10.20.26 Pasco Board of County Commissioners Meeting

for the invocation pledge of allegiance.

Good morning. Let's pray. Our Father, we have gathered again for another important meeting and by the looks of it we have a lot of people who are here to share their comments and thoughts, Lord. So, I ask that you open up our ears, our hearts, and our minds to what's being said and that you give us wisdom to be able to respond appropriately, Lord. I also see on the agenda today that we're going to be recognizing the upcoming Veterans Day, Lord, and let's we just take this moment to thank you and thank them for their service to our country and ask a special blessing on them this Veterans Day, them and their families, and just let them know how appreciated they are, Lord. So, we thank you for being with us today. Thank you for your presence and lift up this meeting in your name. 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.

Madam Clerk, please call the roll.

Yes. Mr. Chair, before I do, I just want to make sure we are on air. The light is not on. Thank you. District 1, Commissioner Oakley.

Here.

District 2, Commissioner Whitman.

Present.

District 3, Commissioner Starkey.

Here.

District 4, Commissioner

Here.

District 5, 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 another business under the board's purview. Today's public comment will will be handled as follows. First, we will take public comment for those who are here in person, then we'll take public comment for those who are pre-registered through an online link and currently on queue. 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 board members and the public. After stating your name and address for the clerk, a 3-minute timer will be activated and a green light will be shown in the podium. After 2 minutes, a yellow light will indicate you have 1 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. As we start public comment, the first item we're going to first group we're going to bring up is the Okay. All right, let's hear from our tax collector, Mike Fasano. A welcome surprise.

[laughter]

Good morning, Mr. Chairman and Commissioners. First of all, thank you very much for allowing me to come and say a few words for Commissioner Oakley this morning on the East side. Uh happened to be going across 52 and there was the rocket up there. It was an amazing sight all the way over from the from the Cape. Beautiful. Uh sky was clear, the sun was perfect, and driving down 52 and there you see it, a great sight. I want to thank you very much for the great work that all of you do, your county administrator and and his staff, second to none working with our office getting things done. Your county attorney's office, he and I spoken often about the PACE program and I appreciate him keeping us up to date as well. Um I have a check for you this morning. I wish you would have been a little bit more than what I had hoped for to begin with. And a couple of things. One, we're not sure whether Amendment 3 is going to pass or not, but I had to take some action this year. If it did pass, we put out a lot of money each year for each month, I should say, for having to rent offices.

[snorts]

And I wanted needed to get away from that, so we are purchasing some land and we'll be building new Wesley Chapel office on a piece of property that we will own. We are building our support services on a piece of property we purchased because I cannot afford, if this amendment passes, $400,000 a year in leases. And so I'm hoping that we'll get we'll get a get away from that if this amendment pa- passes. Um I'm going to give you a check today for $3,792,000. Uh it's good, but it should be better. However, if amendment three passes, you'll never get another check from me.

Right. Do you hear that, everybody?

You'll never get another check. Because the tax collector, as you know, we lose four and a half million dollars a year providing motor vehicle services. 95% of the services we provide in our five offices is motor vehicle services. So they say to me, "Fasano, how do you live? Cuz we don't get any money from you. We don't get any money from the state. We don't get any money from the from the federal government." And I tell them that we live on a small percentage or a little very small fee that we get when we collect property taxes. So when you reduce the amount of property taxes, that means we're collecting less, and I still have this four and a half million dollar deficit in providing motor vehicle services. I tell our legislators that regardless of property taxes, I by law I must provide motor vehicle services. We serve between 50 and 60,000 people a month in our five offices. 95% of them walk in there to get motor vehicle services. Somebody walks in to do a driver's license for $54.25, I get $6.25. Somebody walks into our office and renews their registration for 40, 50, 60 dollars, I keep $2.50. The rest goes to Tallahassee. Unfortunately, a lot of people are unaware of this. They're not aware of this. You see a lot of information, very misinformation that's on Facebook and on social pages. Please, people, call me. I'll be more than happy to speak to anyone in any group to explain to them the trickle-down effect that this will have on my office. I'm hoping to survive, but it'll be very close. Other tax collectors have already told me they will close down their tax collector offices. They will lay people off. But they still must provide motor vehicle services to the people that walk into their office, even though they lose money every time somebody does walk into their office. So, if it passes, please understand. And also understand this, the less money I collect for you, I still collect for CDDs. They don't They don't A homestead exemption does not deal with CDDs. So, as this income decreases in collecting for you, today I'm going to give you 90% of what I have in excess fees, but your your percentage will drop significantly if this amendment passes of any excess fees I do have, okay? Questions, comments, criticisms, wait till I leave.

[laughter]

I I'd like to say thank you for the for the check. A great great surprise coming today.

Yeah. And Commissioner Murray, Anna, thank you. Thank you for your messages too, as well, and getting the correct message out there, the right message. And as I tell people, check the facts. Get educated on Amendment 3. Understand and appreciate what the trickle-down effect is. Firefighters in this state and law enforcement in this state, they don't normally get together together and oppose something, but they are in this one because they know the effect it will have on their departments and their agencies.

Well, I'll tell you your your voice is someone who's been to Tallahassee on both levels up there and seen it and come back to local government to see what goes on.

Yes, sir.

Uh the level of respect that you carry uh is is phenomenal. So, when you have been such a great voice to just try to educate people what's going on.

Yeah.

I I just took the last thing I put out there yesterday just cuz it's time. You've heard all the discussions and social media and the TV stuff. And I just laid something out there real simple how our budget looked. And I'm going to I'm going to probably repost the same post. I'm I'm going to do it like you.

Yeah.

I'm not going to take the feedback.

Yeah.

Just so people look at the message, not the comments.

Yeah.

And I'm going to I'm going to you'll see me tweaking that probably later on today.

Good for you.

And I just made sure the numbers were solid. I'll probably answer a couple of questions in a separate post with it coming out, but I just want the facts out there so people can see the the danger that's out there. We've got Kitty up branch that's going to come in and talk about getting a dirt road paved. And I'm saying there's no money there.

Correct.

I says, "And if this goes through, there's $4.9 million we lose."

Yep.

If you took it to the fire MSTU,

Now, the fire's going to

23%

Fire's going to see a significant reduction. And they've got

And they're like the legislation, you can charge for these things, but you got to fund them.

Correct.

$14 million unfunded mandates from Tallahassee. They got The The funny thing is, they're trying to like go put a tax increase on Amendment 1, so they can collect more reserves cuz they've maxed out what they can do.

But if you read the amendment fully, you find out another thing, which is dangerous. They want to control

Oh, yeah.

They want to control local government. And as a Republican, I never thought that we would see that come out of Tallahassee in the legislature wanting to control local government. That's a dangerous move. Mr. Chairman, thank you very much.

Appreciate it. Thank you.

[applause] [applause]

Might be the last check.

[laughter]

Just change my name to

I hope not.

