[2:16] Members, 20, 25, I'd like to call this meeting to order and ask if they have a cell phone, please turn it to silent, or off so that we don't have any interruptions.

[2:25] We're going to start this evening's meeting with an indication, and then followed by the pledge of allegiance, so please stand.

[2:37] By your heads, please take a moment to reflect with gratitude and purpose.

[2:42] As we gather this evening, we recognize April as fair housing month, and reaffirm our shared commitment to equality, dignity, and opportunity for all.

[2:50] May our efforts help ensure that everyone in our community has a safe and stable place to call home.

[2:56] Next week, Mark's National Library Week, a time to celebrate the power of knowledge,

[3:00] and the vital role our library's plan and inspiring learning, fostering creativity

[3:04] and strengthening connections with our community.

[3:07] Let us continue to support those who provide access to education and opportunity for all.

[3:13] This evening, we also recognize and celebrate several firefighters,

[3:16] reaching an important milestone in their service.

[3:19] Their dedication and bravery are a testament to their commitment to protecting others.

[3:24] May they be guarded by wisdom, strengthen by courage, and support it by the gratitude

[3:29] of those they serve.

[3:31] May our work tonight reflect the values of fairness, knowledge, and service that make our

[3:35] city strong.

[3:54] Thank you, please have a seat. We do have some ceremonial items on the agenda today. We start with a lead.

[4:01] cities for city's certification.

[4:06] Good evening, Mayor and Commission.

[4:08] As you are aware, we are very excited to announce our certification.

[4:13] A goal level certification for our sustainability and resilience work across our community.

[4:18] This goal level certification is provided by the lead for cities program.

[4:22] And we have a Lexus Berry here today to present the certification to you all.

[4:33] Hi, good evening.

[4:34] Mayor Brown and the members of the City of Largo's Commission.

[4:37] It's in honor to be with you today as we celebrate the city's gold-level certification and the US Green Building Council's lead for city's rating system

[4:46] for anyone who doesn't know that's the second highest certification level you can get it

[4:51] I'm sure

[4:57] and that's not an April full show

[5:01] I'm sure that most of you are familiar with individual buildings that certify under the lead rating system

[5:06] But what does it mean to certify an entire city the lead for city's rating system was both by

[5:13] and for local governments, pursuing a more sustainable and resilient future.

[5:18] Leave for cities provides an evaluation of where you are today, addressing topics such

[5:22] as renewable energy, solid waste management, land use planning, transportation, air and

[5:28] water quality, and so many other factors contributing to a city's overall quality of life.

[5:33] Largo joins a strong community of Florida cities, towns, and counties committed to sustainability

[5:38] and resilience excellence.

[5:40] Around the country, nearly 150 local governments are certified,

[5:44] and 27 of those are from Florida,

[5:46] making it the most certified cities and communities

[5:49] out of any state in the U.S.

[5:52] Today, we are here to celebrate the city of Largo,

[5:55] so congratulations on achieving lead gold certification

[5:58] for lead facilities.

[6:00] The city did exceptionally well in transportation

[6:03] and the land use category,

[6:05] achieving points for compact, mixed use,

[6:07] transit where it's in development standards as well as meeting requirements for transportation

[6:12] safety and transit supportive design. We are pleased to see the city's efforts to track its

[6:17] energy use on its buildings and increase the efficiency of street lighting as well as taking

[6:23] accountability towards a city wide carbon neutrality. Largo means the thresholds for a new

[6:29] energy and stormwater management ensuring that less than 50 percent of the city's total land

[6:34] area is impervious terrain.

[6:37] The city also received all six innovation points in the rating system, relocating essential

[6:42] components of the city's sanitary sewer system, which through the lift sanitation modernization

[6:48] and hardening projects, and also including sustainability considerations in the capital

[6:53] improvements program budget process, are just two examples.

[6:58] Your efforts will not only create a safer, healthier, more efficient and resilient places,

[7:03] but also it will help ensure everyone has access to a better way of life.

[7:08] This work is only made possible because of the people that are committed in its partners.

[7:13] I'd like to commend your staff team, share it in

[7:15] and constants for committing to this process and driving the local effort.

[7:19] My deepest appreciation goes to the mayor and you all

[7:22] of the commissioners for recognizing the importance of this work

[7:25] and committing to leadership on sustainability and resilience.

[7:29] Let's go.

[7:30] Pop down leadership support and buy across the part mentally, the results of this effort can be transformative.

[7:36] I'd also like to acknowledge the Bank of America for their continued support of our program.

[7:41] Largo participated in our lead for city certification cohort, which the bank has supported since its inception.

[7:47] So thank you also to the Bank of America. In closing, the U.S. Green Building Council is here for you.

[7:53] We're really excited to support you as you prioritize your investments and shift into implementation.

[7:58] We're excited to see where your journey takes you.

[8:01] Thank you for your leadership and congratulations to you all.

[8:35] Thank you.

[8:51] Thank you.

[8:52] Next we will have a proclamation celebrating National Library Week.

[8:56] Whereas the Largo Public Library provides residents of Largo and surrounding communities access to resources and services

[9:03] that help them meet their fundamental needs and realize their full potential.

[9:07] And whereas the Largo Public Library provides guidance in the use of the library's collections, computers, e-resources

[9:13] and connects people to community resources that help them find, evaluate, and use information

[9:18] they need for jobs, help, and recreational needs.

[9:22] And whereas the larger public library provides programs for children, families, adults, and

[9:26] elders to enrich their understanding of the world and expose them to perspectives other

[9:31] than their own.

[9:32] And whereas the success and vitality of libraries are greatly enhanced by the support and advocacy

[9:37] of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to support library programs, race funds and advocate

[9:43] for library needs, and whereas the Logo Public Library provides equitable access to services

[9:48] through the outreach program to enhance community resiliency, and whereas the Logo Public

[9:53] Library encourages residents to obtain a library card and activate all the privileges

[9:57] I come with it. Now therefore I would be brand-mare of the City of Logo Florida, and on the

[10:02] half of the City Commission do hereby proclaim the week of April 6th through the 12th 2025,

[10:07] as National Library Week, and urge all residents of the area to avail themselves of the enriching

[10:13] resources of the Largo Public Library and to actively support it.

[10:19] Good evening, Mayor and Commissioners.

[10:21] National Library Week observed in the U.S. each April originated in 1958.

[10:26] It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to

[10:30] promote use and support.

[10:32] This week also has specific days set aside to see the library workers and bookmobile outreach

[10:37] services. In July of this year, the Largo Public Library will be celebrating the 20th anniversary

[10:43] of the Library Building, which over the years has seen a lot of changes both inside and

[10:48] out. New technologies enable patrons to access information, entertainment, and literature

[10:53] in a variety of electronic formats. At the same time, print and physical materials have seen

[10:59] an increase in usage as patrons access materials in various ways to suit their needs.

[11:05] Library programs have always been a critical resource for literacy, inspiring connection and lifelong learning by bringing joy and discovery to all ages.

[11:15] Book clubs, cooking, gardening, crafting and technology programs allow people to explore new interests and meet new people, creating a sense of community.

[11:25] On the outside, the Library's Reading Court Yard is evolved into a certified butterfly and

[11:29] pollinator garden, where programs that promote both lifelong learning and sustainability

[11:34] are held.

[11:36] In addition, since 2019, Library staff have been providing outreach services to the community

[11:42] of Largo with bookmobile and home deliveries.

[11:45] These are essential outreach efforts to underserved and homebound residents.

[11:49] With these programs, the Library helps diminish the social isolation felt by many of our senior

[11:54] residents. As you can see there's a lot to love about your

[11:58] logo public library. Our success was not be possible without the support of

[12:03] a library staff, volunteers, support groups, and city leaders. Thank you.

[12:26] Thank you.

[12:53] Next we'll hear about fair housing month.

[12:56] Whereas fair housing is a principle of civil rights which secures a right to live

[13:00] where one chooses to raise a family and best personal resources and live in

[13:05] in Tranquility, and whereas this year celebrates the 57th anniversary of the passage of the federal

[13:11] Housing Act of 1968, and sort of laws have affirmed the right of every person that have access

[13:16] to housing free of barriers based on race, ethnic background or religion, people with disabilities

[13:22] or familial status or sex, and whereas the opportunity to choose to live in a neighborhood or community

[13:27] free of barriers based on race, religion, and ethnic background, people with disabilities or familial

[13:33] status or sex has substantially favorable impact on the economy, lifestyle and fabric

[13:38] of the community, and whereas Fair Housing Month traditionally has been noticed during

[13:42] the month of April to remind citizens of their duty and obligation to encourage Fair Housing

[13:47] and flight discrimination as well as the benefits of unrestricted access to housing, and

[13:52] whereas it is the policy of this body to recognize and encourage Fair Housing throughout

[13:56] all of the city of Largo.

[13:58] Now therefore I would be brown mayor of the city of Largo, Florida, and on behalf of the

[14:02] Commission, proclaim the month of April 2025 to be fair housing month, with the knowledge

[14:07] that continued vigilance against discrimination in all its forms will benefit the citizens

[14:12] of largo and building a strong and cohesive identity and spirit.

[14:16] Good evening, the city recognizes the importance of the Fair Housing Act to ensure equal

[14:20] access to housing within our room. The city is a participating member of the Temple Bay

[14:26] Fair Housing Consortium, which provides fair housing education and outreach and all-term

[14:30] to celebrate the right of our persons to live in a strong, sustainable, and inclusive community.

[14:36] This year, the 21st Annual Temple Bay Fair Housing Supposing, I'm theme is closing doors on discrimination and opening doors to equality.

[14:44] The supposing will be held in person on April 23 from 830 until 23 at the Penelis Virtual Organization.

[14:49] Okay, the app. 459, automature road in Clearwater, Florida.

[14:54] The registration is open at nasvirtu.org.

[14:58] And now, I'd like to introduce my show.

[15:12] Thank you all on behalf of the Tampa Bay Fair Housing Consortium for your proclamation. And thank you for having me this evening. And we look forward to seeing you on April 23rd. We have a great event plan and we would love to have anyone there who would like to come. Thank you.

[16:11] Before the chief comes down, I've got to, I meant to do this earlier, but Malachi is a shadowing

[16:16] me this afternoon.

[16:17] He's been with me since three o'clock today, certainly wave to Malachi and welcome him.

[16:22] He's a high school student over at Largo High,

[16:29] and I didn't tell him I was going to do that.

[16:32] So, next we'll have some ceremonies from the fire department.

[16:40] Good evening, everyone.

[16:43] On behalf of fire rescue and on behalf of the fire,

[16:47] typically performs these ceremonies on the items.

[16:50] Somebody said in their annual evaluation that they are working on

[16:53] public speaking, so here we go.

[16:57] We are delighted to be recognizing a few of our outstanding personnel

[17:01] who will be swimming in and pinning the Lieutenant Billy Stark

[17:05] and celebrating and recognizing seven probationary firefighters coming out probation and providing them with a yellow helmet.

[17:14] I'll

[17:23] start with the Lieutenant.

[17:27] So, fire rescue will like to congratulate in the officially swearing Lieutenant Billy Stark as a fire officer.

[17:33] Within our ranks, promotion to Lieutenant requires several components, including that a candidate must type State of Florida fire officer 1 and 2.

[17:42] have a minimum of five years service with logo fire rescued and hold minimum internal

[17:47] certifications as Indian driver and enacting lieutenant.

[17:51] Once those credentials are verified, a candidate may sit for our promotional process with

[17:56] test or tactical and strategic prowess, written aptitude exam on policy, procedure, administrative

[18:02] and contractual knowledge, a panel interview assessment along with assessments on training and leadership

[18:08] qualities to assure they meet our values of collaboration, passion, integrity, and creativity.

[18:16] The candidate, excuse me, the candidates are ranked and the final assessment involves an

[18:20] interview with both the fire chief and deputy chief, where final decisions are made for

[18:25] motions are earned.

[18:27] Congratulations again, Lieutenant Stark.

[18:29] This arduous journey was well earned and is not only just begun.

[18:49] So for the ceremony for the Lieutenant, he's already gotten his red helmet.

[18:54] This was the first opportunity we have had to get him up here in front of the commission,

[18:59] the mayor, and the city manager.

[19:02] So welcome.

[19:03] He nervous?

[19:04] It's not like this scene, trust me.

[19:06] So his wife, Nicole Nikki, is going to come up and pin him with his brother.

[19:29] And then from the probation or five fighters, I do have a very brief statement on their

[19:33] journey into earning their yellow helmets.

[19:36] It is a year-long process.

[19:40] They've already attended a fire academy, a state of fire academy.

[19:43] It could be anywhere in the state and they'd become a floor certified firefighter.

[19:48] And then they go through our process of getting hired and then we put them through another

[19:53] academy.

[19:53] So that's where usually a couple of months could be more depending on the size of the group.

[19:59] And then we test them for the rest of their year on written exams, practical hands on exams,

[20:07] and then the absolute most important part is making sure they fit with the character of a lot of a fire rescue.

[20:14] So these seven individuals have certainly done that, not congratulate you.

[20:25] So typically I'm going to keep this short because I am that fat person.

[20:29] We read off some LinkedIn BIOS, but because it's so hot in here and so well as I know.

[20:37] We will keep it moving.

[20:39] I'm going to call you up one by one.

[20:40] And she picked me and is going to present you with you yellow helmets on the street.

[20:45] Matthew Ice.

[20:57] Jacob Smith.

[21:08] Colin Armstrong.

[21:18] Levi Albrecht.

[21:28] Didn't know this nickname, but we have a coaxilman.

[21:30] Is there a coaxilman?

[21:45] Steven Scotting Thompson.

[21:57] It's okay.

[21:59] Okay.

[21:59] Don't worry about me.

[22:00] Do you pass for a wish?

[22:04] And last but not least, Sarah Howard.

[22:19] And...

[22:19] Is your answer, sir?

[22:21] Thank you.

[22:25] Ladies and gentlemen.

[22:28] Hi, stay training.

[22:33] We can't get past that part of it.

[22:38] Do you strongly swear that I'll support and protect the Constitution of the United States, and

[22:46] of the state of Florida against all enemies, domestic or foreign, and that I'll be our true faith.

[22:57] Well, I'll deal on the agents to the same.

[23:01] That I am entitled to hold office under the Constitution,

[23:07] that I'll faithfully perform a lot of the duties of the office

[23:13] of the office, of the State of office.

[23:17] And the City of Largo.

[23:19] The City of Largo.

[23:20] Upon which I'm about to enter.

[23:22] Thanks for your concerns.

[23:39] All right.

[23:41] Thank you.

[23:43] Thank you.

[23:44] Thank you.

[23:45] I'm glad you leave it here.

[24:00] Thank you.

[24:01] Congratulations all next. We'll have citizens comment if you'd like to speak about something on the agenda and on the agenda outside of the consent

[24:09] Please wait until it item comes up.

[24:12] We'll let folks are leaving, give them a minute to leave.

[24:50] It smells like vodka.

[24:57] Right.

[25:20] All right, do we have any cards this evening?

[25:23] Yes, I have several cards tonight and what I'll do is in case anyone's in one of the

[25:28] I'll call a name and then say who will be after so they have time to get here.

[25:33] First up is Eric Gerard, and he's speaking for James Bonnell, Keith Bailey, Bruce

[25:38] Barrel, Patricia Gerard, Ruth Whitney, Paul Brown, Jamie Robinson, for a total of 10 minutes.

[25:53] Oh, I'm sorry.

[25:54] I'm sorry.

[25:55] First up is Eric Gerard, and he's speaking for James Bonnell.

[26:02] Keith Bailey, Bruce Barrel, Patricia Gerard, Ruth Whitney, Paul Brown,

[26:04] Jamie Robinson, for a total of 10 minutes.

[26:07] I briefly wrote a year that I would much rather be here talking about pollinators and Florida

[26:11] native plants and round about, but tonight I feel it's necessary to spend these few minutes

[26:19] addressing prejudice, bigotry, hate, and holocaust.

[26:25] It's tragic and it's dangerous that we find ourselves in this place where in this nation, in

[26:33] own community here in Largo, outrageous lies about our own neighbors, are being blared, promoted

[26:41] and capitalized upon by people whose jobs ought to be to protect all of us.

[26:49] Full disclosure, I'm Jewish.

[26:52] I've experienced firsthand in my life the bigotry and ignorance of anti-Semitism, tragically

[26:59] the intersections are indisputable between historical anti-Semitism and today's verbal and

[27:05] physical attacks on people who are gay, or trans, or immigrant, or the different skin color

[27:12] than mine.

[27:14] And though I wish I was, I'm not overstating.

[27:18] A few brutish individuals within the majority party seek to seize and hold power, small people

[27:26] who want to make themselves appear big by trampling on others.

[27:31] They identify a common complaint among their constituency

[27:34] and for Germans in the 1930s it was, guess what?

[27:38] The economy.

[27:40] Single out one or two or more minorities,

[27:44] preferably those already historically marginalized,

[27:47] blame the disaffection on them.

[27:49] Truth doesn't matter.

[27:51] Truth is set on its head.

[27:52] To bigger the lie, the more it's repeated, the more it's accepted, especially by people who are looking for someone, anyone to blame for their discontent.

[28:04] Shout down terrorized the opposition, co-opt the media.

[28:10] Choose in Germany, immigrants in America, there's no difference.

[28:14] or gay people, trans people, why they're corrupting our children.

[28:20] It doesn't matter that this is a massive, despicable lie.

[28:24] Just like the blood liables about the Jews, the non-existent protocols

[28:28] of the elders of Zion, a concocted fiction about a Jewish plot

[28:32] to control the world, those lies, that's the pogroms.

[28:37] The get-os, the deportations, the murders, the Holocaust.

[28:40] And here in America, in Florida, in Largo, ignorant, contemptible people, our cues, our

[28:49] library,

[28:51] our library of promoting so-called sexual identity and indoctrination by caring

[28:57] books that contain characters who are gay indoctrination, that's what the Nazis said about

[29:04] the Jews.

[29:04] We carry the Jewish disease.

[29:07] Careful.

[29:08] Don't get to close.

[29:09] You might catch it.

[29:11] Rational people must say out loud and often.

[29:15] Gay people, trans people, immigrants, people of color,

[29:20] are human beings.

[29:21] Just like me, a Jew, and everyone else here.

[29:25] We're all people.

[29:27] We all have dreams.

[29:28] We love and strive.

[29:30] We want peace in our lives.

[29:32] everyone here. But that understanding runs counter to the hate

[29:36] motorcycles. They want to make the minorities into non-person. In

[29:41] Germany, my people were declared by law to be

[29:45] intervention. Subhuman. We were stripped of our rights, thrown out of our

[29:51] professions, and the universities, curated into

[29:53] ghettos, and eventually shipped to the extermination camps. In America,

[29:59] right.

[30:00] Right now, mask jackboots are costing people in their homes and kidnapping them off the street, and without warrants, without hearings, or any chance to defend themselves, are hurting them into detention camps, here on our soil, or sending them to Guantanamo, yeah, detention camps, here in the United States, you think that we would learn.

[30:27] In another clear-cut strategy to erase our neighbors, the hate-mongers are purging on literature.

[30:33] The latest assault, a coercion to be more precise, is to threaten funding for our city.

[30:39] Funding likely for flight control and public safety, which is what the city normally applies for,

[30:45] if, if we don't purge our library of books with gay or trans characters, in his threatening

[30:52] letter, state representative Bernie Jackson actually said, and I quote,

[30:57] taxpayer-funded institutions, especially those serving children, must reflect the values

[31:02] of the community, not serve as platforms for controversial social movements.

[31:09] Such a good spot.

[31:11] Controversial social movements, who made a controversial, but you, Mr. Jackson, controversial,

[31:18] like what, like abolition or civil rights, values of the community, my values, my values are to leave people alone to live their lives without being bullied and intimidated.

[31:32] Penalty County Commissioner of Visnow Wiki actually drafted a threatening resolution to

[31:37] wipe from library shelves, certain materials that, and again, I quote, promote or endorse

[31:42] any sexual identity in spaces intended for children. Thankfully, his resolution was tabled

[31:49] by a vote of five to two, but that didn't stop Mr. Noicki from repeating his threat from

[31:54] the Dias. So much to tell Mr. Noicki that the professionals in all our libraries already

[32:00] And, as I said previously, keep the shelves age appropriate, and Mr. Norwicky, should we

[32:05] remove all the books?

[32:06] My question?

[32:08] All the books?

[32:09] With a mommy and a daddy too, because heterosexual identity.

[32:16] Let me say plainly, it's a short walk from clearing the children's shelves to clearing them

[32:21] all.

[32:22] Just imagine a library devoid of all books that anyone found troubling.

[32:29] As I ramp up, let's turn a light on the bill under consideration in Tallahassee right now.

[32:35] Right now, that stays, and again, I'm quoting,

[32:39] a governmental entity may not erect or display a flag that represents a political viewpoint,

[32:46] including but not limited to, a politically partisan, racial, sexual orientation,

[32:52] and gender, or political ideology, ideology, viewpoint.

[32:56] And the intense clear, I don't have to spell it out, you should know, though, that it's already

[33:03] passed two Senate committees, and hopefully, hopefully, it'll die in the house.

[33:11] One out of three of the world's Jews, one third of my people, were annihilated in the Holocaust,

[33:21] but it wasn't just Jews who were swept up and murdered gay people and the Roma and the

[33:27] into intellectuals, Catholics, clergy,

[33:31] dissidents, the physically and mentally handicapped,

[33:34] Russians, polls, and so many more.

[33:37] Another five million people were wiped out in that madness.

[33:43] Unless it escaped you, let me make clear that the great majority

[33:46] of Germany's good citizens and their Axis allies knew it

[33:53] and quietly went along.

[33:55] So now in America, America,

[34:01] don't think it couldn't happen to you just because you're not gay or trans, or Jewish, or black, or Hispanic, or Muslim, or Asian, or immigrant, or a protester, when the beast gets hungry, it devours everything.

[34:19] The only way to stop it is to find our spines and to find our voices.

[34:24] And in the face of the thuggery that's coming out of Washington and Tallahassee stand up

[34:31] and say, no, not here.

[34:34] Thank you.

[34:53] The next speaker will be Greg Gardner and after him will be Matt Faustini, Mr. Gardner

[34:57] is representing Mike Monacato and Kim Brammer.

[35:07] I did a illustration.

[35:08] I think you guys put on the screen to be nice.

[35:12] The Wizard of Largo by me.

[35:15] It's now been three years since I decided to be a good citizen

[35:18] and immersed myself in local politics,

[35:21] what is known as civic virtue.

[35:23] During this time span, I've been fined to hell

[35:25] and back three times for my good deeds.

[35:28] The city also put me through 13 months of law fair

[35:30] cost me over 10,000 hours,

[35:33] and I still have no clue what the city wanted

[35:34] when all they needed to do is ask.

[35:37] The C said I was a threat and a danger of the community, then wrote a dammer report how horrible I am.

[35:44] When the sheriff deputies arrived at my house, confused why I'm helping old people clean up their properties for free.

[35:50] The deputy said, keep up the good work, Mr. Gardner. You should seriously run and consider to be a commissioner for City Largo.

[36:00] And we've got your back and they did.

[36:03] All of this for stick my nose out trying to do good.

[36:07] Just made and confused and suffering the same level of psychosis as Mark Richards.

