2.3.26 Pasco Board of County Commissioners Meeting (Morning Session)

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everybody. Heat. [music]

Heat. Heat. Heat. [music]

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Heat up here.

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Heat. Hey, Heat. [music]

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Hey, [music]

hey, hey. Heat. Heat. [music]

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I moved from high school.

Good morning. or I [music] would

I would like to call to order the Pasco County Board of Commission 10:00 meeting on February 3rd, 2026. At this time, please silence all electronic devices and mute your phones. Please rise for the invitation pledge of allegiance.

Good morning, honorable commission. Uh, Chaplain Anthony Shai, Pasco County Fire Rescue. Let us pray. Almighty God, we thank you for the opportunity today to conduct our civic business. We ask that you will protect our commissioners, their families, our our firemen, policemen, first responders, doctors and nurses, teachers, and children of our community. Thank you for your abundant blessing into the new year. Amen.

Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Now is the time for public comment. Citizens are given.

Oh, sorry. Roll call. [laughter]

District 1 Commissioner Oakley

here.

District two, Commissioner Weightman

present. District three, Commissioner Starky. District four, Commissioner Joerger

here.

District five, Chairman Mariano,

here.

Now is the time for public comment. Citizens are given an opportunity to comment on any current or future agenda item coming before the board or on any other business under the board's purview. Today's public comment will be handled as follows. First, we will take public comment from those who are here in person. Then, we will take public comment for those who are pre-registered on for an online link and currently on Q. We request that when you address the board, comments are not directed personally against a commissioner or team member, but rather directed at the issues. This provides mutual respect between the board members and the public. After stating your name and address for the clerk, a threeminut timer will be activated and a green light will be shown in the podium. After 2 minutes, a yellow light will indicate you have one minute left. When your time is up, a red light will be displayed, three beeps will sound, and you should close your comments. Online participants will be disconnected automatically when their time is up. Madam clerk, do we have anyone signed up for public comment?

Mr. Chair, we have one person who has signed up for public comment. We have Mr. Steve Booth.

Okay. Thank you. Steve Booth, 3030 Starky Boulevard in Trinity, Florida. I'm here representing 5415, Inc. That's the project that we brought before you um last meeting and we had uh a great deal of discussion about it. For the record, it was a comprehensive plan amendment CPA23 PN 16 along with the um don't see the number here on it along with a companion uh reszoning request. Uh as you'll recall, this is property of 15 acres. on uh 54 uh just to the east of Starky Boulevard and on the north side of 54. At that last meeting, you will recall that there was uh a two two vote and chair Miss Starky, Commissioner Starky uh recuse herself and because of the rules, uh a 22 tie is a loss and uh so we lost that petition request. Accordingly, I am requesting that a board member step forward and make a motion for reconsideration of this so that we can present some additional information. And I think some of the material that may have been uh discussed uh needs to be amplified and maybe I need to do a better job in my presentation or whatever, but we think that um it's appropriate for a reconsideration and I would uh respectfully request that someone make a motion to reconsider that. If it's granted, then we would move forward and we'd have to readvertise and um uh come back before you and present it again. I would respectfully request a motion for that. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else signed up for public comment?

No one else signed up on for public comment and there is no one on WebEx.

Okay, that concludes the public comment portion of the meeting. Um, we're going to do resolutions, but I want to do the consent agenda first. Um, is there any items in a poll sheet? Don't see any.

I guess not. I haven't seen a pull seat. That's twice in a row. Mike, you're doing good. [laughter] Okay. Uh, any does anyone have any polls for the consent?

All right. Motion

approve all other items on consent agenda.

Okay. Second.

All in favor say I.

I.

Any opposed? Okay. All approved. Now will be the time for resolutions. [clears throat] Madam clerk, would you plead the first resolution? Yes. If you are here for uh Lauren Stefanic, please step up to the podium.

[clears throat]