Okay. And now we're going to go to a scalloping fest presentation. This past year from the third year running but we ran it over July 3rd and July 4th weekend and the weekend after that and we've got some checks to present. This cause was Harvey and we had Steps to Recovery here as well. Come on up. Our parks department took part in this as well. And what we did was we had a festival. We had great community support. AdventHealth being a presenting sponsor. We had [clears throat] a lot of great things that were that were going on through it and then then the best thing coming through was we got three charities going to benefit including our parks department. So, Harvey, would you like to say a few words?

I'm Harvey Reinhardt. I'm with West Pasco's Sertoma Club and I'm pleased to be here to present three checks today. One to Steps to Recovery, one to Parks and Recs for Children's Summer Camp and one [clears throat] to West Pasco which will go to funding for Sertoma Speech and Hearing Foundation of Florida that covers all 67 counties in Florida.

And Harvey, I want to thank you guys cuz without Sertoma this would not have taken place off the ground. Not only the great work you do in the community but helping us get this event off the ground and being able to coordinate the backbone of um providing the service that we need out there was great. Christina from parks, I want you to say a couple words. Your your team was phenomenal there as well.

I'm Christina Cardona, assistant director of Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources. Um it's been great to continue to work with Mr. Harvey and Sertoma and be able to provide this event free to our community. Um every year we are able to with Sertoma's assistance provide additional activities for the community and just tournaments and events for everyone to come to our park and enjoy. So, it's been a great partnership.

Okay. McKenzie from Steps to Recovery. Their team was out there. They help with parking. They help with everything we need. And we we just kind of get help get the exposure to just a great group of guys and ladies. So, if you'd like to say a couple words.

Hi, I'm McKenzie.

[clears throat]

I just want to say thank you on behalf of all of our veterans and our employees. We are always so happy to help with this event. Um we really appreciate you guys all of your support and continued um presence in our community. So, thank you very much.

All right. And Harvey, you want to say what the check amount is?

And at this time I'm happy to present $12,000 to each of our charities.

Wow.

That's awesome.

[applause] [applause]

And I think we should all go down as a whole board to be there.

That's Okay.

[laughter]

Harvey's also the money man. Keeps an eye on everything.

Good.

[applause] [clears throat]

We're going to go a little bit out of order cuz I thought we had to set up where the folks from Beacon Woods are going to come up first, so anybody here to speak at Beacon Woods, come up, please come up, and I'm going to have you guys speak first, and then we'll work with our team to help you from the issue. Anyone come up, please your name and address for the record. Yes. Everyone on the dais has got to information I was given Saturday morning. When I was being presented new information, the attorney's office has got it. So, please welcome

Hi, I'm Liz Hilscher. I live at 12713 Charter Oak Way in Hudson, and I'm all my neighbors representing Coachwood Village in Beacon Woods. We have a severe threat to our safety and security. There has been criminal activity going on daily since March of this year. There was a murder that occurred on June 17th of this year and um the Pasco County Sheriff's Office investigated. They had the street cordoned off for 72 hours when they took the tape back, these criminals emerged again and we believe that they are dealing with drugs with all the constant traffic. I have dozens and dozens of photos on my phone. Every time I walk past there, there's a different car in the driveway. They pull in, they run in the house, they come out. And they don't belong there. The the man that owned the property passed away on September 6th of 2025. And probate was opened here in Pasco on September 16th of 2025 and closed on March 26th of 2026 citing no heirs or lien holders, which was incorrect. In fact, there is over $200,000 mortgage held by Rocket Mortgage. I've spoken to Rocket Mortgage and informed them of the passing of the homeowner and they sent me to legal and they told me that they had started a foreclosure proceedings on April 28th of 2026 and that they were considering withdrawing that petition because of the mess with this house. They've destroyed this house. The trash in the garage has been collect being collected, household trash, for since July. And I tried to get a picture of it. They very rarely open the garage, but they had it open and they were throwing the trash that they had piled up outside, which I have pictures of. And uh all I can think of is the the smell sometimes is horrendous. I'm sure there's rats and roaches and everything else, which is going to eventually invade our whole community. And then people are driving to pick up whatever they're picking up under the influence, driving e-bikes, coming through everybody's lawns. I've had to jump out of the way several times for vehicles when I'm walking my dogs. We don't have sidewalks. And I really hope that bringing this to your attention will get this resolved sooner rather than later.

Mr. Judge, you had a handout for receiving file.

Make it receiving file. All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Hello. Um I'm Giovanna Zarrillo. I live at 12604 Castleberry Court. Um I am right across the street go ahead.

Hold on for one second.

I just point of order. Were they going to speak as a group or are you are they speaking We gave 5 minutes for the first person, so that's why

Oh, I'm sorry.

No, that's okay. No, that's okay. You came in under, so Okay, so yeah, just reset to three. That's fine.

All right, so Giovanna Zarrillo 12604 Castleberry Court. I'm right across the street from the home that everybody's here about. Um unfortunately, I was not home the night of the shooting, but I was held um behind the tape for hours. I couldn't get to my house. Um I think it's absolutely ridiculous what I have to go through. Um I am 34 years old. I live by myself. Um half of these people here, too, are widowed and they live alone and it's just it's awful. Um all hours of the night I am up at 10:00 at night and I sit there and I look at my ring camera and I'm just watching all of the activity. 10:00 at night um I I I should be sleeping at that time. I work. I work Monday through Friday 8:30 to 5:00 and I don't have time for this. I don't I I'm uneasy. I don't sleep. Every car door, I look up and I'm on my phone and my ring camera and every I sleep next to a gun, which is not a way of living. I pay my taxes. I My house is paid off and I shouldn't have to live this way. So, it's it's it's awful. It's really awful and I I don't know how to explain it. I've had Pasco County sheriffs, they're on my ring camera about 24/7 draining my battery, which is fine. I'd rather them be on there than not be on there. Um literally watching these people all day long. Like it's it's absolutely absurd and I'm I'm I'm over it and if this doesn't get handled, honestly, I'm selling and I'm leaving, which is not really a threat. Who cares, you know? But it's like I I'm I'm to the point where I can't live like this. I live in fear of my life. I don't go outside. I don't walk my I don't I don't have any pets, but I I don't go outside. I don't walk. I used to walk every day. I don't walk anymore. Like why do I have to live like this? This is awful. So, hopefully something can get done. This is why we are all here today because we're we're all just over it. So, not a quality of life to live. Thank you.

Thank you. Hi, I'm Tom Hilscher. I live at 12713 Charter Oak Way, Hudson. Um you know, the police kept coming by and saying, "Oh, we're not victims." Well, we are victims. I have uh 15 letters from neighbors, plus the neighbors that are here, that talk about being victims. Um just a couple of paragraphs. Uh we ask that the sheriff's office take immediate action. Please utilize all available law and code enforcements uh remedies by permanently clear this property. This community can no longer carry the burden of this safety vacuum. We require immediate intervention from the authorities officially tasked with our protection. Just a couple of from other letters. Please pay attention to the residents of Coachwood Village. We have quite a few retired seniors who are afraid to get out of their houses now due to this issue. These people do vote and if something does not get done, we will vote for new commissioners. That wasn't my letter.

[laughter]

But there's a lot of people that think that, so I just you know, if you if one of these houses was next to your homes, I guarantee it would have been gone within 2 days. Thank you.