[36:11] I quickly got an appointment to see a psychiatrist.

[36:14] The doctor asked, if I could draw what I see in my head.

[36:18] I replied, sure, that's easy.

[36:20] Here's what I share with the doctor.

[36:23] In this illustration, sit up.

[36:27] The line character represents city management.

[36:29] Now, the line is supposed to be the king of the jungle, fearless and brave, but something

[36:35] obviously went wrong.

[36:37] Most likely, explanation, DEI infection.

[36:41] The 10-man represents city policy.

[36:44] He has no heart, no empathy, and has the constant need for admiration and validation.

[36:50] The scarecrow represents the commission.

[36:53] Now, aside from the obvious, he's charming, loved, and extremely loyal.

[36:56] The yellow brick road represents the nuisance abatement program.

[37:01] This is the gold standard that was used to build denerald city.

[37:05] To find monkeys represent the city attorneys.

[37:08] They carry out the wizard's orders.

[37:10] They are very loyal and well fed.

[37:12] But too dumb to know they are their own captives.

[37:16] Emerald cities where people go expecting their dreams be fulfilled

[37:19] only to end up with superficial substitutes.

[37:23] Nothing is real.

[37:24] Emerald City turns out to be a giant gimmick factory.

[37:28] The wicked witch of Largo...

[37:30] Repressants, oppression, and abuse of power. Dorothy's journey reveals unimaginable evil, male

[37:36] levelance, and disparity. Dorothy represents the common lago citizen. Dorothy has to find

[37:42] your way home, but all the city bureaucracy keeps getting in the way. Tutto, by far, is the most

[37:48] awesome character of the mob, but you need to figure out what total represents for yourself.

[37:53] And, and represents city crime, she's not shown here because all the crime is

[37:59] Largo's hidden.

[38:01] Robin Hood was left out on purpose because no one understands except for city

[38:06] attorney and the mayor.

[38:08] The doctor looks at me and says, that's wicked.

[38:13] I replied, I know.

[38:15] I asked the doctor if there's any help for me.

[38:17] She replied, hell no.

[38:18] The doctor went on to say, if you just set out to be light, you would be prepared to compromise

[38:25] on anything at any time and you would achieve nothing.

[38:33] The end, anybody wants a full-size picture of that illustration, we're like an entertainment

[38:39] district, and this would qualify for entertainment, and you know, I'll be happy to send

[38:44] it to you.

[38:44] Thank you.

[38:45] Good night.

[38:45] Thank you.

[38:47] Next speaker will be Matt Faustini and after him will be William Johnson.

[38:57] Good evening.

[38:58] Matt Faustini 1015 Lake Palm's Drive Largo.

[39:02] I came here to speak tonight in defense of our public library.

[39:07] I get the joy of tutoring ESL once a week.

[39:11] and helping a actual PhD researcher at USF St. Pete, who is working on getting his green

[39:22] card and studies climatology and studies our Bay to protect the vital nutrients and figure

[39:31] out the balances we need to prevent red tide. Those are the types of services that are provided

[39:36] on our library, that directly help our community, and to see representatives elected representatives

[39:45] put out lies about our library is disgusting. So while some elected officials want to

[39:52] put out some lies, I'm going to put out some truths. And the truth is Bernie Jock has done

[39:58] nothing for this city, Bernie Jock took away a woman's right to choose. Women no longer in

[40:08] the state have a right to choose because of Bernie Jock. He voted for the live local act any

[40:13] of you that are unhappy about the development that's happening next to Largo Middle. Thank Bernie

[40:18] Jock, we should call it Jock estates. Because he voted for the legislation that took this

[40:23] to stop it. Let's talk about how he has the most he's delivered for

[40:33] Largo. One public restroom in Largo Central Park. That's all he has to

[40:42] show for his career in the state legislature.

[40:48] That's the type of man we're

[40:50] talking about who's threatening this city.

[40:55] He is a small man who is using our

[40:57] as a prop to try to win Nick Dacili's Senate seat in the primary after he is term limited.

[41:05] Let's be clear, let's be honest about what this is, and our city should not be used as a political

[41:10] prop by a man who can't deliver anything for the residents of Largo.

[41:18] Thank you.

[41:19] Thank you.

[41:26] Next speaker is William Johnson, and after Mr. Johnson will be Donna Winchester.

[41:32] Good evening Mayor Brown, fellow board members.

[41:35] My name is William Johnson.

[41:37] I don't want to live in the city of Margo,

[41:38] but I was a resident for seven years.

[41:41] I sent everybody an email of a letter that I wrote to you guys

[41:45] and also for to do a letter that I wrote to the county commission.

[41:48] But I'm going to read the letter that I wrote to the county commission.

[41:51] I'm writing to express my strong support for Margo Library

[41:54] and to urge you to stand firm and protect diversity, equity and inclusion

[41:59] and our public institutions. Library serve as a pillar of our communities providing access

[42:04] to knowledge, resources, welcoming space for all people regardless of your background.

[42:12] It is deeply concerning that represented, Bernie is threatening to withhold funding

[42:16] unless diversity initiatives are removed in reference to sexual orientation and

[42:21] children's section and are eliminated. These attacks undermine fundamental principles of fairness

[42:28] inclusivity that make our country a place where everyone can belong.

[42:35] Center to ship and discrimination have no place in free society and we must reject any attempt

[42:41] to dictate who deserves access to representation and or sorry to representation and information.

[42:52] Enough is enough at its time to stand up and fight back, not just in Largo but across America.

[42:56] Our elected officials do not, elected officials do not, sorry, if any of our elected

[43:02] officials do not support any American, or all Americans, they have no business

[43:07] for holding public office, we need leaders who will protect the rights of every resident

[43:13] and ensure that our libraries and public spaces remain inclusive and accessible.

[43:18] I urge you to take a stand against these threats and continue supporting the Lago library and

[43:27] broader principles of equality and inclusion.

[43:31] Our community depends on leaders like you to hold up these values and push back against those who seek to divide us.

[43:38] Thank you for your time and leadership.

[43:40] Thank you.

[43:46] The next speaker will be Donna Winchester, and after him is Winchester, will be Craig Martha.

[43:55] Good evening, everyone. My name is Donna Winchester and I am a citizen of Pinellas County.

[44:01] I discovered the Largo Library as a child in the summer of 1967 when my parents moved here from Pennsylvania.

[44:09] The library became my oasis, my haven, and it never ending source of learning for me and my younger sister.

[44:16] Our mother, who worked as the first librarian at St. Patrick's Catholic School in Largo,

[44:21] encourage me to expand my horizons both in reading ability and subject matter and the

[44:26] Largo Library did not disappoint. I have continued to be a patron of the Largo Public Library

[44:32] for nearly six decades through all its incarnations and have continued to experience all the

[44:37] benefits I experienced as a child. I am here tonight to voice my disappointment that an elected

[44:42] official who serves at taxpayer expense is finding fault with my library's decisions about

[44:49] What it offers to its patrons and its threatening budgetary retaliation, if the library does not

[44:54] concede to his narrow-minded view of what is in the best interest of those patrons.

[45:00] For me, this is nothing short of tyranny of the powerful, over those who have little or no say and affairs that affect them.

[45:07] I'm wondering if our esteemed panelists County Commissioner failed to read the City of Largo's Proclamation, an honor of national public library week, which happens to be April 6th through 12th this year, praising the Largo Public Library, for many things including the following,

[45:24] providing programs for children, families, adults, and elders to enrich their understanding

[45:29] of the world and expose them to perspectives other than their own.

[45:35] I would like to respectfully ask that our Ms. Gidey County Commissioner stayed out of

[45:40] the city of Largo's business, take his Gadfly Eye, somewhere else, and leave monitoring

[45:46] of our younger citizens to their parents, rather than a strong punishing arm of the government.

[45:52] Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts.

[45:55] Thank you.

[46:01] Great.

[46:02] Martha Largo.

[46:03] I'm afraid I don't have anything nearly as controversial to talk about tonight.

[46:07] But I wanted to talk about small housing.

[46:10] I think the city of Largo is done a great job so far with small housing.

[46:13] I love this.

[46:14] The accessory dwelling the way you've really been so progressive with accessory dwelling units,

[46:20] letting them be built to everywhere, almost everywhere, separate.

[46:26] But I have some experience in small housing back in the late 90s, early 2000s.

[46:33] I had a bunch of rooms and efficiencies in downtown Clearwater.

[46:37] And they were pretty small.

[46:39] Some of my efficiencies, the biggest of my efficiencies were maybe 250 square feet,

[46:45] some of them were 2205 square feet, which is a lot smaller.

[46:48] I call it efficiencies, by the way, that studio apartment, about the same thing.

[46:51] But a lot smaller than what they're building today.

[46:56] But because they were so small, I was able to rent them very inexpensively.

[47:00] I mean, I had minimum wage workers who were living there for years on end, who could afford

[47:05] these 225 square foot units.

[47:08] And I had a lot of young people who were just coming into the job market who weren't earning

[47:13] much and they would live there.

[47:14] A lot of seniors who were just out of the job market living on social security and they could

[47:18] live there.

[47:19] So I think it's a really essential thing to have small housing and I think one of the problems in this country is most jurisdictions in this country use this units per acre system.

[47:31] And when you're using the units per acre system, there's no incentive to build small. You want to build as big as the market will demand or the market will support.

[47:40] And so, you almost never see studio apartments being built anymore, and they're being taken out,

[47:45] because like, mine were taken, I end up selling that property and all the neighbors around.

[47:49] They're sold our property to all our properties to a town home developer.

[47:55] And so, you know, one by one, they'd be being taken out of my competition.

[48:00] When I, back in the 90s, was hotels in the summer time, they would drop their rates.

[48:04] And a lot of minimum wage workers would live in the hotels on the beaches.

[48:07] But those are my motels of all gone, too,

[48:10] because they built town homes and hotels.

[48:14] So I just wonder if there's any way,

[48:17] I mean, if we were on a floor area ratio system,

[48:20] like they have like in Tokyo,

[48:21] they're more or much of Japan,

[48:23] they use the floor area ratio system.

[48:25] So they have much smaller apartments.

[48:29] And they get just as much per square foot.

[48:32] I mean, Tokyo, I mean, you can get a one bedroom apartment

[48:34] for under $1,000 in Tokyo, but I mean, they're going to be very small, they're not as big

[48:40] as our one bedroom apartment, so that's how they do it, you know, but so I don't know if

[48:44] there's any way we could, I think the only way we could do it here, since we are kind of

[48:49] wedded to that for a racialist, it's in the race, our unicebreaker, but then use, I'm sorry,

[48:54] we're wedded to the unicebreaker system, if I said that right, but to raise our unicebreaker,

[48:59] but then use floor air ratio to reduce the mass square footage so

[49:04] developers have incentive to build smaller.

[49:07] Thank you.

[49:13] The next speaker will be Lillian Gabusta and after her will be Fred Green.

[49:28] Hi. My name is Lillian Gabusta.

[49:30] I'm 14 years old and I came to tell you that the Largo Library is very important to me.

[49:35] It's supposed to I go to hang out with friends, learn and relax.

[49:40] It was one of the main reasons we moved to Largo.

[49:42] When we saw it in all the great things we could do and learn there, we knew it was perfect.

[49:47] Everyone is always welcome and safe.

[49:49] I'm always so happy when we visit.

[49:52] When I heard that people wanted to change it and take away what made it so special, it made me really upset.

[49:58] May I round?

[49:59] Thank you for standing up to representative Jock because I think the library is perfect just the way it is.

[50:05] They always have such great books and events and I love to read.

[50:11] So being able to always find books makes me so happy.

[50:14] I love how inclusive they are for everyone.

[50:17] You can always find at least one book you want to read.

[50:19] I think one of the many ways it's so great

[50:21] is because no matter what, you have the library.

[50:24] If you're bored, go to the library.

[50:26] If you want to place your lacks, go to the library.

[50:29] If you just need to get out of the house, go to the library.

[50:33] No matter what, the library is there for everyone.

[50:37] Thank you for your time.

[50:46] The next speaker is Fred Greene and after Mr. Greene will be Tony Thompson.

[51:08] Thank you, Mayor Brown and county city commissioners for allowing an opportunity for me to speak.

[51:15] I'll keep it pretty brief. There's been a lot of great speakers already who are really driving home the point that we really want to support our library.

[51:26] Tonight, I'm speaking as a father, my family lives, works, and volunteers here in Largo.

[51:38] Finally, we utilize all the services that Largo has to offer.

[51:42] We absolutely love going to the library.

[51:44] We spend a lot of time in the park.

[51:47] There's so much here in our city that is just open for everyone to enjoy.

[51:54] And there are places where I can feel safe, comfortable, knowing that my children are going to have a good time.

[52:03] As we enter National Library Week, I want to voice support for our library and its staff and volunteers, especially as it faces criticism for having LGBTQ plus literature in its teen room area.

[52:18] If I could make a small suggestion as someone who's worked in teen programs for some years,

[52:24] you can continue to rely on the voices and opinions of the teens that are in Europe.

[52:30] I think that you'll be interested to hear what they have to say. I have two kids of my own and most of the decisions that I make that are going to affect my family or my community. I discuss with my kids. It doesn't seem like that strange of an idea to me to say, hey, this is a space that is for you. What do you like from this space? What do you need from this space? Do you enjoy this space?

[53:00] We

[53:03] really appreciate my family, my family really appreciates the support that the city, especially

[53:09] Mayor Brown with the recent statement in response to ongoing discussions at the state level.

[53:19] And I just want to point out that even earlier today, when you were going through all of your ceremonial things, the wording was very specific.

[53:29] the wording in the way we addressed and proclaimed as a city, our dedication to ensuring that everyone is welcome, that everyone is included.

[53:41] And I'll just leave it at that. Thank you so much for your time.

[53:44] Thank you.

[53:52] The next speaker is Taughty Thompson, and after her will be Wendy Vernon.

[54:06] Good evening. My name is Taughty Thompson, and I currently reside in Safety Harbor,

[54:10] but I've grown up in Penelis, and I've lived here my entire life.

[54:13] I visited many panels, county libraries in middle school, I was a summer volunteer, I loved

[54:20] making and prepping crafts, especially getting to use, that really dangerous machines that

[54:25] cuts out all kinds of shapes, but was really razor sharp.

[54:29] Once I even spent the night at the old Clearwater Main Library for a volunteer lock-in.

[54:34] Now I consider many of my local librarians, my friends, I look forward to seeing them and attending

[54:40] the innovative events they offer.

[54:45] As a child before the internet, I utilized the library to learn about everything.

[54:51] How to bake what my favorite sports stars childhoods were like as well as about my body.

[54:56] I have vivid memories of being a teen at the old Clearwater Main Library, nervously requesting

[55:01] books about puberty and how to navigate social issues.

[55:05] Material I was too embarrassed to ask my parents to buy or borrow.

[55:09] The library always came through for me.

[55:13] What I didn't know in the 90s, and I have come to no sense, is that I am transgender.

[55:19] My non-binary identity was not something I saw reflected, and therefore couldn't use

[55:24] language to express until I was in my late 30s.

[55:27] I didn't have language, but I realized I was not just a girl in the first grade at six years

[55:32] old.

[55:33] This lack of knowledge caused an inner turmoil that I learned to mask.

[55:37] I didn't understand how to explain or be myself, so I simply did my best to pretend I was

[55:42] everyone else. Losing access to your authentic self puts young people at direct risk for abuse.

[55:48] When you do not know how to explain what feels right, discomfort becomes your normal.

[55:53] I am grateful to now live in a community that prioritizes fostering an inclusive environment,

[55:59] exposing children of any age to diverse life experiences, poses no risks and saves lives.

[56:05] It enriches lives and makes them worth living. Parents are capable of having or curving tough

[56:11] conversations, we do it all the time for infinite reasons.

[56:15] This temporary discomfort is not a hardship.

[56:18] Largo's library and the diverse programming

[56:21] that they implement invites acceptance and that is healing.

[56:25] That is community care.

[56:27] Thank you for making the world a safer place

[56:28] by letting their librarians do their jobs without interference.

[56:32] They are public servants who know their patrons best.

[56:35] Every librarian I've had the pleasure of knowing

[56:37] cares deeply about their community

[56:39] and wants nothing but the best for every child.

[56:42] As I said, my name is Lee Goli-Tani,

[56:45] and I now go by Alistair.

[56:46] That change in the community who affirms it saved my life.

[56:50] I appreciate you taking time to listen to your community

[56:53] and for using your power to prioritize

[56:55] the safety of children with vulnerable identities.

[56:59] Thank you.

[57:00] Thank you.

[57:10] All right, now I'm emotional.

[57:13] Okay. The main reason I wanted to come here today is same as everybody else. I wanted to

[57:19] show my appreciation for your support of the library and standing in solidarity with your

[57:26] commitment to diverse options in the library. I'm a mother of three children who my spouse and I

[57:34] have been raising a panellist county for past 23 years.

[57:37] From the very beginning, libraries have been

[57:39] a cornerstone of our lives.

[57:41] Through story times, music, art, events, books,

[57:44] and connections with other families in the community.

[57:47] I teach stage of my kids development.

[57:49] There needs an interest changed.

[57:52] And the library remained a trusted and welcoming space

[57:54] for learning, exploration, and growth.

[57:57] We're so grateful for the library and dedication

[57:59] throughout the years.

[58:00] They worked so hard to ensure all individuals and families

[58:03] if you'll see in and valued.

[58:06] As my kids gained independence, I remained an active parent.

[58:10] It was my decision as a fair parent to decide which

[58:13] library resources were appropriate for my child.

[58:17] All parents should have the right to introduce their children

[58:19] to the real world, not just a filtered version

[58:23] dictated by politicians, personal values, or by politicians

[58:26] use of children as pawns for their campaigns.

[58:30] Parents should have the right to resources.

[58:32] the allow their children to engage with different cultures, histories, and perspectives.

[58:37] So they grow into compassionate, informed individuals who can think critically.

[58:42] Politicians have no place in deciding how I raise my children or what my family has access to.

[58:48] Parental rights applies to all parents, not just those who's views align with political agendas.

[58:57] Public spaces, including libraries, serve everyone,

[59:00] and must reflect the diversity of the community's support.

[59:04] The freedom to access knowledge, representation, and different perspectives is not a privilege.

[59:10] It's a fundamental right.

[59:12] Thank you for not wavering in your dedication to support and preserve the integrity of diverse

[59:16] public resources and for championing true parental rights, the kind of uplift, not restrict,

[59:24] the kind that empower, not erase.

[59:26] Thank you.

[59:34] The next speaker is Allison Rensberger and after her will be Rita Donney Hughes Simmons.

[59:50] Hi, I have been a resident of Largo since 2007 and I have been a patron of the Largo Library

[59:55] that's entire time.

[59:57] All five members of my household adults and...

[1:00:00] Children enjoy the library and all it offers. Thank you for all of your unwavering dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion in the library.

[1:00:09] This demonstrates a true commitment to serving all members of our community.

[1:00:14] Thank you for committing to having a safe space for all people. All people are born different and libraries are safe spaces for all people.

[1:00:22] We are all different races, genders, religions, and sexual orientations.

[1:00:27] Our differences are what make us great.

[1:00:30] The opposite of diversity is uniformity, and we are not a uniform people.

[1:00:34] This isn't indoctrination, it's inclusion.

[1:00:38] Encouraging, open conversation and questions is the opposite of indoctrination, and helps us

[1:00:43] create community and unity.

[1:00:46] I teach my children to ask questions and learn as much as they can to form their own

[1:00:50] educated opinions.

[1:00:52] Light rays are a key part of this.

[1:00:55] I would like to share a couple of quotes from Audrey

[1:00:57] Lord, who, which I heard recently and really

[1:01:01] resonated with me on this issue.

[1:01:04] When we deal with the sameness only,

[1:01:06] we develop weapons that we use against each other

[1:01:10] when the differences become apparent and we

[1:01:13] wipe each other out.

[1:01:14] It is not our differences that divide us.

[1:01:16] It is our inability to recognize, accept,

[1:01:19] and celebrate those differences.

[1:01:21] Thank you very much.

[1:01:23] Thank you.

[1:01:30] The next speaker is Rita Donahue Simmons,

[1:01:32] and after her will be Keith Simmons.

[1:01:44] Hello.

[1:01:45] I'm Rita.

[1:01:45] This is Virginia.

[1:01:47] Hi.

[1:01:47] We're here to speak about her.

[1:01:49] We're here to speak about how important

[1:01:51] Larger Public Library is to our family.

[1:01:54] My older daughter who's 15 now,

[1:01:57] used them from the time she was 18 months old up until now,

[1:02:00] when she goes to the teen room.

[1:02:02] Virginia uses them right now, they have wonderful programs for children, and it's not just about someone's sexual identity, although that is extremely important and something that I should have the right to say,

[1:02:16] my kids can learn, not at politician. So, we really hope that you can consider not defunding the library as it's an essential source for all families and all people, all economic backgrounds,

[1:02:31] all races and all sexuality.

[1:02:35] Thank you.

[1:02:45] Next speaker is Keith Simmons and after Mr. Simmons will be Caesar Doth.

[1:02:52] I said that correctly.

[1:03:03] I want to thank the mayor for your leadership on this issue.

[1:03:06] I appreciate the advisory council's role in regulating

[1:03:10] material at the library, and representative Bernie has no relationship with the community.

[1:03:21] I've joined it, but my Bernie, so maybe if he comes down to give out a few things.

[1:03:26] Thanks.

[1:03:27] Thank you.

[1:03:33] Thanks.

[1:03:35] Next speaker is Caesar.

[1:03:36] He's our top.

[1:03:38] I hope I'm saying that correctly.

[1:03:39] And after him, we'll be Megan Jetter.

[1:03:44] Hi.

[1:03:45] My name is Caesar.

[1:03:45] I've been in a resident of Largo for about a couple months now,

[1:03:48] but I've been a big resident of my whole life 30 years.

[1:03:51] I just wanted to give my appreciation to the Largo Library

[1:03:54] and just all libraries in general.

[1:03:57] I've used the library all my life.

[1:03:59] As a kid, I would go there by myself to check out the magazines,

[1:04:03] the books, DVDs, whatnot.

[1:04:06] I got a little older.

[1:04:07] I volunteered there as a library to earn my bright future's hours.

[1:04:10] And then when I was in school, U.S.F. I would often use the library,

[1:04:14] whether it was a one-out US effort here in Largo to go study and now is an adult I'm using the library

[1:04:21] because it's it's a great resource for everyone the staff it's on great

[1:04:26] programs and just makes it welcoming to everybody and it should always be welcoming everybody not just for certain people just for everybody in general

[1:04:34] That's all I gotta say. Thank you

[1:04:42] After Megan Jetter will be on you Gailer

[1:04:46] Hello, she just told you my name

[1:04:48] I have been a Largo resident for about six years.

[1:04:52] I've been in Penelis County since about 2011.

[1:04:55] I stand here as a middle-aged white cisgender heterosexual woman.

[1:05:02] So what I have to say and the issues that have been brought up tonight,

[1:05:07] they don't necessarily affect me.

[1:05:09] I could stay quiet, but they affect people that I love very, very much.

[1:05:13] I have a resident have watched the city of Largo, raised the pride flag every year, have celebrations for Asian residents, have celebrations for Latin American residents.