I will go ahead and read the resolution. Resolution number 26-109, a resolution by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, honoring the life of employee Lauren Stfanic and and recognizing her invaluable service to the citizens of Pasco County. Whereas Lauren Stfanic began her employment with Pasco County on May 11th, 2020 and during her tenure worked with numerous county departments including parks, recreation, and natural resources. Saw the Louise public works and planning development and economic growth. Andres Mrs. Stefanic was a board member of the keep pasco beautiful nonprofit organization where she was captain of yearly cleanup initiatives. Andraz Mrs. Stefanic worked on the acquisition of property through elamp and elast and spearheaded Pasco County's first gopher tortoise day. Andraz Mrs. Stfanics significantly championed community resilience and sustainability through extensive research, tracking and stakeholder engagement which led to the successful completion of the resilient Pasco project and peril of food compliance. And whereas Mrs. Stfanics Mrs. Stfanic displayed outstanding customer service, skillful project management, and notable planning knowledge through the completion of several comprehensive plan amendments. And whereas Mrs. Stfanics value valued community engagement and diligently volunteered at Pasco County's annual Earth Day celebrations, community education events for recycling awareness and participated in community workshops for the resilient Pasco project and for the Pasco 2050 comprehensive plan update. And whereas Mrs. Stfanic's efforts on reviewing and updating the chapters of the Pasco 2050 comprehensive plan update will continue to benefit the community for generations. And whereas Mrs. Stfanics com promising tenure left a meaningful impact on her colleagues and the community and Pasco County will deep will deeply miss Lauren's energetic and warm personality, her thoughtfulness and kindness, her positive attitude and teamwork and her passion for planning and the environment. Now therefore, be it resolved by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said board hereby expresses its gratitude for Lawrence Stfanic's dedicated service to the residents of Pasco County, and expresses its deepest sympathy to her family and loved ones. Done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this third day of February, 2026.

Move approval.

Second.

All in favor say I.

I.

Terry.

Thank you, [clears throat] Mr. Chairman. I had the uh I'll speak a little bit. I had the privilege to hire Lauren into the planning department a few years ago and uh and [clears throat] be a leader with her. I came to know her the way many of her colleagues in other departments came to know her before she worked for planning. When I met her, I thought here was a woman of integrity, capability, intelligence, and I can say so many other things about her. Um, but what struck me the most as time went on was her endearing [clears throat] kindness and her thoughtfulness to care about her work and her friends and her consistent smile which she met every challenge with no matter the complications and there are many complications in the planning field as we all know. Um, it was a joy to see her each day as it is a joy to see all of our staff but it is it was a joy to see her particularly each day and work with her because she shared her joy with us. It was uh she accomplished much, but I think her happiness and her kindness and bringing it to bear on her dedication to public service uh is what she impressed on me and her team the most. I told our staff a few days ago that um [clears throat] we should remember Lauren always wherever our careers may take us and to do good in her memory. In the end, I said a good life is one full of kindness, care, and doing good deeds. small ones and great ones for our families, friends, colleagues, and fellow people just like Lauren did. I pray that um we may [clears throat] all follow Lauren's example in meeting our challenges with a joyful smile and a kind demeanor to live a blessed life. On the screen, we have a couple of pictures and I have a plaque here of some of the examples that I just talked about. And we also have two of our badges of the planning department to give to her family, [clears throat] the service excellence badge and the Pasco Premier badge. So with that, I wanted to say thank you to her family and um God bless you.

Thank you, Terry. Um, to this Fenix family, we're very, very sorry for you. It's a terrible loss. Uh, I'm going to come down with the with the frames. You guys want to stay behind?

You can see how much she was loved by the uh up here. Stay up here. I'll go down there for a sec.

[snorts] [clears throat]

Okay, that was tough. All right, ours two.

[clears throat]

If you're here for star performer, star leader, or star team of the year, please step up to the podium. [clears throat] All right. Good. Good. Good.

A lot of stars. [laughter] We have the awards, too.

The chair can present those. That's fine. Okay.

[clears throat]

I will go ahead and read the resolution, but before I do, if I pronounce your name wrong, I apologize ahead of time. And if I am struggling, feel free to just yell it out. Okay, I will do my best, but I really appreciate Ellen Smith's name. I just have to say, [laughter] all right, here we go.

Several. Resolution number 26-110, a resolution by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, commending the 2025 star performer, star leader, and star team of the year. Whereas for an organization to become premier, it must attract, grow, and support a workforce of servant leaders that are dedicated to improving the lives of people, contribute to a purpose larger than their individual job, and perform at the highest possible level day in and day out. And RAZ, each year, Pasco County recognizes a star performer of the year, star leader of the year, and star team of the year for their accomplishments. And Raz Gary Kaylor has been selected to receive the 2025 star performer of the year award. And Justin Ebanks has been selected to receive the 2025 star leader of the year award. and RAZ the public works road rehabilitation MSTU program team including Scott Bon Parker Burkett Aninsley Codwell Derek Kangerro Steven Carter Michael Cassette Gary E dejarnet Susan Dixon Jason Far Elizer Feliciano Ephine Figuierro Ronald Forbach Giovani Gazal Paulo Villanuva, Hans Hanel, Christopher Hanning, Moab Heinan, uh, Brandon Johnson, Stephanie Kelm, Hunter Kogman, Zachary Monius, Monius, William Morrison, Michael Nazika, William Opel, Christopher Romel, Angelique Chafelli, Donald Sebastian, Sneha Shukla. Uh Jason Sigamandi.