Good morning. The I'm Mary Ann Knight. I live at 7714 Coachwood Drive. I am across street and one house down from the house on Castleberry that is the subject. Um I'll just say make it really quick. At um between 1:00 and 3:00 in the morning, it is not unusual to have someone knock on my bedroom window.

Oh my goodness.

And the reason they are doing that is because when they go to the house, they have the wrong house. That's how they let them know there's a lot of people that walk in from Walmart. They knock on the window, someone goes and lets them in and they get their drugs or whatever it is. So as a widow and as several of my neighbors are, you just you just I don't say I live in fear, but every time I get up in the night, I always look and check that house to see what possibly could be going on. So any help we can get, we need to be able to live comfortably in a in a really nice neighborhood. Thank you.

Okay. And if you don't want to speak, it's okay because I've got the conference set up for you.

Yeah, I've got the conference I've got the conference room set up for you. I'm going to have David Allen and Chief Daniels to go and Jessica Rodriguez in the attorney's office ready to meet with you guys right now.

Ernie Reed, 7710 Coachwood Drive, Hudson. A lot of you know me.

Hi Ernie.

I live about three doors away from that house. I've been a known friendly person. My garage door is always open until this time. I have to shut the garage door. It's It's just not me. So, I want you to get this taken care of. It's just craziness to have to live like that. It's a beautiful house they they're destroying. This is a beautiful neighborhood. It just doesn't make any sense. They're running with the house with no water. They've shut the water off. They took They tore the meter. They take taken the meter away. Under Pasco County law, they cannot live in that house without running with without water. I don't understand why code enforcement hasn't taken care of this problem. I was there when they drove by. Well, they said, "Well, the grass was a little long." They took care of the grass. They shouldn't even be in the house. Doesn't make any sense. Thank you much. Appreciate it.

All right. So, David, if you would join them. The conference is all set up. Chase is in the back there as well. And you know, Jessica was taking a look at everything, too.

There she is in the back as well.

All right. Thank you, guys.

I just want to make sure Giovanna Zorrillo she was signed up.

Yes, I'm those

Okay, that was your Thank you. Okay. I'll go forward with the others. Okay.

Yep.

All right. So, I have um if if they were part of that group, um I'll go ahead and mark them, but I tried to mark as we were going along. First one I have is Pamela Lamunion followed by Mario Hm. I think it starts with a Z U H I Yes. So, you'll be second up. Um But, thank you. Is there a Pamela Pamela Hamunion or Lamunion?

Yes, ma'am.

Okay. You may

Pamela Lant has some material.

Have a motion?

Move to approve file.

Second.

All those in favor, say "Aye."

Aye.

Hi. right. pass it over there.

Okay.

Uh my name is Pamela at Lamagna. I'm a full-time resident of Pasco County, Florida. I live at 7434 Minuteman Circle, New Port Richey, Florida within the city limits of New Port Richey. I have a repeater project um that I have started uh for a club I founded called Wave Catchers Amateur Radio Club. I founded it in July of 20 of this year. Um I got to looking at the repeaters that we have in the county and on the maps I have provided the orange dot represents where a VHF repeater is located. But if you look at the pink dot on the map, you'll see that there is no repeater communication in that area. Uh there's our special needs shelter Fasano's shelter is located there. The county has two towers uh next to the Fasano in the area next to the Fasano special needs shelter. Um there could be a VHF repeater system added to the highest tower, which would help with the VHF communication or the communication system in the county. Uh Wave Catchers Amateur Radio Club, the society that I have started, um I'm asking for donations online to pay for that VHF repeater system. So, I'm here today to ask you if I can place a repeater system on that highest tower at that location. The map will show you where the weak communication is. It would benefit Pasco County by providing backup communication in an area where no communication exists. It would provide by providing a safer environment and support for public safety. This would not be at a cost to Pasco County. The equipment and setup will be paid for by donations gifted to Wave Catchers Amateur Radio Society. Wave Catchers Amateur Radio Society goal is to support public safety, which will benefit all and benefit the club by having a VHF repeater to use for nets, training, and exercises. The equipment would be owned and maintained by Wave Catchers Amateur Radio Society incorporated by donations and volunteers.

Thank you. Eric, can you meet with her? Is Eric Brightwell

[laughter]

Mario? You're up, followed by William McLaw.

Good morning. My name is Mariusz Zukowski. I'm living in Hudson, Cox Avenue. I want to share some documents what we have problem with neighbors and with that reason we put the fence on our picture. Everybody is sitting

Sir, could you put your microphone just pull the tip up a little bit?

There you go.

Better?

Yeah, much better.

So, you see that is my neighbors. I So, for that reason I put the fence. And this is looks like not not like this. That [clears throat] one piece is on the corner over there. Speaking of the mic, slide. So, I have all documents what I can

Move your feet back.

Second.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

I have documents

Did he give his address?

So, then uh You see my neighbors what they do for me. Behind the uh is little, I don't know, children crazy. So, I little scared on the beginning. Why we decide to put the fence was the problem. She came to my property with the piece of metal and stay behind me. I was not feel safe. And that we decide to put the fence. So, we go around to see which fence is too safe for us. And because then it's like the people burn wood and it's fire pit and this dangerous. So, that we decide to use the metal, which is on the neighborhood people have the same use the same materials and everybody probably see the same materials in the Pasco County. Then, she called to the inspector and inspector giving for us warning. So, we cannot use the metal materials. I don't understand. It's no information about the metal. If you can share that information, the warning when I No, no, no, the papers. Excuse me. Oh, yeah, that is the warning. You see why I cannot use because it's metal. And the second page, when we

[snorts]

Before we install, we asked the Pasco County, "Can we use this materials?" They giving for us some documents what we can, what we cannot. It's on a corrugated metal. It's not like all metal. The lady Diane Kimpel, they say, "I have the same materials and I don't see any problem. It's not corrugated. It's not sheet of the metal, which everybody see in the corner is there. It's pickets. It's not big panel." And it's very nice uh materials. We give it They giving for us additional documents about what we can use, what we cannot. And then the point number four. Please allow to use this materials and keep me safe because I'm not feel the safe in the my neighbors and I don't know what to do.

Can I Can I say something?

Um Go ahead.

Um I I don't think it's the metal. I think the issue is is that on that 4-ft part uh 15 ft back from the waterline, it has to be seaworthy.

That I'm agree.

a You did a solid fence.

That I'm agree what you say. That I not finish. I I not finish, because that time I not finish. I know I make mistake, so that I can fix it. But if you go to the page where there's warning, is information is metal.

Okay.

about the side.

minutes is up. Um David Allen, the Pasco County administrator, is with the code enforcement person with those people from Beacon Woods. If you want to sit and wait when David gets back, Brent for maybe you can You can help him out. Okay. All right, thank you.

Thank you.

Who are you with?

Uh city of Zephyr Hills. I'm the principal planner.

All right.

Thank you.

Tammy I think Slinger.

Yes. Thank you.

Marge Powell followed after.