[1:05:27] You guys have set your bar very high when it comes to inclusion in Penelis County.

[1:05:33] I know some people may see us as like one of the smaller cities, but you guys are kicking St. Pete's tail right now.

[1:05:41] So what I can say is the largo public library is a safe space, it's been a safe space for me, it's been a safe space for the clients that I serve, it's been a safe space for the people that I love.

[1:05:56] I don't have a fancy speech tonight, but I'm inspired by what I'm hearing.

[1:06:01] I would challenge you, this isn't gonna go away.

[1:06:04] It's issues that are going to continue to come up in our political climate where it's easy to

[1:06:11] count out, where it's easy to bow down, stand up, keep doing what you're doing.

[1:06:17] We notice it, we have your back, in case you haven't noticed, this is something we'll help

[1:06:23] you fight for.

[1:06:24] Thank you.

[1:06:32] The next speaker is Anju Gailer, and after Anju will be Carl Cezlek,

[1:06:43] next speaker might

[1:06:44] be on one of the overflow rooms.

[1:06:56] Carl see us like in the room. Okay, you want to go ahead.

[1:07:11] Good evening, Mayor Brown in fellow commissioners, neighbors. My name is Carl sees like, and I probably

[1:07:16] card called Bargo home for the last 10 years. I'm here tonight, not just the resident.

[1:07:23] I saw what he uses the library. He truly values what you provide for this community.

[1:07:29] As a member of the...

[1:07:30] LGBTQ plus community. And I've been married for 10 years. I want to start by saying thank you for providing

[1:07:36] a safe community for me to live, grow and thrive in. It's important to provide that space because

[1:07:45] growing up, I did not have that type of space. On 46 years old, and it is an amazing thing to see

[1:07:55] how we have grown in and involved in how we treat fellow citizens good and bad.

[1:08:01] When I walk into the library, I see a place that uplift young people, families, seniors, and

[1:08:07] those who often feel like they've been unseen or unheard.

[1:08:10] And honestly, I wish I had that space when I was growing up as a military child, traveling

[1:08:15] all across the globe.

[1:08:17] I know what it feels like to be a teenager who doesn't see themselves reflected anywhere.

[1:08:21] That's why this library is so important, not just to me, but to so many as well.

[1:08:25] you now have heard in this community.

[1:08:27] So I'm disturbed by representing Bernie Jackson's threat to withhold funding from both the

[1:08:31] library and the city of Largo, unless you count out to his demands and erase a whole community.

[1:08:41] Let's be honest, these tax are not about protecting children.

[1:08:45] They're about silencing and erasing people who don't fit in the narrow world view.

[1:08:53] Instead of targeting our library, representing their Jack, should be focusing on the real

[1:08:57] issues, our community of Largo faces, like that rising housing costs, skyrocketing insurance

[1:09:02] premiums, and a need for access to quality public education that serves all children,

[1:09:08] not just a select few.

[1:09:09] The people of Largo deserve the leadership that solves problems and not creates new ones

[1:09:13] for political points.

[1:09:15] May or Brown, commissioners, I thank you for your courage to continue to stand up against

[1:09:18] this person.

[1:09:20] You are on the right side of inclusion, truth, and community, and what you're doing is not

[1:09:24] It's just right, but it is also now become very necessary.

[1:09:28] What I want you to know is that you are not alone.

[1:09:31] You have people behind you who believe in you and what you're doing and they're here to defend you.

[1:09:37] Please keep standing strong.

[1:09:39] The future of this community and so much more depends on it.

[1:09:43] Thank you for your time.

[1:09:52] The speaker is Andrew's Wick, and after him will be Michael Channel.

[1:09:58] I hope I'm saying that right.

[1:10:04] It's true as a wick, give him just a minute.

[1:10:09] Is Michael in the room?

[1:10:12] Do you want to go ahead?

[1:10:24] Do I hit a button?

[1:10:26] I don't like that.

[1:10:28] Hello.

[1:10:30] I want to start off by saying this is one of my first

[1:10:32] time to come into any sort of permission hearing

[1:10:33] or meeting.

[1:10:36] Hold off.

[1:10:37] You don't know yet.

[1:10:38] You don't know.

[1:10:39] I honestly think it's amazing that

[1:10:46] Everybody's coming out and supporting whatever it is that they believe in as strongly believe that

[1:10:52] You know as an American citizen everybody should be able to voice what they want how they want it and

[1:10:57] They will speak freely so I think it's great to draw out here no matter what you support and I'm also

[1:11:04] Gonna say that I support the other side of that which is a

[1:11:09] vote I've heard a lot of people here that have been speaking about

[1:11:14] People that they love and they care about and how important it is to them that they're protected, represented,

[1:11:20] and that they feel safe and included in their community and in their communities of their services,

[1:11:26] which I personally think is very important as well.

[1:11:29] However, I do think that it is also important to consider the fact that,

[1:11:40] well,

[1:11:40] because I heard about all the hubbub and decided to physically check out what people were saying because it's important to get your news directly from the source.

[1:11:53] I looked around for a lot of the indoctrination material and political ideology material that they were reading.

[1:12:01] I did find some stuff. I wanted to understand why people would find this to be concerning.

[1:12:08] I don't think that, and I'm spoken with Bernie Jock about it as well as some other folks

[1:12:13] from both sides of the aisle.

[1:12:15] And I think everybody here can say that they love the library, they love to read, they

[1:12:20] love to learn, and learning is important, I think that's pretty cut and dry.

[1:12:25] But I do think that I agree with a lot of what Y'all have said regarding, I think the parents

[1:12:30] should be in control of what their children are exposed to.

[1:12:34] I don't believe in censorship, but I do believe in protection of young minds, one way or

[1:12:39] the other, just the same way that I wouldn't give mind comp to my six-year-old.

[1:12:44] You know, I also wouldn't want them to read about various sexual identities or orientations.

[1:12:50] Until they were old enough, I think, to understand them without feeling like they are

[1:12:55] in need of, you know, seeking approval from any group, one way or the other.

[1:13:00] But that's just my opinion and I think that it's really powerful that you're all here

[1:13:05] I think that it should be brought to a vote because that's sort of the end all be all and

[1:13:09] Yeah, I think that I think that we should decide together on what's important and what we want and I think that if you guys can make that happen

[1:13:17] I'll be really cool. Thank you

[1:13:25] The last card I have is for Cassidy.

[1:13:37] Hello, my name is Cassidy.

[1:13:43] I

[1:13:44] I think that the issue here extends to not just this library but a lot of other libraries as well and this issue is deeply on my heart.

[1:13:57] I'm around young people, I'm with them in the university or other contexts and I've found that there is a crisis of identity in our society and that young people are seeking approval.

[1:14:11] Often times I think it comes from broken families, my own family is broken, I felt this myself.

[1:14:19] And I think that when you have young people, particularly in a society that says that something's wrong with them,

[1:14:30] or that perhaps they should consider changing who they are or when they walk into the library and I saw a similar material myself.

[1:14:40] I looked into it, I opened it up, and the suggestions that are being made by those

[1:14:44] books, to children, books geared toward five-year-olds, is that they should consider

[1:14:52] other options, if they should maybe think about loving somebody who's the opposite sex

[1:14:59] of them.

[1:15:00] And are the same sex as them? You know, these aren't topics we talk to our kids about for me sex. We try lightly on it.

[1:15:16] You're gender, you're orientation. They really shouldn't be in our children's sections. And they really shouldn't be things that we're pushing on our kids. Not only is it.

[1:15:32] not appropriate by standards of society, as a Christian, someone who's read my Bible and

[1:15:42] believes in the Lord, I read the parts of the Bible that explain that this isn't

[1:15:49] godly, it isn't righteous.

[1:15:54] And all of you are held to a high standard because you are

[1:15:59] people guiding our laws and you have a lot of accountability and as someone who has an opportunity

[1:16:08] to stand before you and ask for a moment of your ear I'm pleading with you to please consider

[1:16:14] this issue please consider what it does to our children not just fact that it may make this

[1:16:24] feel good, make everybody feel good, but what is morally correct? What is righteous?

[1:16:36] Please stand by that. Thank you all.

[1:16:40] Thank you.

[1:16:46] That's all the cards that I missed anyone that was here for citizen comment and not for a later agenda item.

[1:16:55] That's all cards.

[1:16:56] All right. Thank you.

[1:16:58] I certainly appreciate the citizens comment, and thank you all for coming out.

[1:17:05] Next we'll move to approval of tonight's agenda.

[1:17:10] Mr. Mayor, I'd like to recognize members of the jobs assisted here at Benjamin.

[1:17:15] He's right back here, so everybody would like to speak to him.

[1:17:19] He's here for members of the jobs office, so if you'd like to bend his ear in a lobby and

[1:17:24] speak to him, welcome.

[1:17:26] Thank you for coming.

[1:17:26] Thank you, Commissioner.

[1:17:27] We'll take just for a moment.

[1:17:30] I can hear on behalf of the office.

[1:17:32] But I can't speak for the election himself.

[1:17:34] I'm referring to the Facebook page.

[1:17:36] That's the best way to actually contact and directly.

[1:17:39] He is very much responsive.

[1:17:41] That's the campaign.

[1:17:42] You'll say, in terms of the year tonight, because he has to be tied.

[1:17:46] So thank you all.

[1:17:47] Thank you very much.

[1:17:48] Thank you.

[1:17:49] Thank you, Benjamin.

[1:17:49] Thank you for being here.

[1:17:52] Move approval.

[1:17:53] We pulled number 13.

[1:17:56] Number 13, I have a motion.

[1:17:59] Second.

[1:18:00] And the second.

[1:18:00] All in favor say aye.

[1:18:02] All right.

[1:18:02] Any opposed?

[1:18:03] Motion passes seven zero.

[1:18:05] Next is consideration of the minutes from the regular meeting of March 1825.

[1:18:10] Move approval.

[1:18:11] Second.

[1:18:12] Any changes or corrections?

[1:18:14] All in favor say aye.

[1:18:15] All right.

[1:18:16] Any opposed?

[1:18:17] Motion passes seven zero.

[1:18:22] Next we will have a staff report.

[1:18:36] Good evening, Mayor and commissioners.

[1:18:39] It's a night where pleased to welcome Erica Waltemire and Stephanie Aides from Collears International.

[1:18:44] Erica Stephanie will share insights on the current leasing progress,

[1:18:48] market conditions, and provide an overview of the efforts to attract tenants and

[1:18:51] activate the retail spaces in alignment with our vision for horizonless pay.

[1:18:55] And with that, I will turn it over to move with them.

[1:18:58] Thank you. Good evening, Mayor Brown, city commission.

[1:19:01] I'm just going to provide a quick market update.

[1:19:03] According to Kostar.com, the mid-panelist vacancy rate which logo is a part of is currently

[1:19:08] at 3.3%. It has been at this rate since the 3rd quarter of last year, and that is compared

[1:19:15] to 3.2% for the overall Tampa Bay MSI. It's important to note these figures do not reflect

[1:19:21] spaces that may be vacant, but still have a least in place. We have seen an uptick in retail

[1:19:27] store and restaurant chain closures due to a number of bankruptcies among national chains,

[1:19:32] And although we were coming out of a low, excuse me,

[1:19:36] sorry, I'm in a backup of a second, my apologies.

[1:19:38] We have seen an uptick in retail store

[1:19:40] and restaurant chain closures due to a number

[1:19:42] of bankruptcies among national chains.

[1:19:45] Although we are coming out of a low over the past couple of weeks,

[1:19:48] due to spring break schedules and related travel,

[1:19:51] we continue to see an active leasing market overall.

[1:19:54] As the project nears completion,

[1:19:55] and we approach the ability to physically deliver spaces,

[1:19:58] the project is back on the radar of many groups

[1:20:00] that we have presented to previously.

[1:20:03] The deal timeline continues to be frustratingly

[1:20:06] protracted.

[1:20:07] There is hesitation in the market,

[1:20:08] and as further hindered in many cases by indecisiveness.

[1:20:12] However, we are confident that as we approach delivery

[1:20:14] of the physical building, timelines for tenants

[1:20:17] to open will become clear, paving the way for us

[1:20:20] to finish off the leasing of horizon Westway.

[1:20:22] And with that, I'll turn it over to Erica

[1:20:23] for a brief leasing of date.

[1:20:25] So I'm just going to chat about some of the categories that we have that are interested.

[1:20:31] We'll start with the city hall building.

[1:20:33] We did just get a lease sign by the tenant for a fast casual group concept.

[1:20:39] I felt like going on the agenda for the next commission meeting for final approval.

[1:20:45] And then the smaller space next to that we do have some interest.

[1:20:48] We do have a couple of offers from a here salon and a couple of some of the like S.I.E.

[1:20:55] bull concepts.

[1:20:57] We're either aware of the coffee shop, donor shop, that we have signed in the adjacent space

[1:21:03] that we announced previously.

[1:21:06] In the A-Building, we have a lease pending that should be ready for 10 execution by next

[1:21:12] week with an local ice cream user.

[1:21:14] It's got quite a few locations in Cannellis County, and then the remaining spaces in that building.

[1:21:21] We've been targeting this kind of where Anchor Reshaw has been targeting, so we've got a couple of

[1:21:27] Shepter and Reshawants.

[1:21:28] We're talking to a sports bar, and then we'll probably also fill in that 2,000 square foot space

[1:21:35] with a fast casual restaurant.

[1:21:37] We've had some key serious I've been interested.

[1:21:39] And then for the public plaza, building near the stage, we do have a proposal out to a brewery,

[1:21:49] and we do have a wine bar slash brewery that's also been interested, and then for that last space,

[1:21:57] that kind of G-5, she does this for a fist space. We've been targeting and we've been in discussions with a couple of

[1:22:02] fitness users, met spawn, listen a lot on this users.

[1:22:10] Thank you, any questions?

[1:22:13] Mr. Smith.

[1:22:14] Thank you for the update.

[1:22:16] I'm the annoying ass up here.

[1:22:19] So I'm looking forward to the leases.

[1:22:21] You talked about, I'm a big brewery person.

[1:22:24] I food, I'm a fat, but large guy.

[1:22:28] And I like you're a drug.

[1:22:29] Well, not bad.

[1:22:34] What outside, okay, set a couple breweries? Are they just the local ones? Are we looking regionally?

[1:22:41] They're local, so why would be kind of more of a startup? And the other one is more local, a local user that would do another location.

[1:22:49] Okay, what kind of restaurants, what could we do different with some of them that we're doing?

[1:22:54] This is now that they've brought to our argue when we could do a little differently with them.

[1:23:01] Meaning when we approach the mix that maybe they've looked at other locations.

[1:23:05] Has any of them have any of the people interested pulled out because they thought we were difficult?

[1:23:12] I just want to know make sure if we're...

[1:23:13] Sticklers.

[1:23:14] Usually it's a lot of these, you know, we're targeting a lot of users that are looking at this project.

[1:23:20] They're smaller, you know, small, they have maybe one or two locations, they're looking to start a location, and a lot of times it's just a capital

[1:23:27] capital issue for them.

[1:23:29] Do they really have anything to do with us or the project?

[1:23:33] Just money can be tough for them to get financing for a lot of these types of projects in general.

[1:23:40] So we're trying, you know, we're obviously our focus is on antennas that have money to expand and have capital to build out these phases.

[1:23:48] It's just a slow decision making process for a lot of them to get their notice.

[1:23:54] A lot of these guys put their whole livelihood into these concepts and it's just, you know,

[1:24:00] a lot of whole handing to give them a lot.

[1:24:03] Some of the chain restaurants that we've spoken to, they're typically used to a more traditional shopping center setting,

[1:24:09] where you have a large parking field on grade.

[1:24:11] We have structured parking here, which we have all over Tampa Bay.

[1:24:14] there's no reason to be afraid of structure parking, but that is some of the feedback that we've gotten so we're doing our best to overcome that feedback.

[1:24:21] What about the location?

[1:24:23] Have there any benefit difficulty with the location or...

[1:24:26] I think the number one feedback point we get on the location is just that there's...

[1:24:31] It's not walkable today.

[1:24:33] I know that is the vision for it, and we have shared the point of the four panellist part of things and the plan related to that and the improved,

[1:24:41] pedestrian flow, particularly with Largo Central Park, and I think we're getting there with

[1:24:46] it, but we are kind of at the beginning stage of place making for this particular corridor,

[1:24:51] so I think, you know, as we kind of progress towards this being finished, we'll start to see people

[1:24:56] coming on board with that vision and seeing what we're trying to tell them.

[1:24:59] Okay, thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Breezy. Thank you, bear with me for a moment.

[1:25:06] So, in your work to promote the space, I assume there's web listings, correct?

[1:25:14] There's, you have reached out to a network of other realtors that you work with on a regular basis.

[1:25:22] Thank you.

[1:25:24] Have there been any, and I don't want to make it sound like that's not valuable work.

[1:25:28] But I also consider that a little bit more passive if you, and I've parted for the terminology that's likely to think of.

[1:25:34] have you what kind of proactive reaching out to other businesses, knowing the profile that

[1:25:44] you've been given to look for targets has happened, if that makes sense, I can elaborate

[1:25:52] for it.

[1:25:52] Yeah, sorry.

[1:25:53] Go ahead.

[1:25:54] Oh, yeah.

[1:25:54] That is what we do.

[1:25:57] Not only with this we'll see that across our portfolio, that's just part of our job.

[1:26:01] So, our phone really doesn't ring, you know, we can't let the sit back and wait for the phone to ring.

[1:26:08] So, we specifically try to focus on categories that are maybe missing from this area of town.

[1:26:14] Other businesses that are in neighboring cities, I could definitely get in or down town.

[1:26:18] Same P, or already doing business in Panellas, because they're already here.

[1:26:22] Do they have another concept?

[1:26:23] They want to expand that concept to the W.

[1:26:25] We definitely are targeting, and we also have other listings where maybe someone,

[1:26:30] If you're a restaurant tour reaches out we can't accommodate them at that particular project

[1:26:35] but we can do a restaurant space here that would be it could be a really good fit for your

[1:26:40] concept.

[1:26:40] So we're really cost we're trying to do the broad scope of cross marketing of other projects

[1:26:45] reaching out to tenant rep broker, reaching out to tenants directly.

[1:26:50] Yeah, and we've done that either by email or I tend to utilize social media pretty frequently.

[1:26:55] They're Instagram or things look to reach out to some of the maybe one or two off concepts.

[1:26:59] But I'm also like, if I'm dining in one of them, I'll ask, you know, who's the owner?

[1:27:04] Can I talk to somebody about who makes decisions regarding real estate?

[1:27:07] So we've been really covering those faces as well.

[1:27:09] Okay, so just to clarify, we're knowing that maybe a brewery, a local brewery, something that we're targeting,

[1:27:15] that we're directly, you're directing, we're reaching out to the different companies that are in the penels area.

[1:27:20] To say, hey, we have a unique opportunity for you, which is something you consider.

[1:27:24] Okay, yes.

[1:27:25] Mr. Smith asked my question about the city's interaction so I won't go there, but the last question is

[1:27:31] knowing, listening to your report and knowing what the city's profile, what they give into you about what types of

[1:27:39] establishments they want to be able to see in horizon and you're reporting that that's a difficult area right now.

[1:27:48] Have you approached the city about changing their profile, what types of services they want?

[1:27:53] What types of establishments they want to be able to have in her eyes?

[1:27:57] You know, we don't know.

[1:27:58] We were kind of heavy on the restaurants, and I think that's fine, because that is one of the most active categories out there.

[1:28:05] You know, restaurants are usually actively expanding, so we have no problem with that trying to attract those.

[1:28:11] That's kind of a number one sector.

[1:28:13] Now, what kind of go after some of those other youths are like who fitness is really active and pop.

[1:28:18] But we have had some like inbound leads that have been like we've had a dental clinic or like an eye clinic and we have presented those in our regular leasing meetings

[1:28:26] So we you know, we're not going to make that decision for you guys if there's been some sort of a change

[1:28:31] We're still going to present that interest and then like you guys decide if you want to entertain it or not

[1:28:35] Pat some bank interest, but yeah, we're we're gonna present everything. Yeah, we're not going to make that decision for you

[1:28:42] Okay, thank you space. Oh, no, yeah

[1:28:45] Thank you. Who's your hole?

[1:28:47] So, I just want to insert real quickly here that I don't consider dentists or the other thing that you said as part of entertainment district.

[1:28:57] We have a degree at NASA.

[1:29:00] I have a degree for this area.

[1:29:02] Sure.

[1:29:03] Just wanted to put that out there.

[1:29:04] Yeah, we agree, but we want to present it just in case.

[1:29:07] We never know.

[1:29:09] What we don't want to have happened is we didn't present the interest to you and then somehow it comes to you that they approached us and we did not share that interest with you.

[1:29:16] Okay, but yeah, I'm a big no-one that went thank you

[1:29:24] Any other questions?

[1:29:27] I had a poll.

[1:29:29] In case there were going to be questions about the actual agenda,

[1:29:32] and I can ask staff a time we bring around the poll for the end or the window.

[1:29:38] Yeah, we can, I think if,

[1:29:41] Mr. Zemis looking at me like I'm about to say something wrong.

[1:29:44] But I think that since the folks are up here and if you've got some questions that are more related to another issue as long as they're related to the real estate.

[1:29:52] I think it could be a change of emotion based or change of the plan.

[1:29:55] So I can ask them, I can ask them, I can ask them when it comes up formally or do it.

[1:30:00] So, we'll get back to it when we're over there. So, take a round for a few minutes.

[1:30:03] Yeah. Any other questions? I'll entertain a motion. I'm 13.

[1:30:09] Okay.

[1:30:10] Thank you.

[1:30:10] I'll be there.

[1:30:12] This is just the presentation.

[1:30:13] Thank you.

[1:30:15] You're right.

[1:30:17] Thank you.

[1:30:18] Yes.

[1:30:19] That's why I love it.

[1:30:20] So, the next thing is 13 shortly.

[1:30:25] So, we'll see in a few about three minutes.

[1:30:29] Thank you.

[1:30:30] Thank you.

[1:30:32] Good afternoon.

[1:30:33] Here's a consent document.

[1:30:35] Item 8, appointment of Commissioner Michael Smith is the city of

[1:30:38] Largo's representative and voting delegate to the

[1:30:40] Sancos League of cities.

[1:30:41] Item 9, resolution number 2433, renaming AMTC Center Drive to

[1:30:46] Bear Dent Drive.

[1:30:47] Item 10, resolution number 2434, authorizing a grant

[1:30:51] application to the border hurricane loss

[1:30:53] for a grant in a amount up to $250,000.

[1:30:57] On a 11 approval of the city furniture platform,

[1:31:00] item 12, authorization to enter into a software agreement

[1:31:03] with environmental systems research institute,

[1:31:06] parentheses as rate for this small local government enterprise license,

[1:31:11] parentheses ELA for $181,000 subscription training for $36,000,

[1:31:17] ArcGIS hub for $15,000 and $45,000 contingency funds for three years.

[1:31:23] An 14 authorization to spend an amount not to exceed 105,000 dollars utilizing continuing services contract RFP

[1:31:30] number 22-p-762 citywide roofing preventative maintenance awarded to advance proofing and corporate it.

[1:31:38] An 15 authorization to purchase mobile standby power generator system for fire station 38 from ring power corporation

[1:31:45] and the amount of $161,461,400 $8 in accordance with source wall contact number 092222-CAT.