Yes. [laughter] Okay. Michael Sylvie. Jeffrey Sledky. Alan W. Smith. William Starling James Turios. Terio Turios. and Travis Ol have been selected to receive the 2025 star team of the year award. And RAZ, these 2025 award recipients consistently demonstrate Pasco County's core values through an impeccable work ethic, dedication to service excellence, and achieving quality outcomes in every situation. They serve as an example to their fellow team members of going above and beyond and exemplifying the expectations of star performer of the year, star leader of the year, and star team of the year. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the board of county commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said board hereby congratulates our 2025 star award winners for Pasco County and commends them for their outstanding efforts in serving our community to create a better future. done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this third day of February 2026.

Move approve.

Second.

All in favor say I.

I.

Okay. Uh Mr. Cabella.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Well done. Um just real quick, a couple of brief remarks. The process to get here is is long. Once a year, we have every department uh select a star performer and a and a star leader amongst themselves. Um and then those those folks compete at the branch level. And so, you know, departments and every branch might have anywhere from five to 10 departments. And so, those those folks funnel up. We also ask uh the branches and the department heads to collaborate too on on teams of the year. Sometimes these teams can be in a specific branch. I'm sorry, in a specific department. Sometimes they can be be cross branch, cross-dep departmental. We we don't care about that. But but ultimately, these folks funnel up and uh we um we had to make some tough calls. It's uh there are a lot of great workers. So, there's a lot of great teams here in this county. In fact, this was the first year I actually had to break a tie uh for for one of our categories. I won't tell you which one, [laughter] but but I had to break a tie. And and um it is it is it's hairsplitting, but everyone that won an award at the department level, even at the branch level, did amazing work. But these folks here today represent really like the resolution says, they're the they're the best through their work. They they demonstrated their commitment to our mission of serving our community to create a better future and lived our core values. And uh I had the pleasure of of meeting with them ahead of time uh to tell them that they were invited to come before you. They were really excited uh to be here. So uh [laughter] I just uh I just want to thank all of them. I want to thank it. So our star performer, Gary, Gary's with our facilities uh management department. Um real quick, uh Gary is kind of one of these unsung heroes. He does not like the limelight. I figured that out last week. Uh, and I think after I left, he got a lot of ribbon from his buddies on on everything that that happened there. But I will say this, Gary is so committed to managing and being a fiduciary of our taxpayers money. He's saved probably close to $150,000 just in, hey, you know, we're going to do something a little different here. We're going to take this in-house. We're going to do it this way. So, you know, it's it's that kind of mentality and that uh and that that uh that that drive that we want to see in our employees. And so he's he's done amazing stuff. Thank you. Thank you, Gary. Justin, where's Justin? Come on. Justin is a manager in our public works department, you know, and in addition to doing his his day job of of keeping the technical services uh portion of our of our business working, uh Justin led the efforts for public works as accreditation process, which was long, arduous, and for those of us that have been with the county for such a long time, I think we've seen the difference um in in how public works has grown over the years to really being a first class

organization. and and through through your leadership in that uh we we helped to demonstrate that and it's it's caused a lot of pride in your in your group. So, thank you Justin. Um I don't know Angley, why don't you come up and represent [laughter] here? We got we got a huge team.

You know, many years ago when we see this guy at public comment or public hearings, uh we we groaned collectively. So, here we go. It's another PASS. Um but uh you know this this board had the wisdom to to adopt um you know good tax maybe we should say but uh but a tax that that went forward to uh to help pave roads and fix a lot of problems in our county. And uh I told Jason I told Ansley I want you guys broke by June on this. You guys need and boy let me tell you did you guys deliver. They overexecuted in some cases I will say. Um but uh you know over 116% execution rate almost 140 lane miles of roads paved last year and that is that is a direct impact to our community. And so it doesn't obviously Angelley you're you're you're the you're the pretty face that goes with it but we've got [laughter] a team a team of of dedicated workers and contractors too that that make all this happen. So um personally just I want to say thank you all for for all the hard work that you do uh the leadership that you provide. You know Jason uh Brford Eric where's Andrew? Andrew just thank you. Thank you all that as a as a team, but these folks represent our best. And so I will shut up now and uh let uh let you guys have some accolades.

All right, Commissioner Oakley.