That was shorter. Hi. I'm Tammy Slinger with Kitty Up Branch. I'm the founder and executive director. We're here on behalf of Madison Road, um which has been a painful road since we moved there in 2018. Um actually, when we purchased the property, uh Pat Sullivan had said, "Oh, this road is up to get paved." So, it was one of those things that we just went on and proceeded forward. We had to relocate the program, and so we moved on. Now, the road is hurting the families. It's hurting the farm. Um the families are going through expenses that they cannot afford uh with their vehicles having to get new tires, alignments, so on. Um the road literally turns into a um a mush pot after the rain. Your guys have been tremendous about coming, and they will fill the holes, but then as soon as we have any rain, we're back to square one. And when I started reaching out to all of you was when I started receiving the letters, and that was, "We're so sorry, Ms. Tammy. We love the farm so much. It's so good for our children, but we just can't take the wear and tear on our vehicles anymore." And now it's affecting us, not only in our children that we serve, and the veterans, and all of the multifaceted programs that we have, but it's now hurting the farm financially. And so, we we need solutions, and and I know Jack and I have talked about some different things, and I know we have that big project that's coming up right next to us, the Denton project. I'm scared to death of those trucks coming down our road and making it even worse. You have people who pass each other, but now you have cars on the wrong side of the road because everybody's trying to avoid a pothole. So, that's when it rains, but now when it's dry and it's not raining, you have a dust fest. And we have one neighbor, he literally put up a fence line completely across his entire yard because of the dust from the road. And that that goes for our kids, too. You know, we have kids who are immunocompromised. They have respiratory issues. And so that road is terrible. You guys are going to hear from our people today. And we're not We're not looking to just complain. We really do want to find a solution. We love serving your county. We love serving the kids within it and the veterans and the adults and the homeschoolers. We're here to do that. But we do sit at the end of the only dirt road from in Hudson that is from Little Road to Shady Hills. Can you guys answer that? Why Why is that the only one that's not paved?

We would not We don't converse back.

Say it again.

We don't converse back in public comment.

Okay. Well, that's my question. I do have that question because I I drove it a few times and it is the only road that is green that's not paved. So, thank you.

Thank you. Marge Powell followed by Ashley Zickefoose.

Hello. My name is Marge Powell and I live at 3833 Sandalwood Drive, Land O' Lakes, Florida. I'm here in regards to the Mathis Road paving. Uh it is an urgent request to pave the road. Our son has been riding with Ms. Tammy for 16 years. He's been at the new location for 8 years. Uh he is in a power wheelchair, nonverbal. The wheelchair van that we have in order to transport him is very low to the ground. Um it took me 5 minutes this last week when he was riding to get down the road dodging potholes and ruts in the road. Um and it's expensive for repairs. We've already lost a muffler and had to repair that and get a new one. Um over the last probably 7 years the road conditions have gotten horribly worse. Um and on our way home last week from the uh riding I had a conversation with her son telling him that if the roads get any worse, we're not going to be able to get back there in our vehicle. And this is one thing that has helped our son and he enjoys so much both all physically, emotionally, and socially. And it breaks my heart that because we can't go down this paved road anymore, he's not going to be able to ride. And when I told him that, he raised his finger and he said, "Bad bad." Um and that just hurt me even more. This isn't just about our family. And Mathis Road is necessary artery for many other handicapped clients and veterans who rely on accessible vehicles to get to Kitty Up Ranch for their therapy, their education, their socialization. So please, please consider reconsider your paving priorities. Paving this road is an absolute necessity for our community's most vulnerable residents. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Ashley Zacchio followed by Megan Berkeley.

Hello, I'm Ashley Zacchio. I live um at 15232 Mathis Road on Kitty Up's property. And as a child who has just moved out of her parents' house and moved onto that property, to not be able to have my family want to come down this road and see me is heartbreaking. And also, to have bonds with these kids, and Jeffrey, I teach him, as of long as well as the other kids. And for them to tell me they don't want to come and see me, and come to my lessons, it hurts. And it's all due to the road. And not only that, I drive the horse trailer up and down that road, and my shocks to my truck are done for. So, I would love to see this road get paved and be better. And it truly has gotten very, very bad. And you guys can grade it all you want, but like everybody else said, as soon as the rain comes, it washes everything away. So, that's what I have to say. Thank you.

Thank you. Um next up we have Megan uh Berkey or Berky? It's all the followed by Stacy Offal- Offis? I don't I'm sorry if I pronounced that incorrectly.

Hi there. My name's Megan Berkey. I currently live at 15232 Mattis Road on Kitty Up's property. Um I drive that road multiple times a day as I also work at other places other than Kitty Up. And it really does take an effect on the vehicles driving on that road. I drive a low-rise car. I drive a Ford Fusion, and the road, if you hit a pothole just right, it it deflates your tires. The other day I had to fill up my tire from 17 PSI from hitting a pothole, and it's putting a lot of wear and tear on all of our vehicles, and the limestone is gets up underneath your car, and it rusts your stuff from the water sitting on it, and it just deteriorates everything in there. I love working at Kitty Up. I've been with Kitty Up for almost 10 years now. It's a great place. We do a lot of fun stuff there, and I just really like to see the road paved. It'd make everybody's life so much easier. Thank you.

Thank you. Stacy Opitz and there's another one but the name wasn't written but it says Mathis Road. It says parent of student Kitty Up Ranch.

It's Opag. Stacy Opag. It's fine. It's fine.

I tried.

It's okay. I live at 3125 Bluebird Drive in Holiday. Um you just heard from my daughter. She's been uh at Kitty Up for years and years. Um we've been going to this new property since day one. Um my story a little bit different but um I drive a larger vehicle all-terrain 4x4. I've been having to drive her to and from this barn three, four, five times a week because she loved it so much for years and years. And if I had time I would bring you all of my Toyota records from Sun Toyota and all of the damage that I had to pay for to fix my vehicle so many times. Um and the service advisors and technicians would always go, "Where do you live? Where do you drive your car that you can like have this?" I've had axle problems, brake problems, tire problems. Not to mention the amount of sand and dust that's up in the car that the only way to really clean it is to drive down the flooded roads of Pasco County to clean it, which is helpful at times. But once my daughter was old enough to drive car my car stopped breaking. I no longer had car issues cuz I was no longer driving down the crazy dirt road of potholes, mud, bumps, this and that trying to swerve in all of this going basically four-wheeling. So now I'm paying to fix my daughter's car because of all the bumps and stuff. I'm a single mom with two kids. I don't make that much money. I can't afford to keep fixing her cars or buying her cars. Not to mention all of the kids and stuff that I hear that she teaches that aren't coming anymore because they can't make it down the road. And that is kind of heartbreaking. So, honestly, I don't really see why it's so difficult. Pave the road. Every other road in Pasco's paved. Pave the road. Fix [music] it. Do better. Help this great thing community out. Do something. And I'd like to not have to spend any more money on my kids' car. Cuz unless you want me to start giving you guys the bills for you guys to pay it. So, you choose. Thank you.