[1:31:54] Item 16 approval of scope and fee with advanced engineering and design for the design of the Allen's

[1:31:59] Creep Best Management Practices Project in accordance with RFP number 24-Q-798 in the estimated amount of $395,635.

[1:32:09] At him 17, authorization approaches 3-4 replacement vehicles for the recreation parks and arts department from

[1:32:16] devout board in the estimate amount of 161,482 dollars in accordance with the Florida Sheriff's Association

[1:32:23] contract number FSA24-VEL32.0. At him 18, authorization approaches 2-4 transit 15 passenger

[1:32:32] for the recreation parks and arts department from devout court in the estimated amount of

[1:32:37] 113,810 dollars and 48 cents in accordance with the Bradford County Sheriff's Association

[1:32:42] contract 22-27-1.0.

[1:32:47] Thank you for the consent document. I'll entertain a motion.

[1:32:50] I moved to approve the consent document without commission discussion,

[1:32:52] including staff background providing the commission packets.

[1:32:55] I have a motion in a second. All in favor say aye.

[1:32:58] Any opposed?

[1:32:59] motion passes 70, and number 13, Mr. Brzee.

[1:33:06] Come back up.

[1:33:14] Can you tell me that's hard to predict this, but this is, we're proposing to go extend

[1:33:21] for a year, and I want to consider extending for a shorter period of time.

[1:33:26] But I wanted to get your thoughts about any ramifications that make, or I don't.

[1:33:31] I don't know how everybody else feels, but you know, we are getting closer to opening.

[1:33:38] And this is a significant investment by the community.

[1:33:42] And in the city, and we're going to have some vacant space in her eyes, and then I don't

[1:33:48] doubt that.

[1:33:49] Colliers have worked diligently and very hard, but I don't think we reached the level of success

[1:33:53] that was been expected.

[1:33:55] So I made proposed, depending on your feedback, that we proposed for six months, nine

[1:34:01] the most and I wanted to get your thoughts up that. What they made you to commit to will be

[1:34:05] certainly have to call your staff and try them as well but I just wanted to get your thoughts

[1:34:09] on that. Sure. Thank you for the question. So, you know, we have thought about both, you know,

[1:34:15] whether you went shorter, longer than 12 months shorter, but in my opinion, I think it doesn't

[1:34:23] do us any benefit by going shorter. If we look at kind of the typical least time plane that

[1:34:28] we've worked through, I think it's going to at least take us another year to get fully least

[1:34:34] out.

[1:34:34] I hope it's shorter.

[1:34:35] I hope I'm wrong.

[1:34:36] I really do, but I just think that the way it's gone so far and just the way the economy

[1:34:40] has been going, I think it's going to take us a year and I just didn't want to come back here

[1:34:44] if we did a six month extension and then come back in front of you again and go for another

[1:34:48] six months.

[1:34:49] And if that's what you want, then we can do that, but I just figured whether we give

[1:34:55] 12 months or in their original contract we can extend up for another term of five years.

[1:35:01] The remaining details of the contract remain the same so that the amount of money that

[1:35:04] we're going to pay them the percentage everything stays the same, so it doesn't cost

[1:35:08] this any additional money to extend it.

[1:35:12] Yeah, I didn't think it was a financial issue, it was just a matter of, and again, all

[1:35:16] due to spectacolors, how long we work with a partner in that, we may not be getting a result

[1:35:22] that we hope for. Sure. And you know, we even, it's like, if you look at the other

[1:35:26] extreme, if we, if we didn't redo it, I think it's detrimental to the project, if we

[1:35:31] weren't to continue this relationship. So I think by the time we were to, if we didn't

[1:35:36] extend it, it ends this May. We would have to go through another RFP and find another

[1:35:41] broker and then remark at the property. I just don't think it's in the best interest

[1:35:45] that the project. Okay. Thank you.

[1:35:47] Go on. Thank you, Assistant. See you in the depot.

[1:35:51] Commissioner DeBreeze, I'd also like to add that today we heard several of the different types of businesses that call yours as reached out to.

[1:35:59] At the meetings that we have with them every couple weeks, the list is, you know, 60 plus 70 plus it's growing all of the time.

[1:36:07] So just because we haven't heard from everything today,

[1:36:12] I can assure you in those meetings that they are doing,

[1:36:15] the best that they possibly can to lease these spaces.

[1:36:18] And I would also agree with Charles

[1:36:20] that extending for a year would be in the best interest

[1:36:23] of the city.

[1:36:24] Yeah, I've no doubt about the staff's commitment

[1:36:27] and part of work in this end.

[1:36:29] And based on your feedback, I can be okay with a year,

[1:36:33] but I just wanted to express my concern

[1:36:36] that's, you know, we keep, you know, we, we say we're going to have a place to open

[1:36:41] a site that most likely not going to be close to full, and you know, I think, you know,

[1:36:46] we're going to the feedback we're going to get about that is it's important for them to

[1:36:49] see different folks.

[1:36:50] And if they wanted it full, we wanted entertainment to straighten that, they could stand

[1:36:52] in the hindering as well.

[1:36:54] But I trust the staff and I trust your, your feedback.

[1:36:58] And I know that you all hold collars accountable to make sure that we get what we are expecting

[1:37:03] from them.

[1:37:03] Thank you. Thank you.

[1:37:06] Thank you.

[1:37:06] I have a question about kind of the format of our agreement with Collears.

[1:37:11] When we started this quite a while ago, before Collears was on board, we were pretty clear about.

[1:37:19] We want businesses to command and be successful and we want a certain type of business.

[1:37:23] And I think that the type of agreement that we have with these folks is based on.

[1:37:30] On revenue. So they're motivated to get a high rent. And for most people, for most landlords, that's probably their primary focus.

[1:37:42] I don't think it is our primary focus to get the highest rent possible for the site. We want active businesses. We want successful businesses.

[1:37:51] And they may not be in the position to pay the most out of the gate or whatever.

[1:37:55] So I don't know who could answer this question, but how much of a hindrance do you think the motivation of getting high rent because their revenue is based on that number has been to filling these spaces with desirable places?

[1:38:13] Sure. So we've had that conversation.

[1:38:15] You know, and I talked to both step in the Iraqi directly about that, and I told them, you know, more specifically as of the late, that we're okay with producing it, if that's what it takes for us to get the best tenants.

[1:38:29] And I've told them, you know, we want to create this vibrant entertainment district and our main business is not in the business of being a landlord and correct in rent. Obviously it's in our best interest to get money and make some money for whatever we do spend on the tenant improvements.

[1:38:45] that we do put into it, but if producing rinse, then we'll reduce them.

[1:38:50] I might have told them, make that very clear, if that's what it takes, that's what it takes.

[1:38:56] All right, and so, do you think it's got us to where we are now, where we've got one or two

[1:39:04] to least assigned, and we've got a long list, or not, to Commissioner de Breeze's point, we're

[1:39:11] not quite where we would hope to be.

[1:39:13] We're not, but we do actively compare the rents of other comparable properties in the area, and we're in line.

[1:39:21] And sometimes we might be a bit higher, but we are a brand new space.

[1:39:25] We're not second-gen space, everything's brand new.

[1:39:27] So, but for the most part, we're in line with rents per square foot around the area.

[1:39:33] Well, you guys think that's been a stumbling?

[1:39:35] It really hasn't been, and I will say sorry, I didn't.

[1:39:39] We're not going to let them run again the way of bringing in a qualified 10 that you guys are all going to be happy with it.

[1:39:46] So they also need to be obviously financially stable to be able to build out a space, too.

[1:39:51] We have some money or they can save a lot of business in six months.

[1:39:55] But we don't feel we actually feel we're kind of on the lower side.

[1:39:59] I think compared to other new construction projects that, you know, I mean that's what this is.

[1:40:04] It's a new construction delivery where I think far lower than the market.

[1:40:07] And most new construction projects are 100% least prior delivery.

[1:40:12] And a lot of the new construction is in areas where there's a lot of stuff happening.

[1:40:17] Yeah, I mean.

[1:40:18] All right, I mean, it's the third new construction in that block.

[1:40:22] Right. So in this area, we've had a couple of apartments complexes come up.

[1:40:27] And a couple of town hall projects, once complete,

[1:40:31] and some others are being started soon.

[1:40:34] And it's moving in a great direction, but I, I mean, I can see the hesitancy on, on

[1:40:39] restaurant tours, but the same point is 65 feet above sea level on a mile away from the beach,

[1:40:46] So, so we've got a good product to sell and a lot of money around us.

[1:40:50] And we're just going to capitalize off that bill there, either too, bill there and comes

[1:40:55] over there, so that's kind of a excellent point for us too.

[1:40:58] Thank you, Mr. Kirk.

[1:40:59] Yeah, I might add a critical point in the construction process where we don't want to

[1:41:05] essentially present a building that's not finished, so we'll probably looking at making

[1:41:09] investment into building out the space internally in anticipation of tenants, and that's a

[1:41:15] challenge for the type of tenant we're looking for to move into a new build space that isn't

[1:41:22] and we'll call it the mailbox that is kind of the term of art we've been using.

[1:41:28] So we're working at how we separate the completion of the project from creating different permits

[1:41:35] and creating that process so we can get other other construction companies and build out that vanilla box space.

[1:41:41] So we can be prepared for tenants that are looking for something that's a little more developed.

[1:41:45] So we're not competing with a stat, you know, established other developments in the area

[1:41:52] that already people just happen to move in and take over a kitchen that's already there

[1:41:55] and take over a bar that's already built out.

[1:41:59] So we're going to be making that decision soon about how we make investment.

[1:42:03] All right.

[1:42:03] Thank you.

[1:42:06] Other questions?

[1:42:09] Motion.

[1:42:10] I moved to approve extension of agreement for landlord representation services

[1:42:13] between the City of Largo at Collears International Florida LLC.

[1:42:18] Second.

[1:42:19] I have a motion.

[1:42:20] in the second hall in favor of say aye.

[1:42:22] Aye.

[1:42:22] Any opposed?

[1:42:24] Motion passes 70.

[1:42:25] Thank you.

[1:42:26] Thank you.

[1:42:28] I don't remember our 19.

[1:42:37] Good evening, Mayor and commissioners.

[1:42:39] The purpose of this hearing is to receive public comment and answer questions about phase

[1:42:43] 3 of the Largo Police Department.

[1:42:45] Michael Project as required by the F.I.

[1:42:47] 24 Edward Burn Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.

[1:42:50] And would be happy to answer any questions.

[1:42:54] Thank you.

[1:42:54] Do we have any cards on this?

[1:42:55] We have no cards.

[1:42:57] Any questions?

[1:43:00] Commissioner Smith.

[1:43:01] So please one in two.

[1:43:02] How's it working out?

[1:43:02] I'm assuming good.

[1:43:03] If it weren't very so.

[1:43:04] Yes sir.

[1:43:05] It's working out perfectly.

[1:43:06] In the force everybody's okay with them?

[1:43:08] Yes sir.

[1:43:10] Any concerns?

[1:43:11] Uh, none.

[1:43:12] At this time.

[1:43:13] They don't have any concerns.

[1:43:16] Don't.

[1:43:17] Don't hear that very well.

[1:43:18] I'm the president.

[1:43:20] All right.

[1:43:20] Thank you.

[1:43:21] Oh shoot.

[1:43:23] I know the questions.

[1:43:33] Thank you, thank you very much.

[1:43:55] Good evening, Mr. Mayor.

[1:43:56] Members of the City Commission.

[1:43:58] So generally, our main disagreements that come from our department

[1:44:01] go on our resolve through the consent document,

[1:44:04] but we wanted to accompany this particular one with a presentation

[1:44:07] doing due to it being slightly a typical from our usual maintenance agreements related to

[1:44:12] landscaping. So to talk first about the

[1:44:23] technology and the technology in the

[1:44:29] any way,

[1:44:37] usually we'll work on your stop on. Yeah, I think there's a remote

[1:44:53] Yeah,

[1:44:58] the time being I do have

[1:45:00] So, the a lot of the visuals are in near agenda packet. So, except you might have a backup again.

[1:45:16] There we go. Sorry about that. Thank you.

[1:45:19] So, starting off about the actual project subject to this item, the first, talking about the subject property. It's located at 101st Avenue southwest, located at the intersection of 1st street southwest and 1st Avenue southwest.

[1:45:33] Some approximately 0.32 acre parcel located in the West Bay Drive for community redevelopment

[1:45:38] district in the mixed use corridor and was originally developed as a dance studio in 2019

[1:45:43] currently occupied by the West Florida Dance Academy.

[1:45:50] The other party to this proposed agreement is located at 140 first avenue southwest.

[1:45:55] This is official address.

[1:45:57] It's just under half an acre parcel of land and it's currently and it's owned by the city of

[1:46:06] have this a unique shape of this city property in relation to the subject site that creates

[1:46:12] a barrier in between the subject site and West Bay Drive. So actually looking at the visuals

[1:46:17] on that, there's going to be another map showing the area later in the presentation.

[1:46:21] But looking at the city property, it's on the west side there of the block that's currently

[1:46:28] a public parking lot, but then you see it also wraps around creating a barrier but preventing

[1:46:32] the subject site from having frontage directly onto West Bay Drive.

[1:46:39] So the actual proposal subject to this agreement is for the placement of a monument

[1:46:43] style sign on the northeastern portion of the city on parcel, which was referenced in the map

[1:46:48] on the previous slide.

[1:46:50] In order to allow the current dance studio to actually advertise their business to patrons

[1:46:53] going up and down West Bay Drive, the proposed sign itself is would be eight feet tall.

[1:46:58] The proximity of 55 foot square foot electronic face and the subject of this item would be that

[1:47:07] West Florida property investors LSE the owner of the subject site would enter into a maintenance

[1:47:12] agreement in order to assume responsibility for the installation maintenance and any cost associated

[1:47:17] with the proposed signage to be located on city property. It should be noticed that they would also assume

[1:47:24] ability in relation to the sign for any incidents that may occur to the sign on city property

[1:47:29] and the applicant and property owners also aware that the sign could potentially be required

[1:47:35] to temporarily removed in the event that any of the utilities that run through the city parcel

[1:47:40] do need to be maintained and while the base of the sign is proposed to extend about two feet below

[1:47:46] the ground it wouldn't impact any of those existing utilities and we did feel check that with

[1:47:51] of our engineering team during this process of putting this agreement together.

[1:47:57] And once, if and when, if approved by you tonight, the sign would still as any other sign

[1:48:03] in the city be required to attain all necessary permits with the building with the city of

[1:48:07] Largo's building division and meet all other requirements outlined in the comprehensive

[1:48:12] development code related to signage.

[1:48:17] So here's just another visual you can see the general shape of the property.

[1:48:22] will get a better image in the next slide, but that would be the general location of where

[1:48:26] the sign would be proposed to be and the general specifications of the actual sign itself

[1:48:31] there on the left.

[1:48:36] So you can see here a little clear. When originally developed the dance

[1:48:41] studio building was built essentially to the extent of its northern property line, which is the

[1:48:46] southern property line that it shares with the city of Largo property. Due to this, a barrier is

[1:48:52] created in which the Dan Studio does contain insufficient space to place a monument style sign,

[1:48:58] advertising their business that is easily available from West Bay Drive and just looking

[1:49:02] at the other front.

[1:49:03] As you can see, to the east along First Street, Southwest, there's very few places in which

[1:49:09] a sign could be reasonably placed that wouldn't either be hit by the building or just be placed

[1:49:14] at an odd angle to minimize visibility from surrounding vehicle travel.

[1:49:22] Additionally, the lack of visibility is also exacerbated by the presence of existing vegetation,

[1:49:27] very nice vegetation up and down West Bay Drive, and right to the north of this site is also a large overhead

[1:49:34] directional sign that further creates a barrier between the building and the public right of way.

[1:49:42] Due to the unique, based on the extenuating circumstances faced by the dance studio property,

[1:49:46] The community development department finds merit and supports the applicant's request to install and provide maintenance of a monument style sign on the city of Largo and property located at 140 first avenue south west in order to advertise their business and do recommend approval of the presented maintenance agreement and just before staff opens up for questions there is one more visual that I want to present.

[1:50:08] You'll have to forgive my work on this one.

[1:50:10] But generally that red line you see there is the rough area of where the actual property line is that it shares with the city property.

[1:50:19] And there is actually a wall sign kind of engraved into the front of that building.

[1:50:24] But you can see it's very difficult to actually see and unless you're right on top of the building.

[1:50:29] It's very hard to actually know what's there unless you know what to look for.

[1:50:33] So with that, that concludes the presentation and staff is open for questions. Thank you all.

[1:50:39] Thank you.

[1:50:40] Do we have any cards on this?

[1:50:41] We have no cards.

[1:50:42] Thank you.

[1:50:43] Commissioner DeBreezy.

[1:50:44] Thank you.

[1:50:45] Just kind of curious.

[1:50:46] Eight foot tall signs of big sign.

[1:50:49] I know those rules regarding signs of building signs of property and so forth.

[1:50:54] That allows for what the type of sign is.

[1:50:56] Are we?

[1:50:57] Is that sign in compliance with that or is a sign even above and beyond?

[1:51:02] What would normally, if it was allowed there in the first place, it would be there.

[1:51:04] So, there are certain circumstances, depending if it's like part of a very large shopping

[1:51:08] plaza, signage along US-19, but general, the general city-wide standard for a commercial

[1:51:15] non-residential sign is eight feet, so they are well within what the comprehensive development

[1:51:19] code allows.

[1:51:20] Thank you.

[1:51:22] Along those lines, so there's a space allowed and a West Bay drive district that's different,

[1:51:28] and we've looked at that, and I assume that we're applying the space that's allowed

[1:51:31] by right, they're on too, pretty big roads,

[1:51:34] so they have a pretty decent size space allowed.

[1:51:38] So even though it's all sight, it's being treated

[1:51:40] like an onsite sign from that perspective.

[1:51:42] That's correct.

[1:51:43] It's kind of unique in the downtown in the community

[1:51:45] redevelopment districts.

[1:51:46] We actually base the square footage.

[1:51:48] Not so on the front edge of the building itself

[1:51:50] on the roadways, but yes, as part of the agreement,

[1:51:55] there would be no additional bonus area provided

[1:51:57] for the signage.

[1:51:58] It would follow the full standards of the development code.

[1:52:00] Okay, good, Commissioner Holmes.

[1:52:02] Thank you.

[1:52:04] This is going to be on city property, correct?

[1:52:07] Yes, Commissioner.

[1:52:08] It's going to be on city side.

[1:52:10] It's going to be the responsibility in the cost of the sign are going to be incurred by the property owner of the dance studio.

[1:52:18] It's going to be on our property.

[1:52:20] But all responsibility of the maintenance upkeep that sign is going to be on the property under the dance studio.

[1:52:26] Are they renting the land for us?

[1:52:28] They're not renting the land. We are giving them

[1:52:30] Commission to install the sign. Okay. That's all I wanted, thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Louser.

[1:52:37] Yeah, so just a quick question, as far as I don't necessarily have a problem with possibly giving them the space for the sign, but does this set a precedent to wear now?

[1:52:48] Every meeting we're going to be approving some other business who is saying, look at the dance studio. Now I want to put my sign on to the city property.

[1:52:56] This was something that was unique,

[1:53:00] situation was presented to us in terms of this particular request to my knowledge.

[1:53:05] It has not been done.

[1:53:07] And this was kind of a, I'll say, case by case decision,

[1:53:10] where we determined if this was a feasible request to bring before you in the commission.

[1:53:14] I won't say necessarily that it automatically means that everyone going,

[1:53:19] that face a similar situation will automatically be able to have a sign.

[1:53:23] I think it's something we're going to have to evaluate

[1:53:25] has the business this come to us.

[1:53:27] It's going to be hard to say to the shares.

[1:53:29] It's going to be hard to say, though, when you say yes once.

[1:53:32] So I will point out that just west of here in front of the West Bay Plaza, I think it's called.

[1:53:38] Those signs are on city property.

[1:53:40] That's a private, those are private,

[1:53:42] own businesses and buildings.

[1:53:44] The Benedict's sign is a Benedict's still.

[1:53:47] It's on city property in front of that building.

[1:53:50] And that was done as part of that development agreement I believe.

[1:53:53] There are a few of these situations, they're usually pretty unique.

[1:54:01] Sometimes it's a sign, sometimes it's landscaping to make the area look better.

[1:54:05] We have allowed private developers to put landscaping in our signs on city property.

[1:54:11] I believe, as it's Saint Paul's school, their sign, I believe, is one what we've done this.

[1:54:17] But again, a very unique situation because they didn't have good signage, and it was a traffic

[1:54:25] problem, and so it helped out everybody by allowing them to put the sign out on the right

[1:54:30] way.

[1:54:31] So we have done this occasionally, I'm not concerned that it's sitting a president that we're

[1:54:36] going to have to give you, it's totally within your discretion.

[1:54:40] And we've only done this, I'm pretty rare occasions when there was a unique circumstance

[1:54:46] usually due to some kind of property situation and there we have utilities underneath this property

[1:54:56] out in front of the building is that correct? That's correct yes. Thank you.

[1:55:01] Any other questions? I moved to approve an agreement regarding the placement of alignment

[1:55:05] science and city parcel adjacent to 100 first avenue southwest to be installed in

[1:55:15] I have a motion in a second, all in the reverse AI.

[1:55:19] I'm on the opposed.

[1:55:20] Motion passes 70.

[1:55:22] Thank you.

[1:55:23] Next is item number 21.

[1:55:43] Good evening, Mayor.

[1:55:44] This is an agenda memo to request an extension of the work period for the task order that was approved by the Commission on January 21.

[1:55:55] and the city of Largo, we entered into an agreement with Tetra Tech to provide disaster management

[1:56:02] recovery services, part of that included doing inspection of damage properties from the storm,

[1:56:08] collecting data, preparing reports of that data, and then sending out the substantial damage

[1:56:14] estimations to those in the flood zones.

[1:56:19] This task order expired on March 30th, 2025 on the work has not

[1:56:25] been completed from that task order.

[1:56:26] So this is simply a request to extend that work period.

[1:56:29] So TetraTech can complete the rest of those substantial damage

[1:56:33] of reports for the city.

[1:56:37] Thank you.

[1:56:38] Do I have any cards on this?

[1:56:39] We have no card.

[1:56:41] Any questions?

[1:56:42] I moved to approve authorization to change order number 001 to extend the work period for the task and order number 001 between tetrotect ink and the city of Warnland.

[1:56:54] Thank you.

[1:56:55] I have a motion.

[1:56:55] Second all in favor say aye.

[1:56:57] Any opposed?

[1:56:59] Motion passes.

[1:57:00] Seven zero.

[1:57:01] Thank you.

[1:57:01] Here is if they work today.

[1:57:04] Took the day off.

[1:57:05] Another back to work.

[1:57:06] That's good.

[1:57:08] Next is item number 22.

[1:57:33] Good evening Mayor and members of the City Commission.

[1:57:36] The item before you is a proposed amendment to the future land use map for a portion of

[1:57:41] the property located at 702 Country Club Drive.

[1:57:47] The project area encompasses approximately 1.6 acres of the greater East Bay Country Club

[1:57:52] property.