Yeah, I think I went to a meeting the other day with most of these folks the other day, but they didn't go through this list. So [laughter] it was it was a lot shorter than normal. But it was one thing that I'll bring Ansley up. The first time I ever met an Ansley after I got elected, we were right here in this this building. He was meeting with a PAS uh paving project, but he assured me that nobody was coming. Nobody had reached out to him to talk or anything of that nature, but we would take it as end. I said, "Well, just introduce me. I'll be there, but I'll I'll sit back." And man, did they show up and there was no seats left in here. But Ansley never knew they were all coming. So after they beat up on him while I said, "Anthony, I'll answer some of these questions. I couldn't I had to save him because I couldn't stand them uh beating on him so bad with PAS." And and the new paving system is great for the county. And most of the citizens that would tell me that everything's bad about the county have told me that everything's great about the new paving system and and love what it's doing for our county. So, uh, thank you all for all the bits and pieces of everything you do uh in your department to make this county run better. So, thank you,

Commissioner Whitten.

Thank you, Chair. you know, and and well, first I'm glad you all won because we're keeping you out of what is it? 28 this morning, keeping you keeping you out of the 28 degree weather outside. But no, you you guys are our brand. You are Pasco County's brand. You are the face of the organization, uh the face of all the people who pay, you know, into the county budget every year. and you all execute the mission of what they expect uh their money to go for and to be a responsible fidiciary. Thank you. And I can tell you many many residents thank you. And so for all the work and all the residents out there, you know, when people call and there's a problem, public works is there. Rain, sle, snow, as of this last week, flurries, you guys and gals are out there in the fight doing the work. And you know, I'm very glad that you all won that week and publicly thank you and uh recognize the work that you do day in and day out to ensure Pasco County is a fantastic place to live and work. So, congratulations to everybody.

Commissioner Starky.

Um gosh, I've trumped the uh weeds and mud with many of you. Hey, fake. I saw you out on the side of the road the other day. I can't remember which road. um uh very deserving award for um your department. Um I agree with what Commissioner Oakley says and Mr. Waitman. Um I think uh our citizens are so happy that we we have this new program and thank you for executing it um so well and congratulations to all of you.

Commissioner Jagger. Well, I am so glad that we have these awards because it gets to highlight everything that you guys do and you are the reason why Pasco County keeps moving the needle, right? We're always winning awards. We're always being recognized in the state and it's because of what you guys do. You're so innovative. You're hardworking behind the scenes and I'm just glad you guys are getting recognized today. So, congratulations.

Okay. I'd like to just highlight Gary, I appreciate the diligence in trying to save the county money because we're we're looking to do other things out there as far as taking over more private utilities that we've taken over and every dollar we save makes it that's more able for us to go do it. So that that effort is greatly appreciated. Uh Justin, the accreditations, great job on those. Uh it is very important that we show the credibility this county has and I want to say Mike with your leadership and what we've done over the years is just getting better and better and better. So, I I appreciate sure you're you're leading these guys the right way. And I'll say uh I'll go Brford, you know, Jason Barrett, um from the crew that all the storm water improvements that were done uh led to increased funding down the road. So, I just want to encourage all of you um that the better we do with the MSTU is going to get more support and more support and keep it going because it's such an efficient way to go. Angley, how many times do we sit looking at all these people coming in that had to sign off and send things in, we're going to look at studies and data instead of doing the work, which you guys are doing the work and the and the productivity is so much better going this way. So, I want to say to all of you, we greatly appreciate what you're doing and it may be June that you're out of money, but if we just keep on going and going, I think it's going to get better and better and people going to want to say more encouragement. Uh, it's very tough tax times as you know, you hear what's going on the state legislature. We're going up there today uh to go try to talk with others to say, you know, we need our our people like what our citizens, what our employees are doing for our citizens. Let us keep serving the way they want us to serve them and we're going to keep on fighting that battle. But all these awards are are fantastic. Congratulations to all of you. But I want to say as in the county overall, we got a lot of great things going, but you guys congratulate being the star leaders for this year. So, thank you. Come down to a picture. Uh

you want us behind?

I think behind. Yeah.

A big crew. You want to do them individually?

Yeah. Let's do

each one of you.

We'll do the group. Each one [laughter] group first. [laughter] cleaned up.

Can you three?

Thank you.

Do you need anyone to

I'm blinded here.

Hey, look over here. Okay, thanks guys. And then if we can have Gary [applause]

family [laughter] Couple of you want to go over next.

All right. Ready? That's out for the audience. No, we got one more. We have our start just happen again. [applause]

Good morning. Much less.

Appreciate that.

Hurry up, pickle.

Yeah,

Jack's gonna be in the middle.

Awesome.

Are you hidden?

You're tall.

Oh, no.

Okay.

Okay. Congratulations. [applause]

[laughter]

arm chair.

It's still gross.

I hate these chairs.

I think the budget, Catherine. And

that's there's no our items. So the next is committee reports.

Commission.

Yes.

Okay.

I I thought of that when I put this.