Good morning. Rachel Stevens. I apologize my name somehow got left off. Rachel Stevens. I live at 12441 Citation Road. I'm a homeowner and a business owner in Pasco County. Most importantly though, I am a parent of one of the children at Kitty Up Ranch. Kitty Up Ranch has been wonderful for my children who are able to go there and experience all of the animals and all of the learning opportunities available from a working ranch. Um the most difficult part of Kitty Up Ranch really is that road. And it seems like something so simple should not be so significant on the people who work there, live there, and who send their children there. My family sends two children there four four times a week. We drive that road eight eight times. Uh excuse me, six six times. We send them there three days a week, six times back and forth. Um I have a standard issue Toyota minivan. It's lower lower clearance to the ground. It is just standard. I do not have any equipment that's been added for um special needs accommodations. My van can barely make it through there. Um just this morning I was taking the girls and I don't typically do drop off, my husband does who has a 4x4. I did not think that my children have to be delivered to school with an off-road capable vehicle to walk go down a standard dirt road. Um my van as we drove in today has a whole new rattle in the back. I have no idea what it is and it only started after we came off of Mathis Road on the way here today. So, the reality of it is is these kids are directly affected by this because the cost for these families to go through down this road is becoming more

[clears throat]

than the unfortunately more than the benefit that these kids are receiving which is great. So, if you take a look at that cost benefit, I think that the reality is that we need to fix that road. There money is tight everywhere and for everyone. The cost of coming and taking to take employees down that road and drag it or add new dirt to it or whatever it is that we have to do is that the county is doing currently, that costs money. So, we can either decide to continue spending that money in that way on the the fuel costs, the personnel costs, the time, the energy from taking it from other projects around the county, putting that money into Mathis Road because for the kids who go there it's so much more than a standard education. Everything at the end of that road is dependent on their success. And you have an opportunity to pave the road to their success. Thank you.

Thank you.

Uh next up I have Bill is it Alotz? Alotz? Come on up and then followed by Ethan Jones. [music]

Good morning, Mr. Chair.

Good morning.

Good morning, Council. Um I have some items I'd like to introduce to

Move to receive and file.

Second.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Um, I like to introduce Ethan Jones to you. Ethan Jones was a graduate from Pepin Elementary, Pepin High School. A couple of you may have seen him there at because you were there at his graduation. Um, he was the one playing the big drum and singing Sky Full of Stars. Really great, really great guy. Um, Ethan graduated from Pepin Elementary. He has autism. And what he what he does is is that we went to vocational rehab after we went to graduated from Pepin. Vocational rehab told us they would pay for his education. We went to Pasco Hernando, signed up, went back to vocational rehab, they said we're not paying for it unless he takes a full course load. There's no way that he can complete a full course load with autism. But he can and he is trainable. Okay, vocational rehab did three about two evaluations. Technically three, saying that he was untrainable, that he could stock groceries at Publix and those kind of things. Um, AM Skills they opened their door for us. We took him down there. I'm sorry, I'm getting a little choked up here. Um,

[clears throat]

they opened their door for us and he got he's now running a CNC machine and he's made up of 1,800 parts for uh, World War II doors. The reason we're here is to tell you how good AM Skills is. How they truly helped him. So, please vote yes on March 27th. Thank you.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

Ethan, do you want [applause] to speak to us? Do you want to say anything?

[clears throat]

My name is Ethan Jones. I lived on 74 [music] 38 Sequoyah Drive. Um for the last 3 days and I just did for working on AM skills and and and I'm working on CNC mill. And that's where I going to make parts and

[snorts]

for um at 1,000 800.

Parts so far.

Parts. And but I just um just starting with the machine up and um to to get it to ready to set up the parts and to to get all the burs and to drill holes in to get it for um for if it's done. And then I was just set them down on the packages boxes and I deliver them to the to the to the world or something. I am one of my doors.

He does the full manufacturing process.

It's amazing.

For everything I just just makes money. Thank you.

Ethan, Ethan, who did you just demonstrate, I don't feel remember but you'll remember. Who did you demonstrate your machining skills to last week?

Anna Paulina.

Congresswoman Luna, Anna Paulina Luna, right?

Yes.

And she gave him a congressional coin.

Wow.

And she was floored. As as is me. Yeah.

Ethan, you're incredible. Great job.

Yeah. Thank you.

Keep up the good work.

And good job, Grandpa.

Thank you.

Ethan.

[applause]

And Ethan had been told [applause] Ethan had been told that his future was stocking shelves or wrapping silverware with napkin. Mhm. And he is manufacturing for an international company that we hope to move here to Pasco County. They've bought some land.

That's manufacturing.

And they love this program.

Baird. Baird.

Amy Baird.

Who was after Amy?

I That's all I have that's signed up.

Is that Is anyone else after Amy that wanted to speak that didn't sign up? Please line up. Thanks.

Good morning. Amy Baird. Um you have my address on the sign-up sheet there, and I actually um own Rockin Horse Farm on Plath Road. I run nonprofit Horse Connections, which is very similar to the program that Kitty Up is. And so, I'm going to put a good word in for them. The work they do is incredibly important to our community, and there aren't enough places doing that work. Relocating that farm is not a possibility. I really encourage the county to look at um helping them out. Also, um what Ethan just showed us is incredible, and in the work that Tammy and I do, we see this over and over again. Kids with disabilities just blossoming and taking off and being a wonderful part of the community moving forward. So, I'm happy to see all of that and and have that happening in our county. Um I am here yet again today to speak about the Flock cameras. Um unfortunately, I felt like I had to come back because these surveillance cameras are still up. The citizens of Pasco County have spoken. You guys agreed, and um you agreed that they should be removed, um and that no other brand of cameras should be put in place. Which was the right move for the citizens of the county cuz many of us came to speak speak about this and feel very strongly about this. Um the contract with Flock expired on September 30th of this year. Um in response to a letter I wrote to all of you about a week, week and a half ago, I was told that October 15th would be the date that the cameras were gone. Um that is not the case. The cameras are still in place around the county. I've done some driving the past few days and they are still there. Um so I'm going to encourage you um to perhaps send a maintenance crew out and remove them. I don't see Flock following through and doing what they're supposed to do and the problem is do we know if these cameras are still collecting data and where that [clears throat] data is being stored currently now that you don't even have a contract with them? I I don't know if anybody even knows what's happening with those cameras still being in place. Um so that's where the concern lies. And I remind you that um your constituents, the people you actually work for um spoke. You agreed. And now it's time to take action and make sure that these cameras get removed from our county. Thank you so much for your time.

And Branford, would you meet with her? Find those locations and then work with David Allen with the permitting cuz all those had permits and let's find a way to finish the job. They were supposed to be done by the 15th.

Hi, I'm Pamela Paeon. I live at 16551 Jetson Avenue in Hudson. I'm on behalf of the little Kitty Up. I have a grandson who goes there, actually two of them. I periodically go there for their toddler time. And my other one now goes on 3 days a week.

[clears throat]

And it's horrible getting down that road for them. And their vehicles are tormented. And he will cry if he does not get down there that day. Right, Sammy?

Yes.

