STREET MEMBERS PRESENT: Denton, Julian, Lockhart, Lux, Polk CITY STAFF PRESENT: Interim City Manager Reichert; City Attorney Levin; Kristin Simeone, Finance Director; Tom Spencer, Utilities Director; Ron Everts, Public Works Director; Jeff Payne, Human Resources Manager; Joan LeBeau, Planning Director; Pam Smith, Police Chief; Holden Gibbs, Fire Chief; Anne Heinen, Procurement Manager; Bradford Schuette, IT Manager; City Clerk Welch CALL TO ORDER Interim City Manager Reichert called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. She confirmed no one desired to provide public comment. AGENDA APPROVAL There were changes to the agenda. 1) PROCLAMATIONS / PRESENTATIONS 1.a Irish American Heritage Month. Exhibits: Cover Page Irish American Heritage Month There was no discussion. 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. There was no public comment. 3) PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA (Quasi-Judicial and Legislative) 3.a An ordinance of the City of Punta Gorda amending ordinance 2019-24 which amended and restated the City of Punta Gorda Firefighters' Retirement System, as adopted by ordinance 879-87, as subsequently amended and restated by

ordinance 1807-15; providing an amended definition for the term credited service; providing for severability of provisions; repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith and providing an effective date. FIRST READING. Exhibits: Cover Page Proposed Ordinance - Redline Proposed Ordinance - Clean Ms. Courtney Buckles, Risk Coordinator, explained the ordinance would allow firefighters to purchase credited years of service as a lump sum of calculated cost up front, as multiple lump sums, or through payroll deductions. Mayor Lux thanked Ms. Buckles for the clarification. 4) ORDINANCES / RESOLUTIONS (No Public Hearing Required) 4.a A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Punta Gorda, Florida amending the budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024 by providing for supplemental appropriations in the amounts identified in Exhibit A; and providing an effective date. Exhibits: Cover Page Budget Amendment Mayor Lux questioned whether grants remained in place or if the City had to reapply annually. Ms. Pam Smith, Police Chief, replied the City had to reapply each year through the Marine Advisory Committee's (MAC) Boater Revolving Fund Grant Program for new equipment and overtime pay for marine officers. Mayor Lux received confirmation from Ms. Smith that this request was for appropriation of funds the City already had. 5) CONSENT AGENDA 5.a Proof of Loss - Hurricane Ian Exhibits: Cover Page Proof of Loss Damage Deductible and Payment Spreadsheet Ms. Buckles stated a check was received for the roofing at the Water Treatment Plant's main building from Hurricane Ian, noting this supplement had been provided related to lightning rod protecting on the building. 5.b Approval of Minutes: Regular Meeting of February 5, 2025 Exhibits: Cover Page February 5, 2025, Minutes There was no discussion. 6) REGULAR AGENDA

6.a Community Garden on 317 E Virginia Ave Exhibits: Cover Page Ms. Joan LeBeau stated the community garden had been given to a local community group to manage, with management of the garden changing hands occasionally. She noted Rodrick’s Nature Resort desired to manage the garden, recalling TEAM Punta Gorda had recently cleaned up same. Mayor Lux thanked everyone who assisted in the garden clean up. 6.b Discussion regarding Gambling within the City Limits Exhibits: Cover Page Gambling Discussion Info Ms. Rachel Barry, Zoning Official, explained she had provided statutory information and an excerpt from the Charlotte County Code of Ordinances. Interim City Manager Reichert explained the intent for this item was public education regarding gambling. Councilmember Denton noted the City could only control what occurred within City limits and gambling would require approval from the State’s electorate. City Attorney Levin noted a constitutional amendment would be required to allow gambling, which was a significant hurdle. Councilmember Lockhart expressed concern that this item would confuse residents. Interim City Manager Reichert opined gambling was already on residents’ minds. City Attorney Levin noted the City had been proactive and enforced the prohibition on gambling before Charlotte County began their enforcement efforts. 6.c Progress Update on Capital Improvement Projects Exhibits: Cover Page Capital Improvement Project Update March 2025 Councilmember Julian expressed interest in reallocating the funds from the rehabilitation of City Hall. Interim City Manager Reichert stated same could be done after the cost of the repairs City Council desired to make to City Hall were determined. Councilmember Lockhart noted electors had desired to fund City Hall repairs to an extent. Councilmember Julian acknowledged same, suggesting storm drains should receive a portion of any reallocated funds. Interim City Manager Reichert noted City Hall funds came from sources other than the Sales Tax Program, explaining those could be reallocated as City Council desired. Mayor Lux noted the historic portion of City Hall would need some funds for repairs. Councilmember Julian acknowledged same, suggesting City Council begin discussions of reprioritizing Sales Tax Program projects in the near future. Mayor Lux inquired as to the water for the Laishley Splash Pad.