Can I have someone this Commission Oakley committee reports. Um I only had one item was um uh Friday a week ago. Uh Pasco High School dedicated their uh basketball court to Willie Bronner. Lives here in Dave City. taught taught basketball there in um uh in the gym there at Pasco High School for 20ome years and actually taught more than basketball. He taught kids and all how with discipline and how to get along in life with others and things of that nature that mean a lot to our kids. So, but he was recognized with the naming of of the court at Bas Pasco High School as Willie Broner Court. So, we're very grateful that happened here in East Pasco. And for Willie, he welldeserving uh family and all that he's done has been mean a lot for the community here in Date City. Okay, that's all I have.

All right, Commissioner Waitman.

Thank you. Couple items. Uh first want to thank uh my team, Lori and um the firefighters and uh Life Church. Uh we did a farm share event uh this past Friday where we helped 233 families and uh served 1,071 uh people. And um so it's the first time we've done one over in uh district 2 and just a tremendous turnout and grateful for all the all the help and clerk was here, Nikki was there and her team and EDC uh and their team were there. I mean just many hands making making light work and uh Lane Mendelson, we all know them with Vantage Point, their organization just down the street uh donated over 600 pounds of food to help supplement. And uh apparently they're Bramford. So, I guess Brford's the first aa to come to one of these and so Tony wanted to uh encapsulate that moment in a selfie there. So, Brford, congrat congratulations for for being there and joining us. Thank you. No, just uh a good time. Um, and then next I have in response to uh public comment earlier um for reconsideration and a point of procedure. Uh, I'd like to make a motion that the board of uh Pesco County Commissioners uh reconsidering here item P39, the comprehensive plan amendment for the Blackwell multif family and office complex in PUB and P44, the companion zoning uh which was heard at our last meeting and uh basis for this is due to some information that may or may not have been accurate and some factual records and it be certain it landed on a two vote. vote is a point of procedure that let the applicant uh come and make their case one last time and chips fall where they may. So that's my motion.

Any further discussion? All in favor say I.

I. I.

I. You.

You abain.

Yeah, I have to.

Let me call the motion again. All in favor say I.

I.

Any opposed? Nay. 22 fails again.

Anything else, Commissioner Wen?

Nope.

That's it.

Commissioner Starky.

Um, I really don't don't have much this this uh committee report. That's kind of a record for me. Um,

I I just would say that I was on the uh uh board meeting call for uh Metropolitan Ministries and um just want to thank them for all the work they did over the holidays. They are working on building their presence over here on the east side. And I was just looking now to see if I could pull up the numbers from my from my uh meeting, but the numbers were staggering on how many people they helped um over the holidays. And the numbers are up significantly from last year. And so we're just grateful for them for all the work they do. And I'm glad they're uh looking at making more of a presence here on the east side. And also uh they're also moving into Penllis County. So that's kind of it.

Mr. Jagger.

Hey, I have pictures. You know, do you have my pictures? Okay. So, this was the star award ceremony for the school board. So, um these were all the teachers in the district that got nominated for their school. The one in the coral is my daughter Lindsay. She got teacher of the year at Riveridge High School

and um they honored the teacher of the year and the SRP school related personnel of the year. And for the district, Anastasia Kelly from Angelene won for teacher of the year. And for the student student related uh personnel, Terry Almeida, the data entry from Cypress Creek won and Brian Ford was the guest speaker. And um everybody um the winners got a football assigned football. So they were very very excited about that. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful. Okay, next slide. I went to the um adult education graduation uh ceremony class of 2026. I had some uh students from the past that finally got their um

their graduation got their uh diploma. So that was very exciting. All right, next slide. I was at the grand opening of the early learning uh coalition Pasco Hernando ribbon cutting right there off of Hudson and that building is absolutely beautiful and what they do there for the kids is great and I was really happy last uh board meeting that we were able to do a resolution for them. So that's all I have.

Yeah,

Mr. Okay.

Um that reminded me on my MET men call, you know, they put they put in an early learning

uh like a daycare um of the Yeah. And um they also have

what is it? Um

prek the voluntary prek

prek

and they have space available for the community.

We need to get Yeah, we need to get the message out that there are spaces for the public um to bring your children uh in holiday area at at the Metmin campus. So, if you know of anyone or if you have an opportunity when you're out speaking, Jack and Commissioner Joerger, um, let let it be known because they'd like it to be full. We want to help as many kids as we can and as many families as we can.

Thank you, County Administrator.