I would have loved to have brought him today, but it's a work day. And also, I'm also the mom of an autistic son who goes there periodically on the weekends to visit them for their festivals and whatnot. And it is horrible on him to even go down there cuz he has stomach issues. And the bumpy roads and all that do bother his stomach and it causes um gastro problems. And the dusting is not good for him and his doing is allergies that he has to breathe in through that road going down that way. Cuz they take them all on the horse rides and trailies and whatnot down to the parks. And going through and playing with the chickens and all. But if that place cannot function and have the residents and the families and kids go there, it's going to be tough for them. And I hate to see it go down. So, on behalf of the family and my son and my grandchildren, they just love Kitty [clears throat] Up. And please just help the road for them. That's it.

Thank you.

Hi, good morning. My name is Sandy Hoagland. I'm the vice president of Pasco operations for Ready for Life. We are a 501c3 nonprofit serving young adults in foster care and those that have aged out in Pasco County. I'm here in support of AmSkills. Uh we just had three young men graduate their boot camp in September. And I just want to say that this will be a game changer for the population that we serve. Young adults in care face profound trauma. Uh so many obstacles, um lack of family support, lack of reliable and safe transportation, once again their trauma, and so in our role, we try to get them to be as successful and independent as possible at 18. And with with everything that they face, that's they have a lot of obstacles. So, AM Skills coming in and having a 2-week boot camp as opposed to 4 years of college, 2 years of vocational, because when you've been in care for, you know, 5-plus years, you've been institutionalized, and you don't want somebody to keep telling you for the next 4 years of your life at 18 to keep, you know, what to do. So, a 2-week boot camp, they can graduate, have a skill, get an interview on the last day. That That is really a game-changer, because let me tell you a statistic. Um 80% of death row inmates were in care, uh foster care. And that's not to say that they are bad, but that just points to a lack of purpose, direction, support, and this something like AM Skills coming in changes that. It changes the life of that individual youth, and it serves the youth, serves our community, and it's just a win. So, thank you for having me. I hope you vote yes, and have a good day.

And can you please provide your address for the record?

Uh 7200 Tall Pines Drive, Largo.

Thank you.

Hello. My name is JD Holford, and I'm a landscaper and naturalist, and I want to talk to you guys about your response to dengue fever.

Your address, please.

Uh um 7660 Vienna Lane, Port Richey, 34668. Uh so, um I have read that there are several documented uh like actual verified cases here in Pasco. And I want to talk about protecting the most vulnerable so that it stops the spread as quickly as possible. And that is our homeless. These are going to be people who are outside every day, don't have a lot of daytime shelter access. And the first time you get dengue fever, most likely it's going to be asymptomatic. You don't even know you have it or are a carrier. The second time you get a different serotype of dengue fever, it can cause muscle spasms so severe it breaks your bones. And um so controlling potential um transmission vectors is one of the best ways to get on top of this. And uh I think that's something that we have some emergency shelter systems around. And you know, we should think about just opening them up as daytime like some of the cooling centers that they have down in Tampa. Um but um yeah, just like um anything that we can do to stop the spread and I don't think it'll be that expensive to just do that to have a like a shelter in place for that. Um because a single mosquito can carry dengue fever for its entire lifespan, which can be anywhere from Aedes aegypti is about 3 weeks to 2 months. And that means that every bite it can be infecting someone. Um you know, and I I just think that it's a simple ask. Thank you.

Mr. Commissioner Weiman.

Uh thank you. Yeah, just for an update on dengue. You know, we don't normally respond respond during public comment, but just received update from Catherine Miro's chief of staff at FDACS [music] and their office has received the mosquito contracts. They are signed and she states that the money has been transferred to Pasco County. [music] So good update there for financial support coming from the state.

Yeah, thank you.

Okay.

All right. Anyone else from public comment? Is there anyone online?

We have a gentleman standing.

Okay. Chuck Gray.

Hey,

[clears throat]

Chuck Gray. Excuse my voice. I'm at uh 3215 Town Avenue, New Port Richey, Florida. And I just like to take the opportunity to uh support also uh the the lady that just spoke a minute ago. Um AMskills. I had some personal experience with AMskills and I think [clears throat] it goes a long way to try to help uh young people that are looking for a job, have a talent, but don't want to go or can't go to, you know, further education. Um I've had the the pleasure of putting two two people through that through that training and both were successful, came out, got a job right away. And those are some of the things that maybe some of these people that are homeless can be directed to because the only way they're going to not be homeless in the future is to have a job and be productive members of society. So, um my recommendation is you have to support that that and Catherine's Commissioner Starkey has been a very integral part of of everything that goes on there and I commend her for that. So, um I just urge you to continue to support AMskills. I think it's a good uh uh way to go for young kids or young adults even. And um and I'd like to thank Catherine for bringing that to my attention and uh and thank you for funding it in the in the past. Hopefully we'll continue it in the future. Thank you very much.

Mr. Chuck, I want to thank you for all your years of service in the planning commission. Been a great chairman for many many years now.

Yeah,

[laughter]

my 30, yeah.

And Chuck wasn't here for AMskills. He's here for an item on the agenda, but when I saw him I know his personal family story and so

Yeah.

Appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it.

So, Mr. Chair, we do have someone online.

All right, let me just close So, I'm going to close public comment for inside here and we're going to go online.

So, we have a Lauren Lantermann online. She She dropped off. Okay. All right, we do not.

Okay, we'll close close public comment and go into resolutions. RS 1. Celebrating Veterans Day on November 11th. Mr. Oakley. Allow our [clears throat] veterans team come on up.

I will go ahead and read the resolution. Resolution number 27-027, a resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida celebrating Veterans Day on November 11th, 2026 in Pasco County. Whereas the services of the over 50,000 veterans in Pasco County in protecting our freedom and the hardships endured by their families are recognized by the citizens of our county with the with the deepest sense of gratitude. And whereas Pasco County owes the veterans of this county and this nation a tremendous debt of gratitude for taking the sacred oath to support and defend this nation's Constitution and the ideals of liberty and democracy. These patriots represent the best of us and on Veterans Day we honor their service, dedication, and valor and are forever grateful for their sacrifices. And whereas to provide ongoing advocacy to the veteran community, Pasco County has established County Veteran Services Office recognized by the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs which serves the veterans throughout Pasco County. And whereas a veteran will never leave a fallen comrade behind and likewise Pasco County will always look to serve the veteran community through the County Veteran Services Office, veteran organizations, and events such as Pasco Stand Down Pasco County Stand Down ensuring that Pasco County veterans have the tools they need to transition into a successful civilian life. And whereas Pasco County continues to look to its veterans as leaders carrying their patriotism and concern for others far beyond the battlefield participating in local government, community groups, charitable organizations, and voluntary service programs. And whereas Pasco County urges all local employers, organ- organized labor veteran organizations, and other government leaders to support the effort to increase employment opportunities for the men and women who have faithfully served our nation in in the military. And whereas across Pasco County individuals, veterans, veterans associations, and over 260,000 veterans employed by Pasco County are helped are helping provide support and advocacy within the veteran community continuing to [music] make progressive strides in resolving the plight of homeless veterans and fostering in in fostering in young people a genuine love of our country and profound sense of personal duty, honor, and civic responsibility. And whereas Pasco County encourages the citizens to recognize the importance of honoring all those who's made sacrifices [music] to preserve freedom by displaying green lights in a window of their place of business or residence from November 4th through November 11th with 2026. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said board hereby calls on Pasco County citizens to celebrate Veterans Day on November 11th, 2026 by flying the American flag, celebrating those veterans who are employed by Pasco County, and remembering the sacrifices

all veterans

[music]

have made throughout the years to ensure our freedom and our way of life. Done and resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this 20th day of October, 2026.