Mr. Ron Everts, Public Works Director, explained the water would be recycled after the initial fill of 4,000 gallons. Mayor Lux suggested same be communicated in the Weekly Highlights Report. She spoke in favor of prioritizing storm sewer reconstruction. Councilmember Julian questioned how much storm sewer reconstruction could be completed for $70 thousand. Mr. Everts replied those funds were used to repair pipes which had failed but could not be replaced, indicating same was not a scheduled replacement. He explained the Public Works Department could only be reactive rather than proactive without more staff. He explained a camera was going to be purchased to examine the interior of pipes. Councilmember Julian asked if increased funding would allow staff to complete more work. Mr. Everts replied staffing levels would need to be increased in order to complete more work and transition to a more proactive approach. Mayor Lux questioned if City Council could assist Public Works. Mr. Everts replied that Public Works staffing had declined as a result of the recession in 2008 and never fully recovered. Councilmember Denton questioned if storm drain repairs could be contracted out. Mr. Everts replied the issues needed to be identified before staff could create a scope of work to bid out a repair project. He stated staff was working to identify the issues. Councilmember Denton questioned if it would be a cost savings to contract out storm drain repairs. Mr. Everts replied retaining staff to perform such repairs would be a savings, noting they could complete additional work. Mayor Lux inquired as to the divers who would examine the City’s storm drains. Mr. Everts replied Public Works only had one engineer and hurricane repair projects had delayed the project. Mayor Lux questioned if Public Works would benefit from their own scope writer. Interim City Manager Reichert indicated a scope writer would be more beneficial. Mr. Everts replied same was in process and would be helpful. Mr. Ron Everts noted there were two bids received for the downtown flooding study. Mayor Lux noted downtown flooding was another important topic, noting clear pipes were important. Interim City Manager Reichert reminded Council of the downtown flooding workshop scheduled for March 11, 2025, at Isles Yacht Club at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Lux questioned if allowance for 72 hours of standing water was required verbiage. Mr. Everts replied the City had replicated Charlotte County’s standard, noting that was a good standard due to the soil’s naturally slow rate of percolation. Mayor Lux noted cleaning up the swales would help. Mr. Everts indicated swales were in constant need of attention, explaining Floratam and St. Augustine grass quickly created thatching. Mayor Lux questioned if another material would be better. Mr. Everts replied Public Works would prefer Bahia grass as same did not create thatch. Mayor Lux inquired as to the grant for channel and basin grant funding at the Boat Club.

Interim City Manager Reichert replied the City had applied for a MAC grant but had to defer same because they were unable to complete the grant within 1 year. Councilmember Polk questioned if the Septic-to-Sewer project for Charlotte Park would be completed. Mr. Tom Spencer, Utilities Director, acknowledged the Charlotte Park community was in Charlotte County (County), noting the City had grant funding for land acquisition for the project. He stated staff needed to have a meeting with the project engineer. Mayor Lux questioned if land acquisition was necessary. Mr. Spencer replied affirmatively, explaining same was needed for the gravity sewer system infrastructure. Interim City Manager Reichert noted the City could apply for grants throughout the project, adding funds needed to be located to assist homeowners in Charlotte Park. Councilmember Denton questioned if Charlotte County would assist with funding that area. Interim City Manager Reichert replied in the negative. Mayor Lux inquired as to insurance for the Bayfront Center. Ms. Buckles replied the Bayfront Center was insured for $1.3 million. Councilmember Denton questioned if Interim City Manager Reichert could present the three options for the Bayfront Center that were included in the Citywide Master Plan. Interim City Manager Reichert stated she would do so at the Bayfront Center Workshop. Mayor Lux noted the A.C. Freeman House would be discussed at the March 19, 2025, City Council meeting. Councilmember Julian expressed desire to sell same. Mayor Lux spoke in favor of replacing decorative lights that were out with solar lights, which could be removed prior to storms. Mr. Everts indicated those lights were scheduled to be completed by the end of March. Mayor Lux inquired as to additional funds for the fire training structure. Mr. Holden Gibbs, Fire Chief, explained that project had been ongoing as permits were obtained, indicating the grant would have funded the project completely but costs had increased. Mayor Lux questioned if a contract was in place to replace the windows at Fire Station 3. Mr. Gibbs replied that project had to be rebid as the company that would have supplied the windows had gone out of business. He stated staff had postponed painting the building as damage was expected during the window replacement process; however, staff decided to proceed with the painting and would touch up any damaged areas after the windows were replaced, given the delays to the window replacement. Mayor Lux expressed support for prioritizing regular maintenance, acknowledging increased staffing was needed. Mr. Spencer noted qualified project managers were needed in order to manage more projects. He indicated he planned to develop a Utilities Master Plan that would address maintenance and replacement needs, noting a yearly report could be instituted to track progress.