Thank you, sir. Just a couple quick items. One, uh, this is just a verbal reminder to the board that, uh, on January 27th, uh, we instituted a burn ban due to the drought and dry conditions that we're experiencing. Actually, at the moment I was signing it, fire rescue was actually out fighting a brush fire. So, the the threat is real. Um and so that'll stay into place until conditions change. Um the um don't forget you do have pictures immediately following this as as a board for for your annual pictures. And then uh I'd like Ralph just to come up. we have on the calendar that uh obviously heading to Tallahassee uh this week for Pasco Day and and meeting with uh with our legislative delegation, but uh would like Ralph just to give us a quick teaser on what's what we've got going on.

And can he also go over some of the bills that we need to keep our eye on because I've seen a few that are very scary.

Yeah, we can we can have that discussion too if there's some things that that we want. But Ralph, why don't you go ahead and we'll see what commission time to do it. Good morning, commissioners. Ralph Lair and our governmental affairs officer. Uh so after the board meeting today, we will head to Tallahassee uh for our meetings with the elected officials and go over our priorities for this year um before the legislature. Um beginning tonight, if you get in in time, uh and it it is on your calendar, it's not on the itinerary. Um but uh there is a reception today for or this evening for the Pasco County uh greater chamber. Uh it's their annual trip that they went up for the day. Uh their learning session of the process. So they will be meeting tonight for a reception. Um they expect to have the CFO there, all the elected officials from the delegation, uh as well as other members of the legislature joining them. So it should be a nice evening and then our day begins tomorrow. Uh I have put your itinerary in folders with you uh at your day at the deis. Um I'm happy to carry those up if you do not want to carry them but uh they uh please don't forget to bring them uh when you come up. Um we do have a uh a packed agenda. Uh they are still our team in Tallahassee is still working on appointments. So there might be a few that come in stragglers, but we will update you in the morning. We're going to start our day uh with a briefing and meeting to go over our discussions with uh all the individuals that we have scheduled, talk about uh not only our priorities, bills of interest that we would like to discuss. Um and I will have um a electronic version uh carried with me um and and we can easily get stuff printed up as needed. Uh, we did have staff weigh in the past week on several bills that we're tracking, over 200 bills. I couldn't make a hard copy of that because it was 119 pages, but a lot of good input from staff on bills where we are. We we prioritize them as red light, green light, and yellow light. Um, red light, no bad bill, green light, good bill, yellow light, good bill, but could have changes. Uh so uh I like I said I do have an electronic version with me on that. If you have any questions happy to respond.

Yes sir.

Wait chair.

So Senate Bill 1548 on the red light list. So that's affordable. That's live local 4.0.

Yes it is. And it's troublesome to me that the legislature now is is [clears throat] trying to tell cities and counties on publicly owned land that we have to put subsidized affordable housing on those properties. So no secret

correct.

It's it's the same position as live local. Good.

What's part of it? It's an evolution of of that piece of awful legislation.

Right. Um good thing is is moving in one chamber, one hearing, not moving in the other chamber. I think at the end of the day, um as you know, they file over thousands of bills, maybe 200 to 300 bills pass at the end of the day. Like last session, the sides are not getting along, so things are not moving as quickly. Um the biggest focus that they're um working on now is that they get a budget done before June 30th. Um they're they're saying it might not happen within the 60 days. So I think that's their biggest focus. So you'll see one side with movement on bills. U but we will continue to monitor them to uh make sure that our red light bills are addressed.

It's concerning because you know we're making investments in parkland. We just over there for two rivers.

Mhm.

Depending on the language and the timing, we could have subsidized apartments on on the two two rivers property that's set aside for

That's correct.

for a district park. So,

Sure.

Um anyway, I just figure I'd share my concerns.

Also, just for observation in meetings that I had last week with legislators, um um they have addressed that next session the plan is to go back and and address live local. How they do that delves in the details, but uh they have made that commitment on both sides of the aisle or both sides of uh both chambers.

If they're going to go back and revamp it, it's disappointing that they there's an evolution in a

from its original to now we're on 4.0, right? So,

correct. Um, until that happens, I think we need to continue beating the drum and keeping the mantra of, hey, let's look at what you're trying to do here. While it's commendable what they're trying to do and and and in premise and in real world application, it's got a significant negative impact to local government. So, anyway, thank you. Thank you. Thank

Mr. Starky. um on my um executive uh call that I am on my back. Um we discussed a number of bills, Ralph, and I'm um trying to remember some of the ones that I sent you. Um uh but what one you responded back to on that text, Mrs. Carbalo, was about a bill to regulate lot sizes, to take away our ability to regulate lot sizes.

Do we know that?

I think that was Senate Bill 948. at least uh based on that and there there's a number of preeemption bills and things that are that are running around there that had language on on lot size restrictions. So those are things that we we certainly are tracking. I think the bill you were referring to was the preeemption one which was 1444.