Move approval.

Second.

All in favor, say aye.

Aye.

Mr. Oakley. [clears throat]

Yes, sir. Glad to see the veterans coming forward today. If all 250,000 came in, we'd have make a bigger building here, I guess, [clears throat] so. Uh I thank you for your service and all those in Pasco County for their service. Uh I always perk up when they talk about seniors or veterans at the dais because I am one. So. I uh I appreciate your service and really thank you whole-heartedly for for all that you did to serve the county, to save our way of life here in the United States, and also to give us the people that really out front that are keeping us safe. And it's not a ending job anytime soon. It's one we're going to continue in uh many, many veterans in the future. I'm a Vietnam era veteran. Made by Congress due to the fact that in when Vietnam veterans came back home after the after their service, they had to change in civilian clothes because they were not uh welcomed home like a lot of veterans in World War II and and Korea and other veterans, but they uh served a little bit more of a tour from citizens that had uh the wrong thoughts in their mind for what the veterans actually did to protect us and save us. Do you have anything to say? Any of you? Or all of you? Sorry.

Good morning, commissioners. Uh Paula Barcalow, the director of support services. These gentlemen are so, so humble, uh but I really would like to highlight and thank uh all veterans their their service, their sacrifice to support our nation, uh their families, and of course our veteran services team who serves over 50,000 veterans across our community. Uh that being said, I'd also like to thank all veterans that are present here in our meeting and also all of those who are listening to us uh for all the work and contributions that they continue to make our community, to make us better every day. And with that, I'm going to leave it to Dave, our veteran services manager, uh who can share a few words.

Thank you, Paula. Uh this year I took the time to write some notes down so I wouldn't forget like I did last year. Uh thank you for recognizing our county veterans and their sacrifices to serve our nation. I thank you to the Board of County Commissioners and staff uh for hosting this and allowing us the time to speak. Uh thank you for the opportunity. Uh we stand here representing your county veteran services office with steadfast devotion in service to our fellow citizens and veterans of the county. And I had personally like to thank you for the opportunity to continue serving with a mission of purpose. I appreciate it.

I also would like to thank the fact that in Pasco County, we have three veteran offices, and they do a very good job across our county and serve our veterans very well. So, I'm very appreciative of the staff and all that operate those offices cuz you do a great job doing

Thank you for those kind words.

Thank you.

Yes.

There wait there are more veterans here. I mean

Oh, yeah. [laughter] There's more.

you up.

Stand up.

There's probably all of

All of All of veterans, please stand up.

Yes. Come on veterans. Stand up.

Okay.

[applause]

May I have all the staff veterans come on up too, please? May I have all the veterans period?

All of them.

Are we going down or staying up?

Uh you know

It's crowded right now.

Let's stand up here. Helps you look taller, Chad. Did you say it on air?

There you go.

Am I going to take that

Am I buff enough?

No worries.

[laughter]

Can't get away with it.

[applause]

I'll move to item RS2, Florida Greenways and Trails Month. Mr. Starkey's.

Hey. Switch out. Very good. I'll go ahead and read the resolution by the Board of County Commissioners Resolution number 27-028, a resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida declaring October 2026 as Florida Greenways and Trails Month in Pasco County. Whereas Greenways and Trails conserve native landscapes and ecosystems, link natural areas with communities, and provide Florida residents and visitors of all ages the and abilities with year-round opportunities for free health and fitness activities and a connection with the state's natural, historical, and cultural heritage. And whereas Pasco County completed its Greenways, Trails, and Blueway Master Plan in 2023, outlining a long-term vision for a connected county-wide Greenway Network that enhances quality of life, supports economic development, promotes safe non-motorized transportation, and fosters eco-tourism and outdoor recreation. And whereas Pasco County is home to nearly 300 miles of paved and unpaved trails and more than 80 miles of designated Blueway,

[snorts]

including regionally significant facilities such as the Suncoast Trail, Starkey Wilderness Trail, Orange Belt Trail, Withlacoochee State Trail, and Coastal Anclote Trail, many of which form vital links to the statewide Sun Trail system. And whereas the Starkey Wilderness Trail and Suncoast Trail are part of the Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail system and will span 253 miles from St. Petersburg to Titusville and play a vital role in the regional trail network. And whereas Pasco County continues to prioritize trail development with several capital projects underway, including the Orange Belt Trail and the Withlacoochee State Trail. And whereas the Orange Belt Trail is a proposed multi-use corridor envisioned as a 12-foot paved trail that will provide regional connectivity, enhance the existing and planned regional trail network that includes the Coast-to-Coast Trail, Starkey Wilderness Trail, Suncoast Trail, and the Withlacoochee State Trail and will connect the communities of Trinity, Odessa, Land O' Lakes, San Antonio, Saint Leo, and Dade City. And whereas the Withlacoochee State State Trail extension will close the gap between the existing Withlacoochee State Trail and the existing Hardy Trail in Dade City, strengthening and connecting the local and regional trail systems. And whereas Pasco County continues to advance regional trail connectivity through ongoing partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation, including the construction of two new pedestrian and bicycle overpasses that will carry the Suncoast Trail over State Road 52 [clears throat] and State Road 54, further enhancing safety and strengthening the county's active transportation network. And whereas Pasco County remains committed to seeking opportunities, partnerships, and investments that expand and enhance greenways, trails, and blueways, ensuring access for present and future generations. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said board hereby declares October 20th, 20 October 2026 as Florida Greenways and Trail Month in Pasco County and encourages all citizens to enjoy the and value the health benefits and natural resources of Florida's greenways and trails for present as well as future generations. Done and resolved in regular session with the quorum present and voting this 20th day of October 2026.

Move to approve.

Second.

All in favor, say aye.

Aye.

Mr. Starkey.

Well, you know, this is one of my favorite. Manufacturing Day, Greenways and Trails Day, or month, I guess. Um Um and it's so fitting that today we have the Trailblazers Society doing a 5-day [snorts] ride across um the state on the Coast-to-Coast Trail, and they're in Starkey right now in Starkey right now for lunch. Um So, I I And where's Ralph? Because Ralph served on the Greenways [music] and Trails uh board. He's not here today, huh?

Yeah, he's here.

He's hiding.

He He should be in this up there, too, but um And you know, I served three governors on the on this the Greenways and trail, so Contrary to what some of my fellow folks think, most of the people absolutely love these trails and are and move here because of these trails. There he is. Get in there, Ralph.

Get out there, Ralph.

You put your time in.