Mayor Lux expressed desire for budget-related items to be presented in the same order they appeared in the City’s Budget book, suggesting adjustments to the Capital Improvement Program project sheets. Interim City Manager Reichert noted City Council set policies and staff implemented same, explaining staff had discussed updated Capital Improvement Program project sheets. Mayor Lux soke in favor of discussing improvements to King Street. Mr. Everts replied a preliminary design had been created to address drainage in the area, noting the thickness of the concrete would make removal difficult. He stated once a drainage easement was secured, staff could bid out the design. He noted hurricane restoration projects were prioritized over this project. Interim City Manager Reichert indicated staff was going to wait to open additional pickleball courts until after the Design Studio meeting was held. 7) BOARDS / COMMITTEE 7.a Announcement of Vacancies: Burnt Store Isles Canal Advisory Committee (1 regular) Exhibits: Cover Page Burnt Store Isles Canal Advisory Committee There was no discussion. 7.b Announcement of Vacancies: Building Board (1 contractor, 1 consumer advocate, and 1 alternate) Exhibits: Cover Page Building Board There was no discussion. 7.c Announcement of Vacancies: Donation Review Committee (1 arts representative) Exhibits: Cover Page Donation Review Committee There was no discussion. 7.d Announcement of Vacancy: Punta Gorda Housing Authority (2 Regular) Exhibits: Cover Page There was no discussion. 7.e Announcement of Vacancies: Utility Advisory Board (3 regular seats) Exhibits: Cover Page Utility Advisory Board

There was no discussion. 7.f Nominations: Firefighters' Pension Board (1 regular) Exhibits: Cover Page Gerow Application Markowski Application There was no discussion. 7.g Nominations: Planning and Zoning Board (2 alternate) Exhibits: Cover Page Planning and Zoning Board Kellythorne Application Knuffke Application There was no discussion. 8) REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS 8.a Interim City Manager There was no discussion. 8.b City Attorney City Attorney Levin noted the Charlotte County Airport Authority (CCAA) had requested utilities service and therefore the City was seeking a pre-annexation agreement. He questioned if the Punta Gorda Airport (Airport) was not currently receiving utility service from the City. Mr. Spencer replied the Airport provided service to most of their facilities, expressing uncertainty as to their request. City Attorney Levin stated a former City Council had established a policy that property owners outside City limits who sought City utilities service were required to sign a pre-annexation agreement. He stated the CCAA was provided a pre- annexation agreement, indicating they claimed they were exempt from same. He stated he had requested corroborating documentation, at which point they provided a copy of their enabling legislation which did not address the matter and was insufficient. He explained he had requested other evidence and directed the CCAA that they could request City Council consider exempting them from the pre-annexation requirement. He explained City Council had discretion to exempt the CCAA, suggesting this topic be considered on a future agenda as well as a discussion of whether this City Council desired to continue the policy requiring pre-annexation agreements. He then questioned if City Council desired pre-annexation agreements come to City Council for approval or be approved administratively. 8.c City Clerk There was no discussion.

9) COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS 9.a Mayor There was no discussion. 9.b Councilmembers There was no discussion. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:59 a.m. Mayor City Clerk