We have to watch this because I think it's called the local preeemption bill

and it has to do with something that's going on in Sarasota.

I think it started out with right of way and church parking and church. Boca Grand and the Tucker Carlson bill. That's right.

Correct.

Um it has to do with parking uh because people a church on Sundays is parking in front of other the church members are parking in front of other people's houses. So it takes away and so they passed a a rule and but it takes away our ability to regulate parking and they said they're very concerned that this could become a catchall for all kinds of things. One of the things that we're doing commissioners with the list at least that we've pulled up fact has a list is kind of running that through our lobbyists and looking at what's the probability of passage if you will. Um and so as Ralph said that that that funnel gets very constricted towards the end. We're looking at committee stops. We're looking at where where those things sit and trying to focus our efforts on what really has legs. So, if there are bills that through your various associations and and relationships are hearing about, let us let us know those. I think we've got a lot captured. I was actually very very pleased that the team is tracking almost 200 bills

indeed.

Um alone, paying attention. That's that's we haven't done that traditionally. So, we're we're really uh dialed in on this. So,

it's sad that we have to. And then

yeah [laughter] the the other um the other one that we just

remember on your lot size bill

that anything if you have 40 foot or less there's no architectural design standards already implemented.

Yeah.

So if that were to pass the architectural design standards that you work so hard for because it's 44 or less

would be null and void

under that piece building.

Yeah. Um on uh we had a big discussion on the tax the homestead exemption uh bill and there seemed to be a lot of concern about the bill that um made it through committee that has a I think a 10-year life to um where there's no property tax after 10 years,

right?

Is there is that moving in the Senate as well?

No.

No. So, so none of the tax bills are moving in the Senate. Um, the governor still does not have a uh he's not showing his hand on what he envisions. He does he has stated that he doesn't care for the House proposals. Uh, and the Senate is taking no side. They're just watching and willing to assist with whatever moves through the process. Um again in meetings last week I think the discussion was you may see increase in homestead exemption um caps on uh on um their incomes. Uh but as far as seeing outright exemptions probably not going to see that happen at the end of the day. Let me let me touch on that if I could because I I was up there I was up there with fact when I was up there with fact I actually the ne the next day after the meeting they had an 8:00 meeting with House Ways and Means to go where they're going to take up the bill. So I went there um and I did it work with Amy and um Austin and we we went through the effect of what it would be for the first year. The first year all the mandated things that they want to protect there's a shortfall of $6 million

for us.

Yes. So just just with the $100,000 deduction it was a a shortfall for the things we have to fund was $6 million in the hole. The stuff that we're trying to protect after that every year it gets tremendously worse. So it's just like a a devastating bill for us. I don't know what it's going to do for everybody else. So uh I spoke I show I talked about that went through it. I offered our team to go sit with them to kind of show them the numbers. Um, Mike, I don't think anyone took us up on that offer,

but uh I I do I do get I do Let me finish. I I do think that there's there's help in the Senate that they're not going to take that up. So, we'll see how it goes. Go ahead.

On that show, the numbers. I had I think I had mentioned to you I I thought that you did a great job showing the fiscal responsibility this county has had. Now, I can't speak for Broward or some [clears throat] of these other counties, but certainly we can. I think we should show our fiscal responsibility and if do we have a one pager that shows

so actually the form uh what you got from OM at the workshop. Uh I did share that with our delegation when I was up there. So they have those and they are included in your folders. So if we want to give those additionally out um had a nice discussion with our newest senator um uh Senator Msulo praise on our our documents that we give us. He says, "I wish all counties would do that, including our priority list." You really enjoyed that, but but it's in your folder. Um, I don't know if we can condense it into a one pager, but we can get the message across and share that with our delegation.

So, you know, once again, sometimes you're penalizing everyone when maybe there's a few bad apples, but the people who have been very fiscally responsible are going to get punished.

Sure.

Yeah, that's true. and and and as Ralph said, we've shared that we've been transparent with the delegation and just very very neutral just to show these are the net impacts. The numbers are the numbers and um we will, you know, we'll continue to educate um and and and provide that provide that information.

I would imagine that if if something like that goes through, we're not going to be able to honor the 50% of new revenue split that we've been doing. There's just no way. We have a number of variables at play in this year's budget anyways with regards to MSTUs and and budgets as well. So this is another complication, but we'll see. I think we'll have more clarity as we get into the spring and summer as to which direction uh we can plan for.

Mer.

Yes. I just wanted to actually this was just a correction just for um all of our commissioners that um Rep. Maghard is not on teams. That's actually an in-person meeting. So, but on the calendar it does say teams.

Yes.