[1:57:54] Currently, the proposed amendment to area is classified as recreation open space on both

[1:57:59] the City of Largo Future land use map and the county line plan map.

[1:58:04] The applicant is seeking an amendment to residential medium to allow for the development of new residential units within the 1.6-acre area.

[1:58:14] This area was identified as it is currently developed with a parking lot, serving the Country Club Bankway and Events venue in the Gulf Course Pro Shop.

[1:58:26] Here's the existing future land use map with the project area outlined with a dashed black line.

[1:58:31] The area is centered along Country Club Drive, a private road, and is located north of the existing Country Club Pro Shop in banquet events club.

[1:58:45] And here is the proposed future land use map showing the property area with a residential medium classification.

[1:58:51] The proposed classification is consistent with that of other residential properties both within the greater East Bay Country Club area and its immediate vicinity.

[1:59:05] Area 1,

[1:59:10] Area 1, shown in red, is located west of Country Club Drive.

[1:59:15] The Northern View shows the East Bay Country Club Condo Apartments, while the Southern View

[1:59:20] shows the Country Club Bar in-group.

[1:59:26] Area 2 indicated with the blue rectangle, shows the portion of the project area located east

[1:59:31] of Country Club Drive.

[1:59:33] The Northern View shows the existing Condo development, west shows the existing parking

[1:59:37] and South shows the pro-shop.

[1:59:44] The proposed amendment has been requested

[1:59:46] pursuant to an agreement from 1988,

[1:59:49] which established a declaration of covenants and restrictions

[1:59:52] between the city of Largo and the then property owners

[1:59:55] of the country club.

[1:59:57] At the time of the declaration,

[1:59:59] the owners of the country.

[2:00:00] Please pay country club on 5 parcels. Prior to the declaration, the owners had received inquiries from parties

[2:00:07] interested in redeveloping portions of the golf course. Several land use map of amendments and redevelopment

[2:00:14] proposals were presented before the City of Largo Commission and were ultimately denied as they were found

[2:00:20] to be incompatible with the uses of surrounding properties in the desires of the community. After several redevelopment

[2:00:27] The city and the property owners worked with surrounding residents to arrive at a consensus to cluster the residential density from the five parcels to four parcels.

[2:00:38] This agreement was approved by the City Commission and granted the property owners to write to 475 dwelling units while restricting the remainder of the property to remain as permanent open space for an 18-hole golf course.

[2:00:54] Following the original agreement, two amendments were made to the declaration through a

[2:00:58] development agreement in 1996. These amendments restricted two additional parcels for

[2:01:04] golf course use only and transferred the density to parcel D to allow for the development

[2:01:09] of up to 26 residential dwelling units. Through these agreements, the then property owners

[2:01:16] took ownership and maintenance responsibilities for country club drive and installed the

[2:01:20] at the intersection of the private road with East Bay Drive.

[2:01:48] Here's the map showing the five parcels subject to the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions.

[2:01:53] As it stands now, parcel A, shown in orange, and located adjacent to Starkey Road,

[2:01:58] is restricted to residential use only, and is currently developed with the 76 unit

[2:02:03] at Golfside Estate's Community.

[2:02:06] Parts will be, shown in blue,

[2:02:08] Parts will see, shown in purple,

[2:02:10] and Parts will be, shown in green,

[2:02:12] are all currently restricted to golf course use

[2:02:14] or golf course related uses only.

[2:02:19] Lastly, Parts will be, shown in red,

[2:02:21] is restricted to residential use only,

[2:02:23] and is currently developed with 180 condo units.

[2:02:27] Of the 475 units allowed pursuant

[2:02:30] to their original declaration, only 282 have been allocated,

[2:02:34] leaving a remainder of 193 units that could be developed.

[2:02:40] It should be noted that the hatch area, shown in light blue,

[2:02:43] located north of Parselsea, was not included in the agreement.

[2:03:03] To utilize a portion of the remaining vested units,

[2:03:07] the current property owner, Florian Golf Investors,

[2:03:10] is requesting this land use map amendment for an approximately 1.6 acre portion

[2:03:14] of the land that is currently classified as recreation open space.

[2:03:19] The current land use designation does not allow for residential development thus why the

[2:03:24] applicants are requesting an amendment to residential medium.

[2:03:28] This land use map amendment would impact parcel C and portions of parcel E which are

[2:03:34] currently restricted to golf course and golf course related uses in the declaration.

[2:03:38] As such, the applicant is also proposing an amendment to the declaration alongside the fluma to

[2:03:44] authorized the use of a 104 of the remaining vested residential units and to extinguish the rights to 89 residential units.

[2:03:55] In light green, this map shows the approximately 0.84 acre per area of parcel E that would be subject to the amendment and the 0.76 acre area of parcel C.

[2:04:08] Please note that no changes are proposed to the future land use map or the declaration outside of the 1.6 acre project area.

[2:04:22] This map shows an aerial of the overall parcel with the flood overlays.

[2:04:28] As shown here, the majority of the western portion of the Greater East Bay Country Club property

[2:04:32] is located within the FEMA designated coastal high hazard area or the special flood hazard area.

[2:04:38] Meanwhile, the eastern portion of the property is fell up primarily with the golf course.

[2:04:45] Here's a closer look of the previous map showing the proposed project area for the amendment.

[2:04:50] This 1.6 acre area was chosen because it is located outside of the flood zones, was previously developed with impervious surfaces for the parking lots, and would cause minimal conflict with the current layout of the overall golf course.

[2:05:16] For panelists, the Metropolitan Planning Organization has created a multimodal accessibility index that scores an area based on the presence of multimodal accessibility features.

[2:05:26] To improve the multimodal accessibility, the applicant's proposed adding a Cheryl Lane and signage on Country Club Drive for bicycle safety and lane sharing.

[2:05:38] The pavement markers, as well as the proposed signage, will likely be similar to the images shown at the bottom of the slide.

[2:05:45] The Cheryl Lane would be added to the portion of Country Club Drive indicated with the green dash line on the map shown.

[2:05:57] Approval of the future land use map amendment and the amendment to the declaration would change the land use classification for only the project area to residential medium and would allow up to 104 dwelling units.

[2:06:11] However, this does not authorize a full redevelopment of the golf course or approve any specific development plans.

[2:06:21] This slide provides a visual depicting the general sequence of events that would be required prior to construction of any new development in the project area.

[2:06:30] If the city commission authorizes the transfer of the amendment this evening, staff would provide forward panels with the application.

[2:06:39] The item would then be heard before the planners advisory committee, the forward panels board and the board of county commissioners.

[2:06:45] If approved by these agencies, the amendment will go back to the city of Largo Commission for second and final reading.

[2:06:53] The proposed amendment to the declaration would be presented alongside the future land use map amendment at second reading before the city commission.

[2:07:01] If both of these items are approved, the flume package would then be submitted to the Florida Department of Commerce for a courtesy review.

[2:07:10] After Future Land Use Map Amendment Approval and State Review, the applicants could then submit

[2:07:16] for a site plan review where the city would require a full site plan, submittal, and

[2:07:21] a traffic study. A neighborhood information meeting would also be required to share the specific

[2:07:27] development plan with the community.

[2:07:31] Ultimately, staff found that the proposed flima was consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the City of Largo Comprehensive Plan, and Comprehensive Development Code, as well as the forward panelist Countywide rules, and chapter 163 of the Florida State Satutes.

[2:07:48] On March 6, the planning board recommended approval of the proposed amendment by a vote of 5-0. If approved this evening, the amendment would be translated to forward panelist for countywide review.

[2:08:00] The presentation has now concluded the applicants are present and which is speak and staff are available for any questions, thank you.

[2:08:10] Thank you, do we have any cards on this?

[2:08:14] I have three applicants go first for the cards.

[2:08:20] You have to read the first.

[2:08:53] All right, thank you, Mayor.

[2:08:57] It's been a long process for us to get here.

[2:09:01] I really appreciate the staff this time.

[2:09:03] We've worked closely with the City Attorney's office

[2:09:06] as you heard there's quite a history here

[2:09:09] and looking back and analyzing that and making sure

[2:09:12] that we, you know, have the best project to bring you

[2:09:16] that made the most sense and honored those initial agreements

[2:09:19] was very important.

[2:09:22] So I'm Lauren Rubenstein.

[2:09:23] I'm with Hill Ward Henderson.

[2:09:24] I'm here on behalf of the applicant, also with me,

[2:09:27] is Bruce Orr with the property owner,

[2:09:30] flooring golf investors.

[2:09:32] And Lauren Fiela, who is a planner with Stan Taxo.

[2:09:38] It's after the good job going through the background,

[2:09:40] but this is a thing that started over 30 years ago.

[2:09:44] And so I think it's important that we look at it

[2:09:46] and we talked about how it initially came about.

[2:09:49] So back in 1988, there was the original declaration

[2:09:53] of covenants that was filed and agreed to by the city

[2:09:56] and the property owners.

[2:09:57] And that's what established this overall 475 best

[2:10:01] at units.

[2:10:02] It allowed for clustering of those density units

[2:10:05] in certain areas.

[2:10:07] And it restricted certain areas for the use

[2:10:10] of the golf course and corresponding amenities.

[2:10:13] not a agreement was then amended twice in 1996. Ultimately, those 1996 agreements took what

[2:10:23] you see as parcel D on a lot of these different images you've seen and in the back

[2:10:28] and it allocated a 206 units to parcel D. Only 180 are developed but those 206 are allocated to parcel D.

[2:10:38] And nothing that we are proposing as part of the declaration or as part of this future land

[2:10:43] just map amendment would be changing any of that.

[2:10:47] So, current status today, we have the 475 units that were vested 282 of those are allocated

[2:10:53] between the 76 that are developed on Parts of A and the 206 that are allocated to Parts of D.

[2:11:01] And that brings us to what we're here to where today, which is the future land just map amendment.

[2:11:07] As staff explains, in order to develop any of those remaining units, the 193 remaining,

[2:11:13] we have to have a future land use map amendment to designate where on the property, it

[2:11:18] would be appropriate for those units to be cluster.

[2:11:21] Enth�oring golf has been dedicated to this property and operating this golf course and making

[2:11:27] sure that its future is secure.

[2:11:31] And we're going to care from Bruce a little bit later to talk about the economic viability

[2:11:34] of that, but it has come to a point where to secure the future and to make necessary

[2:11:39] upgrades, they need to have some development for the capital in flow, and they've looked

[2:11:44] at what would be the best place to put these units and where it makes the most sense.

[2:11:50] And what you have is 1.6 acres with a maximum of 104 units, and I think one of the most

[2:11:58] important things to highlight in this as well is understanding that those other 89 units as

[2:12:04] part of this application, and conjunction with the fluma is the third amendment to the declaration,

[2:12:10] which would distinguish those 89 units, which is a significant portion, almost 20 percent

[2:12:16] of the overall vestitensity that the property owners are willing to essentially give up and

[2:12:22] says, you know, this 1.6 acres, this is where the development's appropriate, no more than

[2:12:32] So that third amendment to the declaration, as part of the ordinance that you're voting on today,

[2:12:38] you are also recognizing that the amendment to the declaration would need to be agreed and executed as part of the future land use map.

[2:12:48] I don't know how closely you all have looked at that.

[2:12:51] It's not the most exciting document to read, but it does a good job of laying out exactly what the history was.

[2:12:57] And, you know, laying forth, you've got this 76 units of parcel A, the 206 and D in the

[2:13:04] 193 remaining.

[2:13:05] You then have very specifically gold descriptions that match those in the future land use map

[2:13:10] application for the total 1.6 acres that's going to be hopefully a few approve of change

[2:13:18] from the recreation open space to residential medium.

[2:13:22] And then further restricted under the restrictions and the declaration and

[2:13:26] minutes, the amendment, it would be restricted to the 104 units, maximum, and it would

[2:13:32] extinguish those other 89. So that declaration really is what functions to extinguish

[2:13:38] those other 89 units.

[2:13:42] And with that, I'm going to turn it over to Lori to talk about the requirements

[2:13:47] of your code. Good evening, everyone. Excuse me, I'm a little horse tonight, but we've been working

[2:13:54] also with the city and with Bruce's partnership for many, many years on this project as well and I'm really glad we're here tonight because one of the things that we tried to do is make sure that whatever was proposed and again we know this isn't a slight plan proposal but we felt it was very important that if we were going to ask for this fluma that we proposed a project a concept site plan that would in fact

[2:14:23] to be consistent with the city's comprehensive plan.

[2:14:27] Excuse me, in the county of White Rules,

[2:14:29] as well as the compatibility with the city of

[2:14:32] Largo's comprehensive development code.

[2:14:35] And that looked into impacts on public facilities

[2:14:37] and services, demonstration of needs.

[2:14:41] And I think we're talking about fair housing month this month.

[2:14:45] We know how a need the city is,

[2:14:49] and, you know, the Penelis County is in for a housing.

[2:14:54] And so we also looked at the ability to develop

[2:14:57] in compliance with the other CDC state.

[2:15:01] We will be looking into taking account the environmental effects when it comes to site plan review, like we do with all properties.

[2:15:09] As you know, we just worked with Habitat for Humanity on opening of their first 13 units on a parcel that had wetland on it.

[2:15:17] So we are very cognizant of environmental constraints when they're there on the property and we look into that during the site plan review process.

[2:15:26] We also, as staff showed earlier, we actually revised our site plan on numerous occasions.

[2:15:35] The last one was after we received the updated FEMA plan that you saw in that last drawing

[2:15:41] that Whitney showed, showing the new FEMA map, and we moved all of the buildings to where

[2:15:48] there was already, hard-scape, there already was impervious materials down, parking areas, and

[2:15:55] We took all of the development out of the high hazard area with the scenic non-commercial quarters.

[2:16:02] That's kind of a non-applicable point, but we have looked at all of those requirements

[2:16:09] of the CDC and we wanted to show you, again, it's a concept plan, we don't have a developer,

[2:16:18] We only have the experience that we've had with the city and trying to develop a compliant plan that meets the needs of the city as well as the surrounding community.

[2:16:30] This concept plan shows 104 accommodating 104 units of the 193 and again that leaves at 89 to be extinguished and permanently so that there are never, you know,

[2:16:46] they're never going to be brought forward again as to be developed, and it's also leaving the

[2:16:52] golf course intact with additional upgrades proposed, and I would like to turn it over to Bruce

[2:16:58] now to maybe give you some ideas on investing in the future of the golf course.

[2:17:05] Thank you, Mayor Brown, the commission.

[2:17:09] Just if you're not aware of my tenure at East Bay I've been there and a manager on that

[2:17:14] property over 35 years.

[2:17:17] So uniquely I have been involved in this project since this inception from the original

[2:17:26] decorative decorations that were formed and the main goal at that time I think it was

[2:17:33] universal between the city, the golf course owner, and the joining residence, because the

[2:17:39] protection of golf course. So, in short order, I was tasked with that ability to protect

[2:17:46] the golf course going forward. I've been there as a manager with two different ownership

[2:17:51] groups. And I think I could say with some reason it will confidence that we would achieve the

[2:17:56] of the original agreements.

[2:18:00] The virtue of this map of amendment just opens the door for us to create a scenario

[2:18:07] where we can value out resources, but allow us to invest in the golf course,

[2:18:14] renovate the golf course, redo the pro-shop, and really ensure that we've got a product

[2:18:20] is very viable and successful economically and as a

[2:18:25] amenity to the city of residents long, long after

[2:18:29] I'll be gone.

[2:18:31] Thank

[2:18:34] you.

[2:18:35] And one thing I didn't mention that I did want to just

[2:18:38] let the commission know, I don't believe it was in

[2:18:39] staff's presentation either.

[2:18:41] It's been a long road that we've been working with city staff,

[2:18:44] but we have also been involved in making sure that we

[2:18:47] are listening to the community.

[2:18:48] We did have an informational meeting.

[2:18:51] I'll at East Bay Country Club, where we had, I don't know, probably 75 residents, if not more, come out.

[2:18:59] We shared the project, we heard concerns, we took those things back and looked at them and made sure we were looking at those appropriately.

[2:19:07] So I know a lot of them are here tonight and you'll hear from them as well, but we just want to let you know that's not a requirement of hope, but certainly something we feel is very important as we began this process.

[2:19:19] So with that, thank you and we're here for any questions.

[2:19:23] Ordnance number 2025-17 and Ordnance of the City of Largo, Florida,

[2:19:28] amending the City of Largo Comprehensive Plan Future Land Youth

[2:19:31] map classification of the within described track of land, located at 702

[2:19:35] country club drive from recreation open space, parentheses R slash OS to

[2:19:41] residential medium, parentheses Rm, consistent with the City of

[2:19:44] comprehensive plan, amending the city future land use map on file in the office of the city clerk

[2:19:50] pursuant to the provisions of chapter 163 part 2 florist statutes and the panels Countywide

[2:19:55] plan rules, approving the third amendment to the Declaration of Covenants and Restrictions

[2:20:00] Prenticese East Bay Country Club, providing for repeal of any prior ordinances in conflict,

[2:20:05] providing for severability and providing for an effective date.

[2:20:09] Thank you, before we move to questions, do we have any cards on this?

[2:20:13] I have three cards. First is Fred Higgum, and he's representing Deborah Cornner-Noyer,

[2:20:19] Kayla Cornoyer, Judy Higgum, and Christine Mack for total of seven minutes.

[2:20:25] I apologize if I said that name wrong.

[2:20:37] Good evening, Mr. Mayor, City Commissioner. So thank you for affording the opportunity to speak with you.

[2:20:44] My name is Fred Higgum. I'm the president of the homeowners, the kind of minimum homeowners association

[2:20:50] of East Bay, it's 32 condominium homes on a long country club drive, on the west side of

[2:21:00] country club drive, immediately to the north where the country club or the golf course parking

[2:21:06] lot is.

[2:21:08] We oppose the approval of this amendment because it is incompatible with the surrounding use.

[2:21:18] I passed out a packet or gave a clerk a packet that I'd like to refer to during this presentation.

[2:21:27] From East Bay Drive, all the way down to the country club or the golf course parking lot are two story builders.

[2:21:35] And if you look at page number four, you can see a photograph of two story buildings that be associated across the street from mine.

[2:21:44] And mine has similar two story buildings, and further up toward East Bay Drive, there are

[2:21:49] two other condominium projects which also have two story buildings.

[2:21:54] What the proposal is, part of this application, and they're not saying that it's Carter,

[2:21:58] stone yet, but the only way that can put 104 units into 1.6 acres, which by the way is 65 units per acre,

[2:22:06] is to put up a building like they did in Part of D.

[2:22:11] And if you look at page number two, it's a six story building.

[2:22:16] One parking level in former residential stories above it.

[2:22:22] I'm going to address now because of the limited time,

[2:22:24] the most significant issue that we have with that.

[2:22:28] And that is safety because of the increase.

[2:22:30] These traffic on a country club drive. Country club drive is already overburdened. It is the only method

[2:22:37] of ingress and egress for the 265 existing condominium homes, plus the golf force. The proposal is

[2:22:46] to add an additional 104 units for total of 360. Country club drive simply cannot support that.

[2:22:58] Country

[2:22:58] private easement. It's only 20 feet wide. It can't get any bigger. It has no sidewalk, it has

[2:23:07] no bicycle lane. There is nowhere to put the existence of the existing units which use country

[2:23:17] club drive exclusively the 360 with new additions. There are 120 units in the nation which

[2:23:26] is also used in the country club drive.

[2:23:30] And as you sit here today, you have no information

[2:23:34] about what the actual traffic use

[2:23:37] of that right of way is.

[2:23:40] And that's because it was no traffic study done.

[2:23:43] Referring to page 6 of the exhibits in the application.

[2:23:49] It says an updated traffic study

[2:23:51] is being submitted to the city in conjunction

[2:23:54] with this revised narrative.

[2:23:55] But it was not done, it has yet to have been done.

[2:23:59] And I believe that it would be a mistake for the City Commission

[2:24:06] to approve this change to the ordinance without the information

[2:24:10] that would come from that traffic study.

[2:24:12] But golf course, as you saw from the previous amendments,

[2:24:15] has the sole responsibility for maintaining country-floor drop.

[2:24:21] And they do not do a good job of maintaining it.

[2:24:24] If you look at page number six of the exhibits, if the variance is not going to photograph

[2:24:30] by a pod chest for that, but if the very top is e-space drive, and then you can see a

[2:24:36] section of it, which has pop holes and patches and things in it, it's already improperly maintained,

[2:24:43] it's already inadequate.

[2:24:45] Now, what the applicant is asking you for is this ordinance, which will give them a vested

[2:24:52] right and the ability to put 104 units in 1.6 acres about 40 feet away from my project

[2:25:03] about 30 feet away from the project across the street.

[2:25:07] That right doesn't exist now.

[2:25:09] They may have a right to put some units on existing golf course somewhere, but they don't

[2:25:14] have a right to do it a long country club drive and country club drive is already overburdened

[2:25:21] can not support any additional units, and country club drive is only 20 feet wide. It cannot

[2:25:30] be expanded. It's bounded on all sides by at least 400 million projects. I don't know

[2:25:38] about the other projects, but I know that my documents provide that the president can't sell

[2:25:44] the land, the board of directors can't sell the land. If you're going to sell or give away

[2:25:49] a condominium land, it can only be done with an approval of 100% of the owners.

[2:25:57] So, it's an impossibility to be able to make this real white, and of all of the places

[2:26:05] that could put additional development, this is perhaps the worst.

[2:26:09] I think that the very least there ought to be a traffic study so you can actually count and

[2:26:14] know what the usage, now I know we've been told in the past that this is only the beginning

[2:26:20] that future down the line that there will be approvals and permits required.

[2:26:25] Well, my concern is that once you pass this ordinance, which gives an invested right, to put

[2:26:30] 104 units on this particular parcel, then it's going to be very difficult to stop any development

[2:26:38] of that point.

[2:26:40] And perhaps you could ask the city attorney if approval of the ordinance as written, allowing

[2:26:45] the 104 units on this particular parcel will make it any more difficult for the city or

[2:26:51] the county to deny this permit because of the inadequacy of a country-closed drop, asking

[2:26:58] that you don't set the city up for failure, don't set the community up for failure, and

[2:27:03] Please look into the actual traffic use before you consider approving this event.

[2:27:09] Thank you.

[2:27:11] Thank you.

[2:27:21] The next speaker is James Bennett.

[2:27:23] He's representing.

[2:27:28] I know I'm going to get this wrong.

[2:27:29] I'm sorry.

[2:27:29] You can shave, ask for now.

[2:27:31] The threes, Angela Reeves, Andrew Bennett, Sue Winkler, Scott Cooler, and Bill Chamberlain.

[2:27:43] Good evening.

[2:27:44] Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak on behalf of

[2:27:48] to Club Conominians. My name is James Bennett. I'm the President and

[2:27:51] Treasurer of the 30-unit Country Club Building 6 H.O.A.

[2:27:55] and also the Treasurer on the board of the entire 180-unit 6-building

[2:28:00] Conominium Complex H.O.A. Reference in Parsonal D.

[2:28:06] Previously, just south of East Bay, Golf Club facilities.

[2:28:09] We represent the largest residential homeowners association

[2:28:13] along Country Club Drive from East Bay Drive until it terminates

[2:28:16] in our six building complex.

[2:28:20] We ask ourselves a lot of questions when looking at this

[2:28:22] to try to be fair too.