Um, just so you all know because I got asked if I was going to the governor's lunch in Thursday and Commissioner Oakley, I know you usually go to that, too. Um, it's the opening day of the fair. The governor is not going to be there. He gonna be with us.

That's correct.

Yeah. So, we I got

Yeah, we had that clarified that he will.

I got that confirmed, too. So,

now the CFO and the uh commissioner of a won't be there, but I'm going to try to convince them as they're going down the big slide to scream out Pasco County. [laughter] All right.

That alum shaker.

Yep.

Okay. Anything else? Ralph.

Good.

That's it. Okay.

Mike, good.

No. Thank you.

Okay. Madam Cler,

I have um two items. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Last

I always go. last weekend and on Saturday when the weather started coming in, my team went outside um during our big shred event and that's where we shred documents for our residents for free and we partner with uh with Pasco County on that and um with your recycling department and um shred 360. We had a record number of vehicles come out and weather the weather the cold weather, I should say. Um there was 444 vehicles that we we served with about 18,500 pounds of paper shredded. We have our second event will be this Saturday in um in front of the Robert Sumner Judicial Center in Dade City and that event runs from 10 till noon. We accept um like about three um kitchensiz garbage uh bags worth of of paper documents per car. We only take paper. So any of your digital stuff you want to get rid of, that is not at this location. Um, you can keep staples, paper clips, and binder clips on the documents. You do not need to remove them. Those will also get shredded. But if it's in a three- ring binder, we ask that you remove them from those. Another update I have is Valentine's Day is coming up and we pro uh we provide a group wedding on Valentine's Day right in front of this building. It's absolutely beautiful. It's in front of the fountains um out front. We limit it to 25 couples and it starts uh the ceremony starts at 11:00 a.m. So, if you are interested in being and participating in the group uh wedding ceremony, please contact my office and register signed up. [laughter]

If you'd like to renew your vows at the same time, just come on down. We'll do that, too.

Um this is the first year that I'm not going to be able to officiate. My daughter has a volleyball tournament out of town. So, my family does come first for me. So, I will be attending the volleyball tournament and I have Judge Linda Bab is going to perform the the ceremony. So, come on out for that. If you're here working, just step outside. It's such a beautiful It's a beautiful time.

Okay.

Thank you.

You're welcome. County attorney.

I don't have anything. Thank you.

Um I don't see anyone from the sheriff's office. Chase.

No.

Chase. Chase had to go to a school board meeting this morning.

Okay. Very good. All right. Um, I've got a couple of pictures. We had the, uh, Tampa Bay day, uh, which I thought was very nice the way they did their sign up there. It's got Penllis, Hillsro, and Pasco right on there. Those are all the electeds that were up there. Um, it was a great turnout again this year. So, uh, were represented and it was a, like I said, great group, great great turnout. A couple of pictures with the guys. They had each of the chairs speak. So, we got to address everybody, talk about unity. Um, I was also up there the Friday for a uh Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council uh for the Florida Regional Association, which I'm first vice president actually going to by president this year. Uh they'll be making that motion at the summer [clears throat] meeting. Um very good meeting. Actually had three really good speakers. One from DOT, uh one from economics, uh the other was from resiliency. And I've already talked to staff about some things we can possibly work on that. Um, enough for the pictures. Okay. And I was up I was up for with fact last week and uh we did talk about that tax bill and of all the tax bills that one that was the current one we're looking at. They're all would be pretty devastating for us. But that one there we've got the got the data and Mike if you can share that data with everybody um I think it' be helpful as we go up and I guess we'll take a break till Commissioner Starky.

Some of you should have received uh something from the Pentagon an invite. Um, for February, the last Friday in February, um,

first Monday of February,

what is it?

First Monday of February. I'm sorry, first sec last Monday of February. Excuse me.

No, not that one. Um, the the um pinning ceremony.

Oh, sorry.

So, I'll have to get with everybody. Also, who's going who's going to Nico?

I am.

None of you guys. Did you sign up for the tour of the Pentagon? My son-in-law is

I think we get together

because it is full.

Miss, you're on it. Yes, ma'am.

Yeah. Okay. I'm really excited about that. I've never never been in there. They actually had to shut it down during the freeze. No one could get to work a couple weeks ago. It was a very good day that they could have bombed America [laughter] because everybody was home. Okay.

I shouldn't say that. No, I didn't say that.

Uh we'll adjourn till 1:30. We just have um one continuence and

one quick one quick one quick item.

I will not be here in the afternoon. I will be uh with Keith Wy uh out in the very cold touring the new bike park.

Okay. All right. I'll have three pictures.

Pictures now, J. Okay.

Thank you.

Can I stand next to you?