[2:28:24] And it's like if you ask my 180 homeowners in our complex

[2:28:30] who doesn't like having East Bay golf club as a prominent

[2:28:34] feature that helps us to maintain and sell our homes.

[2:28:38] So we're unanimous in that.

[2:28:40] That's not a question.

[2:28:42] Who doesn't like maybe the concept of bringing in new 104

[2:28:47] or high-end similar units to add to our 180 units that are selling in an average of $475,000

[2:28:55] and provide that tax base to the city and to the county.

[2:29:00] Everybody agrees with that, too.

[2:29:02] We really don't object to that potential.

[2:29:05] If you ask our owners who likes the current state of Country Club Drive,

[2:29:10] you can't get one owner to say they approve of the state of Country Club Drive.

[2:29:15] It's a little bit of a laundry because you've got the golf course who owns Country Club Drive.

[2:29:22] They're responsible for maintaining it.

[2:29:23] They have no pressure from us.

[2:29:25] They have no pressure from the city to improve it to maintain it or anything.

[2:29:31] So if past experience is any indication of future performance,

[2:29:37] we have no confidence that Country Club Drive will be maintained.

[2:29:41] Our number one concern as the result of the proposed rezoning would be safety, safety of our owners and tenants while they travelers come to club drive currently and how we're so we'll get without assurances from either the existing private ownership of the road or options that the city can give to them.

[2:30:00] We were swayed to our concerns, which is essential to moving forward. Traffic is our main safety concern. This includes pedestrian, bicycle, motorized bicycle, scooter,

[2:30:11] motorized scooter, golf cart, passenger vehicle, commercial work, and vendor trucks, city services vehicles, city emergency, police, fire, and ambulance vehicles.

[2:30:20] The must traverse a very narrow road with no sidewalks and inadequate lighting.

[2:30:26] It is our homeowner's opinion that the road is half-hazardly and poorly maintained by the owner.

[2:30:32] In this case, he's paid golf course.

[2:30:34] Hot holes are a routine obstacle to avoid as our patches.

[2:30:39] Between the golf course, Park and On and the two-story condominium,

[2:30:43] Park and Ones, there are over a hundred access points currently in the short span of the road,

[2:30:47] representing a major safety hazard.

[2:30:49] It is our opinion a country club condominium, excuse me, residents and visitors bear the

[2:30:56] brunt of the traffic on country club drive as we must traverse the entire length of the

[2:31:01] road many times a day. There is no alternative route, out either for convenience or safety

[2:31:07] during routine daily activities or emergencies or frequent road flooding. This is a major

[2:31:13] additional problem. We need sidewalks, pedestrians, baby strollers and children or adults

[2:31:20] on bikes or scooters on our currently safe on this road.

[2:31:23] Throat is too narrow for human two vehicles to pass safely. At twilight and after dark,

[2:31:28] the safety concern is multiplied many fold as a result of inadequate lighting, especially for

[2:31:33] pedestrians and bike scooter traffic. In today's time's motorized bikes and scooters

[2:31:38] present a heightened safety concern as they were not

[2:31:41] a come for in traffic studies dating back to the 1980s.

[2:31:45] And prior, the speed limit on the private road,

[2:31:48] come to club drive is a 15 miles per hour.

[2:31:52] Seems actually in dry sunlight and load traffic times

[2:31:55] to be setting an appropriate snail space.

[2:31:58] On the other hand, when there's heavy golf club with golf

[2:32:01] guards or commercial or residential vehicle traffic

[2:32:03] or poor weather or poorly-led conditions that limit can feel too fast.

[2:32:08] Because of the random parking access along Country Club Drive,

[2:32:11] you never know when a car or golf cart or pedestrian

[2:32:15] will enter the road unexpectedly.

[2:32:18] The road design itself with no sidewalks,

[2:32:21] poor drainage during storms and adequate lighting

[2:32:24] and is an accident waiting to happen,

[2:32:26] resulting in possible injuries or even death.

[2:32:29] This is how we perceive the current state of the road.

[2:32:32] If that is how we feel about traffic now and come to Club Drive without rezoning for future

[2:32:37] development, you might imagine how we feel with that rezoning and future development coming

[2:32:42] down the pike.

[2:32:44] Country Club Condominiums has 180 units and contributes up to 360 vehicles to the traffic per

[2:32:51] day and other 550 cars currently have access to traverse the road north of our complex on

[2:32:57] to club drive. The rezoning would add the potential for 104 residential units or 28 vehicles

[2:33:03] to add to that traffic. This adds a 22.8% burden to an already overburden stretch of road.

[2:33:10] The Destrian bike scooter installer traffic up and now come to club drive would likely increase

[2:33:16] in a similar rate. Parking at the golf course currently in combination 150 vehicle spaces and

[2:33:22] will be reduced in the plan to a hundred and twenty one vehicle spaces in the proposed

[2:33:26] development plan accompanying the rezoning request.

[2:33:29] If a major goal of East Bay come to club is to grow and enhance their business as a result

[2:33:33] of this rezoning, thus allowing them to market the property to a residential developer

[2:33:38] and raise funds, then a reduction in proposed golf course park in spaces is perplexing.

[2:33:45] In future parking is inadequate for the golf course, come to club kind of many of the

[2:33:49] the overflow parking would naturally creep up the road right directly in front of our complex

[2:33:54] which would be totally unacceptable.

[2:33:57] The owner of Comfort Club Drive is tossing out at in a share of lands to play kethy safety

[2:34:03] concerns for our communities.

[2:34:04] This is a joke.

[2:34:06] 240 in twide share of lands would eat up 6.7 feet of the existing very narrow 21 foot road

[2:34:14] right leaving only 14.3 feet for two lanes of traffic.

[2:34:17] We are also concerned that the city, if the city has inadequate emergency services to absorb these additional units.

[2:34:27] What do we expect the planning board to take from our safety concerns?

[2:34:30] Perform an updated traffic study before any recommendation moves forward to change zoning.

[2:34:36] Consider buying or taking over a clinical drive by imminent demand so that improvements in upgrades can be made to make it safe

[2:34:42] to accommodate current conditions of vehicle pedestrian traffic

[2:34:45] and for proposed reason and development.

[2:34:49] Consider purchasing the land necessary to provide an additional

[2:34:53] round access in Starky Road from Country Club Drive

[2:34:55] at the Forest Book Complex Driveway.

[2:35:01] As a comparison, Trotter Road in the Largo is

[2:35:03] owned in Maintain by the city.

[2:35:05] It is one mile in length and has 65 inch wide share

[2:35:09] in two directions, and two 11 foot, six-inch automobile lengths for coal width of 34 feet.

[2:35:16] We have 21 feet. There are two five foot wide sidewalks on each side of the road.

[2:35:21] The road is well paved and free of patches and potables.

[2:35:26] There well maintained traffic and bike lane lines on the street are an added flush.

[2:35:32] The street is well lit at night.

[2:35:34] country club drive is 21 feet in width, 0.7 miles in length is poorly lit, poorly paved with patches,

[2:35:41] no share lanes and no sidewalks. The housing doesn't be a long country club drive is

[2:35:46] significantly greater than a long charter road.

[2:35:51] Our number two concern, as a result of the

[2:35:53] pros proposed rezoning is wastewater and sewer system management, we would suggest a study for that

[2:36:00] In the packets, I hand it out, hopefully, you have the four pages of pictures on there.

[2:36:07] If you have access to those, I could explain these page individually.

[2:36:11] The first page of pictures is the current state of Toronto Road, as it was this afternoon,

[2:36:17] showing the divided lines, the shower lanes, and the sidewalks.

[2:36:21] The second page shows frequent impediments to travel along a country called Drive with public

[2:36:28] vehicles, landscaping vehicles, there's one picture that has actually five landscaping trucks

[2:36:34] that were there for hours and hours on the Saturday, heavily busy today.

[2:36:40] There, the fourth picture shows what would be optional parking up toward our complex.

[2:36:49] If the parking at the country club, for the Gulf, of course, is inadequate, we hear that

[2:36:54] that parking will come up our way, which it never, ever has.

[2:36:57] The third page shows views in our complex, and if you could envision, during this proposed

[2:37:04] development, that what you would have are two buildings going down the left side of

[2:37:11] a country called Drive in one very large 40 in a building on the right side with a road going

[2:37:17] down the middle.

[2:37:19] The development itself would take over two years to build, and we would be driving through a

[2:37:23] two-year development construction project with a very narrow road, trying to, uh,

[2:37:32] We have no choice. The other is a narrow overview for one of our buildings that we show our current clubhouse and pool complex. And if you were to put kind of club drive down the middle of that road, that is what you would see. I appreciate your time and thank you for allowing me to comment.

[2:37:52] Thank you.

[2:38:03] Next speaker is Barbara Bluestein.

[2:38:04] Thank

[2:38:14] you, Mayor, commissioners and attendees for offering this forum. Previously, I sent a letter to the mayor and commissioners addressing my concerns about the potential rezoning issues.

[2:38:27] And you have heard my colleagues speak tonight about traffic issues, about safety issues.

[2:38:34] I'm not going to reiterate what they've talked about.

[2:38:37] Instead, I've chosen to speak about responsible stewardship, and I'm talking about maintaining

[2:38:44] our waterways.

[2:38:46] The waterways are connected, interconnected, providing for wildlife, wetlands, and drainage,

[2:38:54] and that's particularly important for hurricanes.

[2:38:57] During this past season, the upper end of country club drive was all blocked off with water

[2:39:05] due to flooding.

[2:39:06] And we need to have our drainage.

[2:39:09] When these waterways become clogged, overgrown, filled with algae, filled with dirt and garbage

[2:39:18] and they become smelly, they no longer are serving their purpose.

[2:39:25] The waterways in and surrounding the golf course need to be dredged, they need to be cleaned,

[2:39:32] They need to be preserved, not only for the wildlife, but for our neighbors that are surrounding those areas.

[2:39:42] As Larko prides itself on being green and being sustainable, it's incongruent to me to see how you could approve this rezoning.

[2:39:54] Thank you.

[2:40:03] Thank you. Any questions from the Commission?

[2:40:09] Mr. Reezy.

[2:40:11] Thank you.

[2:40:14] So in the emails and the people I've spoken to and it was brought up by the first speaker,

[2:40:19] it was a concern about if this passes, that's kind of like a divine right to develop

[2:40:26] no matter what the city says.

[2:40:28] Can you, and I'll ask the question for going to site planning process.

[2:40:34] So if this passes, it works this way through a number of steps.

[2:40:38] So we get through all those and it becomes time to develop and they identify and develop

[2:40:42] a site plan process.

[2:40:43] Engineering would have to weigh in, right?

[2:40:46] Correct.

[2:40:47] Fire.

[2:40:48] Fire?

[2:40:48] Fire.

[2:40:50] It would actually have to go through a development review committee, which has multiple divisions and departments

[2:40:56] involved.

[2:40:57] So environmental services, building, fire, police, just to name a few.

[2:41:03] And any of them expresses a concern or, or,

[2:41:09] I'd only use the word tonight, but say that,

[2:41:12] for instance, fire said that we don't believe that this is safe anymore.

[2:41:17] The city would then go back to the developer and say changes need to be made.

[2:41:20] That's correct. We could actually reject if their site plan,

[2:41:24] if it doesn't meet code, or there's any non-compliance with any of our codes or plans.

[2:41:34] Okay,

[2:41:39] that's it. Thank you. Thank you boys for our holes. That was easy. Yeah.

[2:41:44] Jeez. And did I see earlier in your presentation that this thing already went preliminary

[2:41:49] through the planning board? Yes. Sorry. Then it was what a five-low, the five-low, the boat?

[2:41:56] That's correct. You didn't have a traffic study with it. No, it did not have a traffic study.

[2:42:00] We did have the analysis of the multimodal accessibility index, and I believe that may have gotten confused for the traffic study in the opposite scenario.

[2:42:09] Okay, well you've got two major factions here tonight.

[2:42:14] Okay, you've got the developer, and you got everybody else.

[2:42:17] Okay?

[2:42:19] When it was being presented to the playing board, did everybody else know about it?

[2:42:25] Can you define who you mean by everybody else?

[2:42:28] Everybody except for the developer.

[2:42:31] You have three of them sitting right here.

[2:42:33] Everybody else sitting out here is a, is they know.

[2:42:37] They know about it.

[2:42:38] They have a chance to talk to the clan board.

[2:42:40] Yes, that.

[2:42:41] Yes, they were notified or not.

[2:42:44] Yes, they were notified.

[2:42:44] They were notified when they were the one to show up.

[2:42:46] Yes.

[2:42:46] We gotta march.

[2:42:47] Actually, the, the expert, the entire room was filled.

[2:42:51] Standing alone.

[2:42:52] This is the ground too.

[2:42:54] This is just checking because my next question is how many homeowners associations are there at their golf course?

[2:43:05] We have that data.

[2:43:07] We have that data.

[2:43:07] You've had two of them here tonight.

[2:43:09] Yes, we actually, what we did as a courtesy mailing, not necessarily a requirement,

[2:43:16] was not only did we make sure to reach out to all of the property owners within the required

[2:43:22] five hundred feet, but also we make sure to contact the HOA's and make sure that they got

[2:43:30] noticed as well because sometimes they don't pick up within that distance.

[2:43:34] Okay, well understand it, I'm basically a very simple person.

[2:43:39] I like to boil things down and it's the most simple portion.

[2:43:44] It appears as though, and you could say I'm wrong, it's no big deal.

[2:43:50] You have one major issue, well, by the way, I noticed folks that the parking lot for the

[2:43:59] clubhouse, yeah, they're kind of chewing up half of it. I don't know how that would

[2:44:02] got by. But anyway, I saw your picture, that death health was strange. We're the parking

[2:44:07] line, go.

[2:44:11] I was looking for, you know, where is the middle ground on this thing? Or is

[2:44:17] they're any middle ground.

[2:44:19] If they're having problems with the road,

[2:44:22] I mean, first off, that's a private road I do believe.

[2:44:25] So that's going to be an issue to begin with.

[2:44:28] My question is, have the boring parties, first say,

[2:44:35] have they had a little Mono Mono?

[2:44:38] And say, you know, maybe if you fix the road here,

[2:44:42] you may not get so much grief out of us, just the thought,

[2:44:45] You know, I am sure that may have been breached somewhere,

[2:44:49] I mean, brought up somewhere down the road,

[2:44:52] but was it ever brought?

[2:44:53] I'm just curious, I wasn't at these meetings,

[2:44:56] and I'm sitting back here as a third party observer,

[2:44:59] and I'm like, okay.

[2:45:00] You know, we need Solomon's sword up here right now. That would make things so much easier.

[2:45:05] That's the cut the baby. All right, that's enough for now. I'm going to come back to you.

[2:45:11] Thank you, Mr. Zimmer. Yes, thank you.

[2:45:16] So, there's a few commissioners up here. I don't think I've been through one of these yet.

[2:45:21] And also maybe help some of those speakers tonight, I thought I would go through a little bit of the procedure, the code provisions,

[2:45:32] that govern what the Commission decides night, and gives them guidelines to what they can consider and what they can't consider.

[2:45:40] And I talk a little bit about the process and try to address some of the use of them in reason.

[2:45:44] So the criteria for the Commission's consideration tonight is contained within the community available code.

[2:45:51] Basically, there's two things to be considered,

[2:45:53] consistency with the comprehensive plan and compatibility at this stage of the project,

[2:46:01] this compatibility with the land use class of occasions, other surrounding properties.

[2:46:08] Okay, it's not the actual use as it's with the land use classifications.

[2:46:13] I believe that the land use classifications in that area are either basically preservation or some kind of residential.

[2:46:20] So when you're class, right, Alicia, she's there.

[2:46:24] Recreation open space and also directly adjacent to the north of the proposed amendment

[2:46:30] area is residential medium.

[2:46:34] So under compatibility, there's nine different factors you can consider based on the comments

[2:46:39] tonight.

[2:46:40] I'm going to read to you or address to you a few of those that seem to might be applicable

[2:46:45] to the comments that we're making.

[2:46:47] The first one is impacts on public facilities in service that amendments shall be evaluated

[2:46:54] for impacts on infrastructure and to determine impacts on the level of service.

[2:46:59] So of course that's a public facilities that does not include private roads.

[2:47:04] So that would not be a factor as far as the impact on the private road at this stage of the project.

[2:47:13] Then the other thing that I thought was, I would mention to you is one of the factors is that

[2:47:20] the land used to change amendments shall be proved only if the parcel can subsequently

[2:47:23] be developed in full compliance with any of the local standards of the CDC.

[2:47:29] Now with that, yes, this ordinance would give them vested rights for the honours for the honours

[2:47:35] for units on that parcel.

[2:47:37] Does that mean they will actually be able to develop honours for units?

[2:47:41] absolutely not. Is it unusual for a developer to have bested rights for a number of units

[2:47:48] IE density and then not be able to develop them frequently, if not usually. Just take a

[2:47:56] look at this project. They had density of 475 units and there's still 200 some units on the

[2:48:07] So that is, you know, that happens quite a bit because once you get past this stage and the process that we have in Florida, you know, at the criteria that you have available to you is just that criteria so you don't really get the details for the project.

[2:48:24] The details of the project come in a site plan, and we have specific regulations and requirements

[2:48:31] that and a process that we go through as Alicia mentioned before through a site plan process.

[2:48:39] That would include looking at the traffic issue.

[2:48:43] At that point, the design of the access and the rows that would be utilized by the residents

[2:48:51] of this project will be reviewed by the engineering staff, and if determined not to be acceptable

[2:48:58] and to be able to handle the capacity, then the developer would be obligated to meet engineering

[2:49:06] staff's reasonable requirements pursuant to the code.

[2:49:10] So the traffic issue will be addressed.

[2:49:13] There's specific code provisions in chapter 9 and CDC that addresses the traffic.

[2:49:18] As far as maintenance of the road, maintenance of our private road is not something that the city

[2:49:25] governs.

[2:49:26] This developer and the people that are, you know, run this and maintain this facility and

[2:49:33] the people who live there decided that they prefer private street.

[2:49:37] There are, I know, residents who believe there's a benefit to having private streets.

[2:49:41] We have other communities with private streets.

[2:49:45] But the negative about a private street is that the city does not maintain the street and has no control over maintenance of the street.

[2:49:52] I heard mentioned about parking, and so the country club has parking requirements under the CDC.

[2:50:00] If there are going to reduce those number spaces, they're still going to have to meet the parking requirements in our code.

[2:50:06] That will be something that will be addressed at site plan review.

[2:50:10] Also, at that point, we will be review of whatever access to the sewer system that they are going to

[2:50:19] impose as part of their design of the system that will be reviewed by environmental services,

[2:50:26] and staying with their stormwater plan, which will be reviewed by the city and Swethman.

[2:50:35] So, I'm not just a city, but it's what one will have to review their stormwater plans for handling any additional stormwater flow that will result from this development.

[2:50:46] So, just to conclude what I was going to say is, at this stage, just the language change, based upon the system and the procedure we have in Florida, you're confined to very narrow considerations.

[2:51:00] It would be great if you could have a site plan in front of you before you made this decision,

[2:51:07] but unfortunately that's not the procedure that we have.

[2:51:11] So what you have before you is basically the criteria that the code provides, which is consistent

[2:51:17] and see with the plan, which hurts that say the proposal was consistent with the plan,

[2:51:24] And then that leaves compatibility, which you've heard, different issues about, but with regard to the specific design, handling things like traffic, parking, the sewer store more, those would be addressed as site plan with the staff, experts in those areas.

[2:51:47] Hopefully that helps give you some guidance for your decision tonight.

[2:51:52] Certainly any questions you may have.

[2:51:55] I'll try to help you answer.

[2:51:56] Thank you.

[2:51:57] Commissioner Louser.

[2:51:58] Thank you, Mr. Zimmer.

[2:52:00] That is helpful.

[2:52:01] Although I am going to ask some dumb new guy questions.

[2:52:04] This is the first reading, right?

[2:52:07] And I saw kind of on the really fake timeline.

[2:52:11] The second reading will be after site planning is done, right?

[2:52:14] after county looks after the county looks after the process for this this has to go up to four

[2:52:19] panels and then the county commission sitting as the county white planning authority to get a

[2:52:26] approval before it'll come back to the city for a second we're getting gadgets.

[2:52:30] Sight plan, will cannot be approved until you have approved this ordinance on secondary.

[2:52:35] That's hard.

[2:52:37] I mean, only having one way in and out of that community. At a certain point, at a certain level of

[2:52:45] density, it does provide an issue with hearing fire trucks in and out paramedics.

[2:52:52] And then also just plain old traffic like they said, but I think it's a safety issue.

[2:52:59] I don't understand why there isn't another way out.

[2:53:02] I mean, there isn't another road that connects to Starky.

[2:53:07] I've been led to understand that it's gated off.

[2:53:12] So I'd be a lot.

[2:53:15] It'd be a lot easier to approve if there was another way out of that.

[2:53:19] How do the complex?

[2:53:20] I'll certainly develop for the applicants here that maybe can answer your question.

[2:53:25] Yeah, I mean, is there been any

[2:53:32] attempt to gain access to that, to alleviate some of the traffic and safety issues?

[2:53:40] So that is not part of our client's private road, it's not their property, and so I understand that there's not been any, I don't maybe Bruce can speak to this more.

[2:53:54] I don't know that it's been approached as a new development might be coming.

[2:53:58] We want access, but I don't believe there's been any indication that they want any traffic

[2:54:03] through their private road.

[2:54:04] That's a specific question that's been asked numerous times before the city and any governing

[2:54:11] body and that agreement, although I'm no attorney, obviously, and I don't have access to that

[2:54:18] original agreement.

[2:54:19] The original agreement was between the golf course developer back in the early 60s and the forced work community with the high ride is there to go through there to give them access for their use only

[2:54:31] That's what was given to them and agreed to by the prosecutor as I understand

[2:54:37] So I know right for I have four and two

[2:54:40] I know that that question was asked by the golf like community. It's been asked by the country club kind of many communities well partial D

[2:54:49] And I understand and completely understand why, you know, there's people that have access to that gain that the students be set up on residents there for whatever way they're using it.

[2:55:02] But it's obviously something that would be advantageous to the community there, but in my understanding it's not my property and it's not allowed by an agreement that was 50 years or 60 years old.

[2:55:16] I mean, I know you can't force it, but I would, I'm just asking if there is attempts,

[2:55:21] attempts of them made to, I mean, if they're both private or property, I think I don't

[2:55:27] know that I would become without having some advice and counsel on how we'd even think

[2:55:31] about approaching that.

[2:55:32] I don't think that would be, that's just the one property on right?

[2:55:35] I don't see a great success in that.

[2:55:38] Fair enough.

[2:55:38] No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[2:55:42] that. So that my last part is just just a comment at the Cheryl lanes. I mean, painting lines on

[2:55:49] a super narrow road doesn't make any safer. I don't disagree.

[2:56:00] And if I could just shed a little

[2:56:01] light on that. So the Cheryl lanes came through discussions with for panelists that was there.

[2:56:07] I'm recommendation and request as part of that multi-modal index. So that's where that came from.

[2:56:14] And certainly, you know, there is, you know, lots of research and people behind it that

[2:56:21] say that the signage and the visibility that it causes certainly can add into the safety

[2:56:27] factor there.

[2:56:29] I did represent, do it the previous planning board meeting.

[2:56:32] I'm currently in discussions with Duke Energy to give them the right to bring their

[2:56:38] hardening wires from the new substation at the south and the

[2:56:43] piling crops East Bay.

[2:56:46] They want to cut for our property, not unlike the way the city

[2:56:49] wanted to cut through our property with the replaying.

[2:56:52] We offer a shortcut for a lot of people in terms of

[2:56:55] underground.

[2:56:56] The reason I mentioned that is that we're going to try to make

[2:57:00] it stipulation on the ability to grant that type of an

[2:57:04] access or easement to do, do that which is going to be

[2:57:08] every surrounding area. You get hard and wires in there for storms. We're not going to lose

[2:57:12] power. But I'm going to try to request that they consider strong streetlights along the whole

[2:57:20] road. And there again, that isn't necessarily a part of our discussion here tonight, but it's

[2:57:27] efforts on our part to do what we can to make improved country countries much as we can.

[2:57:33] We're the party with the exposure, it's the one that's most interested in doing everything we can

[2:57:38] They'll alleviate it, I think we can possibly give them.

[2:57:41] And I'll also make one more comment on the traffic,

[2:57:43] and this is something that has been addressed.

[2:57:48] But back then, in the early 90s, there was a part

[2:57:50] of three golf course associated with East Bay.

[2:57:53] It was on the golf late property.

[2:57:55] It's been such and so long, a different company,

[2:57:59] and developed.

[2:58:00] But the reason I mentioned that this country

[2:58:02] of drive traffic studies had always included

[2:58:04] an additional 50,000 golfers a year

[2:58:07] the front and up and down East Bay of the down country club drive to East Bay.

[2:58:13] And that, when that was when Carsel D was done developing and they started to develop

[2:58:19] golf late on that golf course property, those traffic kept went away and it was

[2:58:24] previously improved.

[2:58:26] And I'm not a traffic expert, but I want to consider at least stating that my belief is

[2:58:32] that the 50,000 counts of offer came all the rounds on the part of the part of the

[2:58:38] part of the job.

[2:58:40] It certainly wouldn't be less than the kind of many of the part of this proposed.

[2:58:46] It was greatly greater and more.

[2:58:50] Thank you.

[2:58:51] Thank you.

[2:58:52] Thank you.

[2:58:52] Commissioner Johnson.

[2:58:53] My question is about the road maintenance long-term plan.

[2:58:57] You know, I'm curious to know again that, you know, how it would have

[2:59:02] soon the you know the HOA would have been responsible for part of that road as well as

[2:59:07] the call for us but that wasn't the way it was written and so that's not the way it's done.

[2:59:11] So now now we've got now here is possible if we call of course it was possible for this road.

[2:59:16] How are we going to keep it maintained? Well I think the representation that it hasn't

[2:59:20] maintained at all is in the portable condition would go against the visits I get from

[2:59:25] even the city of Largo pointing out something because we need to address and

[2:59:29] I think what that's there jurisdiction or not, we take that seriously and get a drug.

[2:59:35] I think the road is, but it's stated previously, I think 7.7 miles.

[2:59:43] That road has been paved with an inch of overlay of asphalt.

[2:59:49] I would say it's certainly 65% of the last five years.

[2:59:53] So I would encourage all of you.

[2:59:58] Well, I can...

[3:00:00] I'm going to show you the checks that we're attached to pay over the law and ask what we do.

[3:00:04] None of us, none of us. I wouldn't encourage any one that's conserved with that issue along the maintenance to verify what I'm speaking.

[3:00:14] I certainly happy to supply that reputation. That said, with the development with a curve, up and down that road.

[3:00:22] It's starting to create. I get it. I understand completely and I stated that the planning work meeting that

[3:00:30] I can't promise anything here, but it's going to be one of our goals to work with it, to

[3:00:35] promote the developer, to co-operate, to make it to the road when it's on.

[3:00:42] All right, sir. Thank you. Thank you. If we have any more questions, we'll bring it back up. I appreciate it.

[3:00:53] Commissioner Dbrisley, please.

[3:00:56] Thank you.

[3:00:57] Two, Mr. Zimitz advice regarding the criteria.

[3:01:04] The city staff is making a recommendation that they feel

[3:01:06] that a music criterion is our job to interpret their

[3:01:10] recommendation criteria as well.

[3:01:12] Is that, is that, is that?

[3:01:14] Yes, there's one of the pieces of, for lack of a better

[3:01:17] and evidence that we have or things that you can consider

[3:01:20] a lot of them, what was said by other people as well.

[3:01:24] OK, thank you.

[3:01:26] Thank you, Commissioner Oralk.

[3:01:28] So my question was along the same as Mr. DeBrizy's.

[3:01:34] I feel like sometimes one more given this input

[3:01:37] is like, I feel like it should be like, no,

[3:01:41] I think we shouldn't even, there's not enough information

[3:01:45] And in my mind, for me to go forward on this.

[3:01:51] I don't understand sometimes that way.

[3:01:55] I feel like I'm here.

[3:01:57] We need to have more information sometimes in a word

[3:02:01] to make some of our decisions.

[3:02:05] And it's not fair sometimes us, I feel,

[3:02:08] it's my opinion, that I'm not given enough information

[3:02:12] and to make it an honest decision on this,

[3:02:18] and I'm having a hard time supporting this

[3:02:19] because I feel like, you know, I was doing some of these numbers.

[3:02:23] It's like, there's no traffic study.

[3:02:26] The roads are atrocious of these pictures.

[3:02:28] I've been on that road.

[3:02:30] The traffic is not great coming in and out of there.

[3:02:34] You're adding 104 units there.

[3:02:40] There's no room for, you know, it's sidewalks and bike lanes aren't even an option when

[3:02:48] you look at this.

[3:02:49] So, I just have a really hard time supporting this at all, but I feel like am I supposed

[3:02:57] to vote yes, because the process is supposed to go forward and allow other options.

[3:03:04] Excuse me.

[3:03:05] We can't help out people screaming in the answers out.

[3:03:08] But please, you know, I just, it's just, it's very confusing to me sometimes because I, you know, I, I, I, I, for progress and, you know, I know, we, we have our here's housing housing. We need more housing for everybody. But, but at the same time, I don't want existing people to,

[3:03:28] story about safety and two years of fire truck not being able to get to their house.

[3:03:34] Maybe I'm overthinking this, I don't know, but I just need more information.

[3:03:44] I feel like the planning board, I know the planning board was five, they voted for it.

[3:03:49] But how much information were they truly given towards this process of what they're looking

[3:03:55] to come up with a vote like that.

[3:03:59] So most likely the plan board at this similar input that you've received.

[3:04:07] Can I just address commercial comments briefly?

[3:04:13] So I'm certainly not saying you have to approve this, though.

[3:04:16] I know.

[3:04:17] I think from some of the comments you made,

[3:04:19] some of them would under the compatibility.

[3:04:23] The criteria, if you look at the code, the nine criteria, I identified, you know, I highlighted a couple of them.

[3:04:29] One of them was, as I said, was, the amendment shall only approve the parcel,

[3:04:34] and subsequently be developed and full compliance with any applicable standards of the CDC.

[3:04:40] So some of the things that you're saying seem like it might fall under that criteria.

[3:04:45] That could lead you to the conclusion that this change is not compatible.

[3:04:51] Again, the maintenance of the private road is not something that we control, our code doesn't govern that.

[3:04:59] That's why some streets are in some subdivisions or private, they like it that way.

[3:05:06] So that's not something you can consider.

[3:05:09] But if you don't believe that, you know, based upon the information that you do have that they've shown that the

[3:05:16] The development could be eventually approved because of the issues with the road and the traffic

[3:05:24] and that they're not going to be able to solve those satisfaction today's code.

[3:05:30] Then that would be a basis, for example, that you could say it's not compatible.

[3:05:35] One thing, you know, just to remind yourself back in 1988, I can guarantee you how

[3:05:43] requirements for roads, sidewalks, etc. We're nothing like that at the ones that exist

[3:05:50] today, and we've learned a lot in the last 40 or so years. So today's code is going to be

[3:05:57] much more stricter, much more demanding of a developer, in terms of that road, from

[3:06:03] I've heard my guest is that road with not being acceptable today. But we can't go back and

[3:06:10] change it. The question is, do we approve additional development, knowing that road is

[3:06:17] sub-standered today's standards? And if they can't show that that road has the capacity

[3:06:22] to meet today's standards after traffic study, then they're going to have a difficult time

[3:06:28] getting a site plan approval.

[3:06:32] So, hopefully I helped you.

[3:06:34] No, I am not, I want to make sure you, I am not.

[3:06:38] I do.

[3:06:41] If it was approved today, then it goes one step further and, and the, some of these issues would be addressed.

[3:06:53] And then it would come back to us.

[3:06:55] And then it would, you know, so I'm thinking, I'm not going to get it out of the city.

[3:06:59] I don't think you're going to have much more information tomorrow.

[3:07:02] second reading they would you have now?

[3:07:04] Okay, unless are they already or are they started the site plan approval process?

[3:07:09] No, they haven't.

[3:07:10] This is, and if it's okay, just to kind of clarify the process a little bit.

[3:07:16] This is really focusing on the color change on the map,

[3:07:20] not necessarily a concept.

[3:07:23] So they're providing more information than we usually see during the future

[3:07:28] just map a minute.

[3:07:30] Sometimes we don't even have a concept. So that's what's making this a little more complex because what we're really looking at is what the impact of that specific future land use would have where they're proposing it.

[3:07:44] So that's something to consider and part of what staff are going to do as we move through if this continues to move through the process.

[3:07:53] It will go before a standard site plan review process where we have all of the subject matter experts weighing in on road width and I do want to just mention the 20 foot road width is actually compliant in width with our existing code.

[3:08:22] Okay.

[3:08:23] and if you prove it on first and second reading would approve the third amendment for declaration.

[3:08:28] So the only difference is that while the concept is not something that they're going to be bound by,

[3:08:35] 104 units, is going to be established as what their rights, their maximum right would be on the property.

[3:08:47] But the concept, they're not going to be bound by any concept they show you if they come up

[3:08:53] a second reading with a plan of what they're going to build and they're sure you're

[3:08:58] a nice beautiful picture as you might find it helpful but it's not going to be bound

[3:09:04] by how to do it.

[3:09:05] And that's generally why these traffic study is a requirement at the site plan review process

[3:09:11] because that's when we have a final unit count that's when we know that they're actually

[3:09:15] proposing, so they might not do this specific unit count.

[3:09:21] So we always have the traffic study be paired with the site plan review process.

[3:09:26] Okay.

[3:09:26] Thank you.

[3:09:28] What's the maximum allowable units per acre on that on residential medium?

[3:09:34] 15.

[3:09:35] And so what's the, I mean, the this land use amendments for 1.6 acres?

[3:09:42] Yes.

[3:09:42] So how much additional and is being proposed to be developed on to get to the units that we're

[3:09:49] talking about?

[3:09:52] There's just on the one point.

[3:09:53] It's just on the one point.

[3:09:55] It's just on the one point.

[3:09:55] Six acres.

[3:09:56] The other portions of parcel E may be used for like the parking lot to support the residential units,

[3:10:01] but only the one point six acres would be for the residential.

[3:10:05] The future land use a minute south is not to get to higher density.

[3:10:11] It's to be able to change the color in the map to locate the units.

[3:10:15] I understand that.

[3:10:16] And I understand that there was an agreement a long time ago for a number for site-wide.

[3:10:22] And I'm curious what the mechanism would be to get from 15 units an acre to, you know,

[3:10:29] 52 units an acre, actually more than that, 55 units an acre.

[3:10:34] If that's just, I don't know what that mechanism is in this particular case.

[3:10:38] So, and you can correct me if I, but as I recall, the way this site is all developed,

[3:10:46] we have to understand is that they looked at the entire project for the turn of the density.

[3:10:52] So, you have, for example, golf course, sitting there.

[3:10:57] This is not an, if you remember, pinecrisis is not that dissimilar for an apple with the pinecrisis golf course,

[3:11:04] which the city now owns, but the density off of the was essentially will be considered

[3:11:12] undeveloped property, the golf course,

[3:11:17] is, again, this is, I don't know, I don't want

[3:11:19] to use it as a legal term, essentially being transferred over or used on the other parcels.

[3:11:24] So it's not from a land use planings, at the end point, under both the kind of way of planning

[3:11:30] use rules and the city's code.

[3:11:33] This property is not being developed or proposed to be developed

[3:11:36] that 50-whatever units per acre because they look at

[3:11:41] the entire project and that's how they originally

[3:11:45] back in 1988, at 475 units, because they had to use

[3:11:50] the whole property to get those units.

[3:11:53] The question of where those were built is a different story.

[3:11:58] It's okay, sense.

[3:12:00] It does.

[3:12:01] I mean, so the future land use residential medium could be residential estate.

[3:12:07] It just happens to be what's there in proximity.

[3:12:10] Yeah.

[3:12:12] Because the number of units is based on the entire golf course property.

[3:12:17] And 1985 is best.

[3:12:20] So,

[3:12:24] in some cases in the past, we've, the situations like this, we've established the start of work on a development agreement rather than just upfront with a future land use map amendment, and that would afford us.

[3:12:37] I think that would afford us the opportunity to see more of what the agreement is going to be, more of what they're going to do, more of who's going to maintain the street, maybe to what level.

[3:12:46] and so why is that not been considered in this case? Or has it been?

[3:12:52] There actually was there is a development agreement. I don't know if our attorney wants to speak to that.

[3:12:58] There is a development agreement already that was over this property and I believe that it has already met its term.

[3:13:13] As I recall, so originally, again, this property in 1988 really pre-existed the real use of the oil in my period, so that's why the declaration of confidence was.

[3:13:27] There was at some point, one of the amendments there was a development agreement that development agreements expired, or in help of years that right?

[3:13:35] Yeah, I believe.

[3:13:36] So the question now of having an development agreement.

[3:13:42] It's an agreement, so it takes two parties, so we have to have an advocate wanting to

[3:13:49] do a development.

[3:13:52] So, what we do have, we teach them we can, we have to try to put some limitations in the

[3:13:59] third amendment to the declaration, which I noticed wasn't attached to the agenda, but you

[3:14:08] you will see on second reading, but in most of the addresses, the limitation, not in densities,

[3:14:13] it doesn't address the traffic and things that we wouldn't typically address in development.

[3:14:20] Certainly, you could ask the applicant if they'd be willing to come in and discuss a new development

[3:14:29] agreement that might address some of the concerns that have been raised by the public

[3:14:39] What I look at proposed land use changes, or future land use amendments.

[3:14:47] I kind of look at them from the same lens.

[3:14:50] Is this to benefit the community as a whole?

[3:14:55] Or is it to benefit the current property on it?

[3:14:58] Or the future property on it really?

[3:15:00] Sometimes they come with the government agreements, right on the government agreements. But the future land use changes with the plan to sell, right. And so, so the future land use map is a plan. It's a plan that we've established. We've worked on it. We've updated it. And people come to change that plan every now and then. And I think I look at it as is in the best interest of the whole community. So if the developer came and said and convinced the folks that are in the

[3:15:30] This is the way that we're going to keep this golf course going for the next 30 years, and that's in the best interest of you guys.

[3:15:38] Then we'd probably have a different crowd here.

[3:15:41] Or no crowd walk, there would be home watching baseball because they're happy with it.

[3:15:46] So I know that might be the reality.

[3:15:49] I don't really know because I'm not in the golf course business, but I know similar golf courses are closing down around the country.

[3:15:55] And, and, and I know that the people that buy condos on golf courses like the fact that there's a golf course there.

[3:16:02] So, so, you know, is this in the best interest in the community?

[3:16:07] I don't know.

[3:16:08] I really don't know.

[3:16:09] The community, the people that live there are telling us no.

[3:16:12] The developer, well, they're telling us that they don't like it, right?

[3:16:17] So, it's tough for me to, you know, like Mr. Hawke, it's tough for me to really make a decision

[3:16:21] because my litmus has for future land use map changes

[3:16:27] is it in the best interest of the community and I'm not sure.

[3:16:30] It'll provide housing, we need housing, right?

[3:16:33] But there's a lot of people in this room that live right there

[3:16:37] that aren't happy with it.

[3:16:40] Now, to me it's a little bit different than,

[3:16:43] it's different because of future land use map amendment.

[3:16:47] It's not moving a density bonus to get some density

[3:16:50] in an activity center that we want to see more events housing in.

[3:16:54] So that's where I am.

[3:16:56] And I thought that perhaps a development agreement would get us to a better place

[3:17:02] because the community would have more input on factors like,

[3:17:07] hey, it'd be great to have a sidewalk down one of the sides of that road.

[3:17:10] And whatever it is, I don't really know.

[3:17:13] But that's not our pragative as just looking at a future land is mapped to.

[3:17:19] I don't know, you look at me like you want to add something but now because you're talking, yeah.

[3:17:24] Thank you.

[3:17:25] No, that's my stance and so it's tough.

[3:17:30] Commissioner DeBriesie.

[3:17:31] Thank you.

[3:17:34] Maybe I look at these a little bit different, Mayor.

[3:17:36] And maybe I'm clouded by my time on the planning board.

[3:17:40] But you know, I'm looking at this tonight as, you know, there's property rights issues and all kinds of things that come to play here.

[3:17:49] But, you know, right now is, you know, looking at the land use, and I'm trying to focus on

[3:17:55] that land's, that land's only, I know the site planning process can be exhaustive, and I

[3:18:03] too think to our maybe issues down the road that no pun intended, that may or may not allow this to

[3:18:10] get developed or may cause changes in proposed units.

[3:18:12] I know they can max out 104, but it may at the end of day may not be for the handling, but I

[3:18:17] I think that's a later process to that is going to be part of it, and it is exhaustive.

[3:18:22] So I'm trying to look at it from that point of view and like I said, that's from my years in a planning board.

[3:18:29] I've gotten used to thinking about it like that, but that's kind of how I'm looking at it.

[3:18:34] Thank you.

[3:18:35] Mr. Holmes.

[3:18:38] Mr. Zimmerman.

[3:18:39] And if we tonight, if we vote to disapprove this, it then goes back to the developer,

[3:18:49] if they want to change the, if they want to modify the plan and resubmit, is that true?

[3:18:59] Do we let them modify the application or they have to file a new application?

[3:19:03] I believe they have to file a new application, so they would have to change what they

[3:19:10] proposing, and again, all they're changing at this point is changing the land-use

[3:19:17] designations for certain parcels on their property. They would have to change that.

[3:19:25] I guess they could propose less density being transferred and give up more density

[3:19:33] that they have, but some of the other issues that have been raised would not be addressed in

[3:19:39] other land use plan change, the only vehicle we have available to us at this stage, they could

[3:19:49] address some of those issues, as the mayor said, would be if the developer will end up

[3:19:53] going to agree to a development agreement.

[3:19:55] Okay.

[3:19:55] Part of a development agreement, then it appears as one of the major problems here as the

[3:20:02] You know, what if they decided to fix the road?

[3:20:09] Does it have to go back to square one to do that?

[3:20:12] I'm not sure what fixing the road is.

[3:20:15] Again, our role, with regard to private roads,

[3:20:19] is make sure it's designed properly to meet the needs of any new development.

[3:20:27] We don't have a role in the maintenance of private roads.

[3:20:31] Right, not that, but we're just, we're just, we're just telling them that's all.

[3:20:35] Thank you.

[3:20:37] This was Emmett.

[3:20:38] You're all.

[3:20:39] Okay.

[3:20:40] I had two things I forgot one.

[3:20:42] But was there a neighborhood meeting on this project?

[3:20:46] There was a Carter C. Neighborhood Meeting, but not a neighborhood meeting type,

[3:20:51] to the site plan reviews, so that would still be a requirement.

[3:20:54] That was a courtesy and informational meeting.

[3:20:57] But there was an opportunity for the developer just.

[3:21:01] hear from these folks and get an opportunity to show them what they propose that they could hear.

[3:21:08] Some of my comments have been heard tonight.

[3:21:09] I think that was one of the questions.

[3:21:11] Okay.

[3:21:16] Please.

[3:21:20] There are around just so I can at least address your question about the development agreement.

[3:21:26] So what is a little bit unique in that my client this time is not really a developer.

[3:21:31] They're the owner of the golf course.

[3:21:33] And so if I had a developer that was coming forward and said this is exactly what I want to do and I want these variances

[3:21:40] I need this height and I want to work with the city and come up with this holistic approach and development agreement

[3:21:46] We would be able to do that.

[3:21:48] What we have is a golf course owner that has some property rights to these vested units that's looking at how they can utilize those units

[3:21:57] where they could potentially utilize them, and then it would essentially, he has been very

[3:22:02] up front. He's not going to develop them himself, so he'll be looking for a developer that

[3:22:06] would, and then he would be coming in and they would be abiding by your code. So they would,

[3:22:12] you know, have to follow all of the requirements that you have already set forth as a city saying,

[3:22:18] if you're going to develop in our city in these areas, this is what you have to do. And if they don't

[3:22:26] You know, some kind of variance or waiver, or they're going to get denied.

[3:22:30] But at this stage, the applicant is actually the golf course that's trying to find a way forward to preserve the golf course and to approve the golf course financially is going to need this influx of capital.

[3:22:44] And, you know, while we do not think that the road maybe is as dismal as maybe said by some it certainly is a factor in the fact that without this additional capital things like that cannot be done to the level that they would like to do them.

[3:23:02] So that is one of the reasons they're looking for this.

[3:23:05] Again, that 1.6 acres is really just that color on the map that would allow where these units could go.

[3:23:13] But that density calculation, as Mr. Zimit explained, was from the overall project.

[3:23:19] And that's, you know, now is the clustering of them.

[3:23:22] And these restrictions for the declaration of restrictions and cabinets,

[3:23:26] those to some degree also operate somewhat like a development agreement.

[3:23:30] and that only that area would be allowed to be used for multifamily.

[3:23:36] The other portions of parcel see any would still be restricted to that recreation open space

[3:23:41] and the corresponding amenities.

[3:23:43] So it would have to remain a golf course.

[3:23:46] There could be a clubhouse there or a pool or things that are associated with it, but it

[3:23:52] protects that area so that they can't develop it some other way.

[3:23:57] All right.

[3:23:58] Thank you.

[3:23:58] at a question for staff about, do you know how we got to 104 units, 104 units, how was that number established?

[3:24:08] That is actually a good question for the property owner, that was the proposed number, and it's just...

[3:24:14] So it's just a proposal.

[3:24:15] Just by them.

[3:24:18] And then I just wanted to make a comment about, like, I'm certainly a pro property rights.

[3:24:25] But I've seen many times somebody buys a parcel that's undevelopable and then his that price tag and then comes to us with a proposal to change the land use.

[3:24:38] And I think that's a situation happens all the time and that's not property rights.

[3:24:43] They bought a bargain property and want to ask us to make it more something a lot more.

[3:24:49] So that happens all I'm not saying that's happening here, but I really wish that the original

[3:24:56] agreement if we could time travel would have a mechanism as how to get to this, right?

[3:25:02] So if it said, you know, there was a mechanism to, because I don't know when the land use maps were made,

[3:25:09] but they were largely made because that was what's existing at the time when they were made, right?

[3:25:15] And then we all throw them as we do planning processes, but there was no mechanism in agreement to my understanding to how in the world they're going to get the dirt to put more homes on.

[3:25:29] What's that process other than a future land use change, right?

[3:25:34] So I'm not sure.

[3:25:35] Mr. Zimmer, you're flashing up here again, sir.

[3:25:38] We're going to say something.

[3:25:38] I was actually, I'm still flashing from the floor.

[3:25:42] I didn't want to, I remember the first item.

[3:25:45] So, and I'll follow over what Ms. Runestein said.

[3:25:48] So the golf course is just to be make sure

[3:25:51] what it understands and feels more comfortable about this.

[3:25:55] The golf course itself, whether you approve this tonight or not,

[3:26:00] cannot itself be redeveloped without action

[3:26:04] by this commission, Ford Reynolds, and the county, and county commission.

[3:26:11] So I'm not saying it's impossible, but it would require you to approve it, it would require

[3:26:17] Ford Reynolds approval, and it would require the county commission approval before that there

[3:26:23] could be any density placed on the golf course.

[3:26:28] And again, for those of you that were on, the commission, when pine crests was talking about

[3:26:33] developing the golf course there. That issue came up and that development went away because

[3:26:40] the golf course had transferred all of their development rights to the adjacent properties

[3:26:43] where the community was built and the golf course remained undeveloped. I just want to

[3:26:51] I know that's a concern. As a fellow golfer, I'd like to see the golf course is leaving.

[3:26:58] and may I out the sugar with you?

[3:27:00] If you go out and play the out these days,

[3:27:02] it's amazing.

[3:27:03] I'm going to be closer to the pandemic.

[3:27:05] I think I'll...

[3:27:05] I'm playing Goat next month at the mayor's golf tournament.

[3:27:08] What's the new to date?

[3:27:09] Because this would be a perfect commercial.

[3:27:12] Made for scholarships.

[3:27:13] Made for $3,000.

[3:27:14] Made for $3,000.

[3:27:16] So, and I think, you know, that is...

[3:27:21] Everything you said is accurate,

[3:27:22] but nothing prevents the golf course

[3:27:25] from not being in golf course anymore if it just became open space.

[3:27:31] Right, thank you for those of the golf courses.

[3:27:32] Nothing will just like we don't require a public's main theme.

[3:27:36] Keep open a public store where we can't require a golf course to keep our

[3:27:40] breeding if they don't want to operate anymore.

[3:27:43] But they wouldn't have development rights.

[3:27:45] Correct.

[3:27:46] Yeah, as it says.

[3:27:49] Right.

[3:27:50] But there's nothing, no lights up on my screen anymore.

[3:27:55] I move to approve fluma 25-001, ordinance number 2025-17, a future land use map amendment for a 1.6 acre portion of the property located at 702 country club drive, finding that the proposed amendment meets the requirements of CDC's Section 4.5.3 for future landly use map amendments, subject to all staff recommendations.

[3:28:25] It's at the motion, because it's different on mine.

[3:28:28] I don't know, I was like, where did you leave me?

[3:28:29] I don't know.

[3:28:33] That's not, that didn't necessarily get second to me.

[3:28:36] Yeah, it's because I must be reading off the line.

[3:28:40] I'm getting there.

[3:28:42] That'd be reading the motion, both of them.

[3:28:45] I moved to approve.

[3:28:46] Boarding is 20 25 to 17 out first reading transmit the amendment to the county by planning a authority CPA and schedule a second reading after repeat by the CPA.

[3:28:58] Second.

[3:29:00] I have a motion in a second any further discussion.

[3:29:06] I'm seeing none.

[3:29:06] Could you call the board please.

[3:29:09] Commissioner Smith?

[3:29:10] No.

[3:29:11] Vice Mayor Holmes?

[3:29:12] No.

[3:29:14] Commissioner DeBrisie?

[3:29:14] Yes.

[3:29:16] Mayor Brown?

[3:29:16] No.

[3:29:17] Mr. Louser? No.

[3:29:19] Mr. Hall? No.

[3:29:21] Mr. Johnson? Yes.

[3:29:24] Motion fails to five.

[3:29:27] Thank you.

[3:29:38] So just...

[3:29:40] Technically that means the motion didn't pass.

[3:29:42] So somebody should make a motion to disapprove.

[3:29:46] And then then motion pass.

[3:29:48] So you'll actually take an action.

[3:29:51] You'll take an action.

[3:29:52] You've not taken action.

[3:29:53] You've not taken action.

[3:29:57] I mean, look at the agenda item.

[3:30:00] There's the alternative to move to disapproved. So if somebody who is voting majority in the mayor, could you make the motion to disapprove?

[3:30:11] I thought I'm not getting approved.

[3:30:14] No, because we...

[3:30:16] I moved to disapproved.

[3:30:20] So I moved to disapproved ordinance number 25-17 on first reading, transmit the amendment.

[3:30:26] So the countywide planning authority?

[3:30:27] We're not spending the minute.

[3:30:29] All right.

[3:30:30] And it does when I ended.

[3:30:31] I'm going to just prove orders number twenty twenty five by seventeen.

[3:30:36] Motion and a second to disapprove ordinance number twenty twenty five to

[3:30:39] seventeen on first reading all in favor say aye.

[3:30:43] Aye.

[3:30:43] Any opposed?

[3:30:44] No.

[3:30:45] Motion passes five to.

[3:30:49] Thank you.

[3:30:52] Next up is.

[3:30:54] Item number twenty three.

[3:30:57] Good evening Mayor.

[3:30:58] commissioners. The item before you is first reading of a proposed amendment to city

[3:31:04] complement comprehensive development. If you guys are leaving, if you could please do

[3:31:08] so quietly so we can move along. Appreciate it.

[3:31:13] Good evening again. The item before you is the first reading of a proposed amendment

[3:31:20] change to the city comprehensive development code specifically relating to flood

[3:31:28] Most of the amendment are related changes that were recommended to us by the Florida Department

[3:31:36] of Merchum Management. Every few years they review cities and municipalities, floodplain

[3:31:41] ordinances. So that's where most of this comes from. However, there is one staff proposal

[3:31:46] of the change of removing the higher standard five year tracking or look back period as some

[3:31:51] call it for the definition of substantial damage and substantial improvement. Now it's important

[3:31:58] to note that this change would leave the ordinance in compliance with FEMA, CRS, the community

[3:32:05] rating system, and the Florida Building Code.

[3:32:08] These changes specifically are on exhibit B page 1 and 2 and exhibit C page 12.

[3:32:14] Now I have a 45-minute slide presentation for you, okay, not really.

[3:32:19] Very short slide presentation that we'll go over.

[3:32:23] So, short, a little bit of background, the city entered into our joined the National Flood Insurance Program in 1971.

[3:32:32] The last time it was revised was in 2019 and again, it was because of the ordinance that changes recommended by Florida Department of Emergency Management.

[3:32:45] The next slide of the current floodplain ordinance, it's required so that we can participate in the National Flood Insurance Program,

[3:32:53] which is an important thing to have.

[3:33:00] I'm almost covered with some of her stuff.

[3:33:02] I don't want to do that.

[3:33:03] So what has been changed along with the items that are recommended,

[3:33:08] which are mostly grammatical and moving things around in the ordinance

[3:33:11] to keep it a compliance with FEMA and the CRS program,

[3:33:16] the change of removing the five year look back is being proposed.

[3:33:20] And again, this does not affect

[3:33:23] compliance with any of the codes.

[3:33:27] Now, the consequences of not having an ordinance are pretty substantial.

[3:33:31] So the what if question, what if we don't manage our floodplains according to our ordinance,

[3:33:38] CRS program in the Florida Building Code?

[3:33:40] Worst case, we're removed from the flood insurance program.

[3:33:45] What that would do with mean loss of federal funds.

[3:33:47] People wouldn't be able to get loans by houses in the floodplain area.

[3:33:51] If we were just to be put on probation, we're not

[3:33:55] complying with codes.

[3:33:57] It would cost the customers.

[3:33:59] They would have to pay a search charge on top of what they're paying now.

[3:34:05] Now, that was my short part.

[3:34:07] Now, we just got a little bit for you.

[3:34:10] Staff brought this to the work session on March 11, 2025.

[3:34:14] And we will hold a special meeting planning board

[3:34:18] leading on April 10th to continue on through that this expedited schedule and staff anticipate

[3:34:26] bringing to the City Commission for second reading on April 15th. The CRS visit, which is critical,

[3:34:34] is April 29th and that's when they review our process. So staff, recommend approval of ordinance

[3:34:44] 2025-20 and are available for questions.

[3:34:48] Ordinance number of 2025-20 and ordinance of the City of Lordle, Florida,

[3:34:53] amending the comprehensive development code chapter 11,

[3:34:55] stormwater and floodplain management standards,

[3:34:58] chapter 18 construction standards and property maintenance,

[3:35:01] and chapter 20 definitions and acronyms

[3:35:04] to repeal cumulative substantial improvement determinations,

[3:35:08] clarifying requirements for elevation of manufactured homes,

[3:35:11] We format a local amendment to the Florida building code and amend definitions for consistency,

[3:35:17] providing for applicability and severability and providing for an effective date.

[3:35:22] Thank you, do we have any cards on this?

[3:35:23] We have one card, Matt Fustini.

[3:35:33] Good evening.

[3:35:34] Matt Fustini, 1015, Mike Fumshad Largo.

[3:35:37] I'm in full support of this ordinance and in regards to this ordinance, I am speaking for myself

[3:35:42] and not as a member of the planning board.

[3:35:46] However, I do think it is important for us to look towards the future and we're going

[3:35:52] to have future flood planning ordinance amendments we're going to need to make.

[3:35:57] There's a lot of say that is, I urge you all to go on YouTube, look up the big sea, which

[3:36:03] is a barrier island, intergovernmental council. They held a meeting.

[3:36:08] And Mayor Gibbs Gettis, right out 29 pages of preemption that the state is considering on

[3:36:18] land use zoning, permitting, even changing, even making it so we can't even change our code.

[3:36:27] After a disaster was on the table, I'm not clear that a lot of our officials got the message

[3:36:32] across that, hey, we have emergency situation reminding you to have a building to issue stuff

[3:36:38] might have to make changes and got people to realize they weren't thinking. So we're going

[3:36:43] to have more of these changes coming up. And one big thing I think we need to look at is

[3:36:48] non-plated mobile homes. Mobile homes make a 30% of our housing stock. And if they are not

[3:36:55] plated, they don't have. They probably appreciate that. They're a little structural about you.

[3:36:59] Press to make an ST determination. And now as county has 2,000 of these homes they're struggling

[3:37:05] right now. So this is something that we should be looking to get ahead of. Last

[3:37:12] time just get a divert for a second. I do just, there was some comments made

[3:37:18] about the planning board on the previous item. And I just want to say, our last

[3:37:23] planning board meeting on that item was almost two hours. We spent an hour and 52.

[3:37:30] At that planning board meeting, I as chair allowed people to speak who didn't even attend the meeting because we were so packed and allowed a special exemption.

[3:37:42] So I just want to make it clear that the planning board did take the time to listen to these residents and hear everything that they had to say.

[3:37:52] And that's it. Thank you.

[3:37:54] Thank you. And we appreciate your service on the planning board.

[3:37:59] Commissioner Johnson. Yeah, I'm supportive of this change. I do want to say that I think eventually we're going to need a look at like properties that flood year after year and that are damaged by flooding year after year is something we'd have to you know may have to look at

[3:38:17] doing something different. I understand for this meeting and for this time we need to get this past right now. But I do think that's something we can't like ignore or kick down the road forever. I think that's something we probably need to do.

[3:38:29] to look at the next year to figure out what that really looks like for us as a community

[3:38:35] a long term, but I am absolutely supportive of making this change for now because of the

[3:38:42] emergency we're in and for this one hopefully once in a very long time plus flooding that

[3:38:47] we had here.

[3:38:49] So that's all I've got.

[3:38:50] Thank you.

[3:38:51] Thank you.

[3:38:52] Commissioner Debrise.

[3:38:52] Thank you.

[3:38:54] Just confirming my, when I'm pretty sure I know that we're going out of order, these special

[3:38:59] planning board meetings advisory.

[3:39:01] Yes, this is and it by three.

[3:39:04] Okay.

[3:39:04] Yeah.

[3:39:04] I have prepared this.

[3:39:05] Good.

[3:39:09] Thank you.

[3:39:10] Thank you.

[3:39:10] If we wanted to do this question.

[3:39:13] Just double check it.

[3:39:15] The other questions.

[3:39:16] I moved to approve ordinance number 2025 dash 20 on first reading.

[3:39:20] Schedule a second reading public hearing on April 15, 2021.

[3:39:25] Second.

[3:39:26] I have a motion.

[3:39:27] Second.

[3:39:27] All in favor.

[3:39:28] say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion passes 70. Thank you. Thank you. Next is ordinance number

[3:39:34] 2025-21.

[3:39:48] You're favorite item of the night. Last one. The last one. Good evening, Mayor

[3:39:55] commission. The second for you is asking for approval of a five year lease renewal of the cell tower

[3:40:01] site with SPACL LLC and they're located at our West Waste Water Facility. I will tell you

[3:40:08] the Fourth Amendment to the agreement and the last.

[3:40:13] And the compensation is in line with the market, and I will also tell you it's in line with

[3:40:18] the other cell tower we have at public works.

[3:40:21] More importantly, I talked with staff and they have had no problems with continuing operations

[3:40:25] at the wastewater facility.

[3:40:27] I'm available for any questions.

[3:40:29] Ordnance number 2025-21 and Ordnance of the City of Largo, Florida, approving the Fourth Amendment

[3:40:35] to PCS side agreement and providing for an effective basis.

[3:40:39] Thank you to many cards.

[3:40:40] We have no cards.

[3:40:41] Any questions?

[3:40:42] I moved to a full board in December, 2025, 21 on first reading,

[3:40:46] and scheduled a second reading and public hearing on May 6, 2025.

[3:40:51] Second.

[3:40:52] All in favor say aye.

[3:40:53] Aye.

[3:40:53] Any opposed?

[3:40:55] Motion passes, 70.

[3:40:56] Great work.

[3:40:57] How do you draw the short straw on me that very much?

[3:41:00] Lucky, I guess.

[3:41:03] Mr. Zemann, anything to ask?

[3:41:06] I guess that enough tonight.

[3:41:07] All right.

[3:41:08] Thank you.

[3:41:09] Vice Mayor Hollis.

[3:41:11] I've said enough.

[3:41:12] Thank you.

[3:41:13] Commissioner DeBrizi.

[3:41:15] I haven't said enough.

[3:41:17] Just the, I do want to thank the city

[3:41:22] for recognizing child abuse prevention

[3:41:24] month.

[3:41:25] That's the field.

[3:41:25] That's by career in the area that I work in

[3:41:27] and the encouragement for both to wear blue and April 4

[3:41:30] and on our job prevention, it's something that I spoke about

[3:41:34] during my campaign to get up here and I appreciate the city participating

[3:41:38] and encouraging it to have to be aware of how the impact

[3:41:42] of job abuse in our community as well as the communities surrounding us.

[3:41:47] Thank you.

[3:41:48] Thank you.

[3:41:49] Thank you, Commissioner Louser.

[3:41:51] I haven't said enough yet either, I guess.

[3:41:53] So thanks to the city, thanks for the residents for coming out and speaking

[3:41:58] about the library topic, I mean, it's been a hot topic all week, so it's nice to see the support for

[3:42:05] football sites and the fact that we can have a civil debate still nobody knows me through any

[3:42:10] fish. It was good. Also, I wanted to remind everybody about the Largo golf course, it's continuing

[3:42:15] their concert series on the breezeway. April 18th, guilty pleasure, and C. Dog Cantina will be playing

[3:42:21] 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

[3:42:24] Be there, be square.

[3:42:25] Thank you.

[3:42:27] Mr. Olk.

[3:42:28] Just real quick.

[3:42:30] Congratulations to our young

[3:42:33] ceremony and to Lieutenant

[3:42:35] Stark on his promotion.

[3:42:37] They probably have been to

[3:42:39] ten falls since they were here.

[3:42:42] Getting sworn in.

[3:42:45] Also, largely great job.

[3:42:48] They've done getting us to the

[3:42:50] level certification again and everybody who came out tonight in the scope until we ask for all

[3:42:58] the time. The city part of the citizen part of the patient and it was great to see

[3:43:03] everybody out here and hear everybody's news. We appreciate it. Thank you.

[3:43:10] Thank you. Mr. Johnson. I wanted to echo our fellow commissioners on congratulations to our firefighters

[3:43:17] And we tend to start also, yes, of course, it's great to have this.

[3:43:22] So many citizens come out tonight and share their thoughts on our library and proud of our library.

[3:43:27] I'm proud of the team that we have there.

[3:43:30] And the way we run our business and the city of Largo.

[3:43:32] So I do greatly appreciate the support our citizen showed us tonight.

[3:43:37] And but also was glad to hear both sides come out and talk about the issue that they're passionate about.

[3:43:44] I also wanted to say that I prefer sourcing a golf tournament coming up soon at the Margo golf course.

[3:43:53] So the benefit of the children's burn foundation, so we're excited about that.

[3:43:56] I think that's in about two weeks.

[3:43:59] Mark your camp, Hunter.

[3:44:00] Thank you.

[3:44:01] Commissioner Smith.

[3:44:02] Just congratulations, Lieutenant Stark.

[3:44:05] I've known Billy for a long time.

[3:44:06] I went to high school with him.

[3:44:08] So we haven't long discussions with him.

[3:44:11] anything. So I congratulate him and everybody, all the other new firefighters to join

[3:44:18] Margaret. Y'all had that, sir, I'm money. Thank you for the National Library month. It's

[3:44:24] your, you know, the person I'm like, it's near and dear to my heart. Libraries are passionate,

[3:44:30] you get sticks. Near and dear to my heart, as someone works in a library, our staff to a fantastic

[3:44:38] a job, and I go to meetings and talk to citizens that come into libraries in our staff

[3:44:42] is complimented.

[3:44:44] And our library is, like, one, twenty-eighteen year of the library the year for our state.

[3:44:50] If you get a chance to stop out there, thank our library staff for the great job they do,

[3:44:54] and the programs they offer, and not only just them, the volunteers that come out and dedicate

[3:44:57] their time to do what they do.

[3:45:00] With our library. Some people don't know. I like to say you can check out 50 items at one time on your library card. It's good for three years. You can get audio books all the way to DVDs to even check out museum passes.

[3:45:12] That's something new, recently new, but they've added some new museums. I think our citizens and everybody would enjoy that.

[3:45:17] One last other thing is I would like to thank the Commission for allowing me to be appointed as the New Sancos League of Cities delegate representative.

[3:45:25] I look forward to that and I'll work with them to advance our causes for Largo and then we'll last thing.

[3:45:36] I love seeing the citizen comment that it's something near and dear to my heart also.

[3:45:41] I like seeing people come out and talk to their viewpoints.

[3:45:44] And what I loved about here was everybody was civil.

[3:45:46] That is all.

[3:45:48] And to that gentleman who sat there was a little afraid to say his views, you should never be afraid to say your views.

[3:45:53] as long as they're correct and they're passionate and you care about your community.

[3:45:58] Now we may disagree on stuff, but I think our staff do a fantastic job over at this library,

[3:46:03] what they provide. Now what was in that letter I disagree with.

[3:46:06] It was mainly in our youth department area.

[3:46:10] And I think the mayor's letter hit right on the ball, I guess, to the representative.

[3:46:19] I disagree with his letter he sent back and have concerns with that if anybody has questions relating to the

[3:46:26] Largo Library collection development policy. It's online on their community needs.

[3:46:31] It's quite long. It's almost two pages long and also anybody who has a disagreement with the collection as the Commission liaison.

[3:46:38] I've been there for quite a while. Our library board take their job very seriously when a citizen brings a challenge to a book.

[3:46:45] So, if a citizen has a challenge to a book, they can actually fill out a statement of concern form.

[3:46:51] This form goes to the Library of Advisory Board for Review, the Library of Advisory Board will discuss the item,

[3:46:59] and will submit a written recommendation to Library Director to remove or relocate or keep the item.

[3:47:05] From that point, the Library Director will make a final decision based on the recommendations of the Library of Advisory Board.

[3:47:10] So if someone has a concern about a library material,

[3:47:14] know that our library staff have this there and they are willing to

[3:47:18] anybody can get one of these submitted and have our library board that are

[3:47:22] citizens on our board that each one of us have appointed to make a decision on if

[3:47:26] this is beneficial to our library.

[3:47:28] Again, our staff does a fantastic job.

[3:47:31] I could give them praise and praise and praise.

[3:47:35] The representative he would like when he comes back from Tallahassee.

[3:47:37] I would love to do a tour with him of our library, and

[3:47:41] Bob Moran, have a conversation about what great things we have to write at our library,

[3:47:44] and what our citizens love about our library.

[3:47:46] So that's all I have, and thank you very much.

[3:47:48] Thank you, took all my stuff, so I'm not going to, I just want to thank you all for the support,

[3:47:56] the public, I met with Representative Jax, three times and once we could have, we just don't see

[3:48:04] I don't know if he's been to our library.

[3:48:15] I spent, sorry, I spent an hour there today.

[3:48:28] I just think it's like political posturing

[3:48:30] and it's unfortunate.

[3:48:35] So I appreciate this port.

[3:48:38] I know that I wrote a letter in response without talking

[3:48:42] you all.

[3:48:43] I know that he won the letter about three days before.

[3:48:45] I got one too, I think, and I didn't commit to anything other than what we're already doing.

[3:48:54] I have my kids spend a lot of time at the library,

[3:48:59] and, you know, the next time you talk to him,

[3:49:03] you need to ask him one question.

[3:49:05] Who told him that?

[3:49:08] Because he got a hold of me.

[3:49:10] He got a hold of me, and I said, Bernie, unless I see it, I haven't seen it.

[3:49:15] Yeah, yeah, okay, and I don't disagree with you and and just the way the whole thing went on about was just an appropriate I think

[3:49:24] Who met two days before he posted this thing on Facebook

[3:49:29] The way I learned about the letter that was sent to our city was

[3:49:32] Friends took screenshots of his Facebook page and

[3:49:36] And sent him to me. Hey, you've seen this yet. That's not the way I do business. So

[3:49:40] I mean, it is what it is. I'm proud of our library and

[3:49:44] continue to do great work. I know they're going to take a look good look at and they already have at their collections and and

[3:49:52] their processes and their policies and they may come back with some recommended changes. They may not but I have no doubt that they'll do what's right

[3:50:03] Mr. Kurt. I hope shred fest was also on my things April 12, which is really soon

[3:50:11] April 12, shred fest.

[3:50:12] Starkey Road, nine to noon, or until the truck fills up.

[3:50:19] Anything?

[3:50:20] Nothing there.

[3:50:21] Thank you.

[3:50:21] Any action items?

[3:50:22] I didn't have any.

[3:50:24] All right.

[3:50:24] I'd like to thank Malachi for being here with us.

[3:50:26] I told him that he had to set a hard bedtime so he got out of here.

[3:50:29] He had a clock.

[3:50:30] We got to have a very neat night.

[3:50:31] The meeting's adjourned.

Largo City Commission Meeting

Transcript