[laughter]

Um and I'm just so excited that um gosh, I'm so excited to hear about 300 miles. And then and we're working on more, so um with that, thanks for all your good work. Welcome back, Rebecca. Rebecca just became a mom, so congratulations and thank you for all your work, guys. Um I know I call y'all all the time about these, but it's a great great program for Pasco [music] and and Florida, so thank

Dave. Uh good morning, David Engel, Planning and Economic Development Director. I want to make an admission today. I did not write that resolution,

[laughter]

but if I did, I couldn't have done a better job. It was excellent. Trails do so many things for our county. It connects us. It gives people that don't have access to an automobile uh a way of of of transportation, networking, and interconnections. It ties our community together, and it also gets traffic off the road. And most importantly, lifestyle preferences are changing in the United States. Years ago, uh people wanted to get a bigger, larger, and larger home through the ecosystem of housing. Then we had the McMansion era, but now people are not buying homes or buying communities, and trails have a tremendous economic impact. Our employers want them, our residents want them, and our commercial retail people want them, and I sure want them because I don't like the traffic on our roadway. So, uh that's what we do, and uh I'd like to say that the uh the Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources Department, Public Works, Facilities, um Planning Development and Economic Growth, we came together with Nick Yurenda, County Engineer, Rebecca Butts, transportation planner. We were working on the plan, we're implementing it, and I'll tell you after over the last 3 years we've put in 100 of miles of trails, and we continue to do so today. Thank you for your support.

All right. Keith.

Yeah. So, Keith Wiley, director of Parks and Recreation and Natural Resources.

Yeah, trail user, uh trail advocate. Uh and I just want to thank David and his team for the cooperation, the ability to work together. This is obviously a lot of a lot of people takes to kind of make this happen. Pasco is fortunate that they're able to actually use the natural environment and pair it with the transportation environment and make these awesome opportunities. So, anyway, thank you for your support. Thank you for all the hard work that the team does all the time to make this happen. It's not easy to connect all the lines. So, thank you.

Um can I say also, um Chuck Carden is here from Tampa Bay Water, and we're working with them on the Orange Belt Trail. As you know, we'll be going into the Cypress Creek well field and utilizing uh some of their property to get from Aaron Cutoff into the park. So, Chuck, thank you so much, and we're also going up the Rangeland Boulevard former Tower, um which they're alongside. [music] So, uh we appreciate our partnership with Tampa Bay Water, too, on the trail.

Well, let's get Nick, Chuck, and uh Ralph home the picture as well.

All right. I'm going to come down. What do you guys want to do? We're kind of on that borderline of

We'll sit.

Okay.

There it is.

I like this.

[clears throat]

On my side.

I know I said yeah.

Need to move a little more?

[laughter]

I don't think so.

What?

It'll be the same. Yeah. Like this.

Okay.

[applause]

Now we'll go to RS3. National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.

I should have said uh Mike Ballas also a trail user.

True. Great.

What kind of thickness?

Feedback.

one. This is Oh. Okay, I'm going to go ahead and read the resolution by the Board of County Commissioners, resolution number 27- I'm sorry, resolution number 27-029. Resolution by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, recognizing the week of November 1st through the 7th, 2026 as National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week in Pasco County. Whereas National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week is recognized annually to honor the dedication, compassion, and commitment of the professionals who support the health, safety, welfare, and positive outcomes of animals in communities across the nation. And whereas Pasco County Animal Services is comprised of highly skilled and mission-driven teams, including the animal care technicians and program team, all of whom work collectively Mhm. All of whom work collaboratively to serve both the animals and residents of Pasco County. And whereas animal care technicians provide daily care, enrichment, and support for approximately 300 animals on site 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays, ensuring every animal receives the attention and quality of care needed for health and well-being. And whereas these animals these animal care technicians also facilitate approximately 1,500 adoptions each year. Helping pets find loving homes and strengthening the human and animal bond within our community. And whereas the program team leads all animal outcome efforts and animals get back home initiatives overseeing critical services such as rescue coordination, foster programs, volunteer engagement, education and outreach, community partnerships, community cat coordination, pet reunification, and pet and pet licensing. [music] And whereas through their dedication, 2,000 animals are transferred to partnering organizations annually. Nearly 500 animals were are reunited with their owners and 3,100 cats are humanely trapped, neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their outdoor homes. And whereas these combined efforts result in approximately 4,800 Pasco County animal lives being saved each year, reflecting the department's commitment to humane care, responsible practices, and community service. And whereas Pasco County Animal Services provides more than 120 educational presentations throughout the county each year. Strengthening public understanding, promoting responsible pet ownership, and supporting safer and healthier neighborhoods for both people and animals. And whereas National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week provides an opportunity for the services of Pasco County to recognize [music] and thank I'm sorry. Opportunity for the citizens of Pasco County to recognize and thank these compassionate professionals for their deep to animal welfare and their lasting impact in the community, as well as spotlighting the need for more incredible life-saving

individuals in this profession. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, that said board hereby proclaims November 1st through the 7th, 2026 as National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week in Pasco County and encourages residents to honor and celebrate the exemplary service and dedication of the staff of Pasco County Animal Services. Done a resolved in regular session with a quorum present and voting this 20th day of October 2026.

Move to approve.

Second.

All in favor say aye.

Aye.

Well, thank you guys. You're one of my favorite departments, you know that. And uh have you guys [music] on speed dial. There's so many times I send pictures and addresses of animals and um you guys have no idea their background, where they're from, their history, and you take them and you love them and you care for them. And from one animal lover to another, I appreciate that so much. Um we just had a reunification a couple weeks ago. We were able to reunite um an owner with their dog, which made me so happy. But I just love that you guys literally just take in so many animals and in your heart you have room to love them all. And um I always tell my team, I'm like, we really need to go visit Animal Services, you know, just to go visit. Um but um we really appreciate everything you do and also your quick response when we call um to help those in need. And you guys take everything, birds, everything. Like you guys are so great. So thank you very much um for what you do and I appreciate you guys. [music] Thank you. Thank you.

Um good morning. I'm Samantha Blakes, the assistant director for Passaic Animal [clears throat] Services. Um I just wanted to thank the commissioners for having us here today to honor this team with this resolution for recognition. Well, this team standing with me today work tirelessly 7 days a week. Um they support residents on some of the most impactful days of their lives. They restore families. They support the safety of our community. From the thousands of animals they care for to the hundreds of thousands of residents we support um every day. I'm honored to present this team to the board and the community in this meeting today. Thank you for your recognition.

Would you like to

Thank you.

Would you like to say something?

Lon Savini, the new shelter manager, uh new to Caswell County. Mr. Chair, administrator, county commissioners, ma'am. I just want to say I come from Hillsborough County, a shelter of 12 years, and being here for 3 months, this team is a whole different animal in a great way. So, just wanted to let you guys know that they are just a whole different animal. Great to be here with them.

Thank you.

Gary Herrera, director of Animal Services. I can't say anything that hasn't been said before. Um thank you guys for for the recognition. Anytime I think of this team, blood, sweat, and tears. The most um emotionally challenging uh task for these guys, and and I'm proud of every single one of them. So, thank you.

Thank you.

Anything you want to say or anything?

[applause]

Nick, you're in trouble.

[laughter] [applause] [laughter]

Okay, at this time we'll go to our consent agenda. I got three items. C7 is withdrawn. And I pulled C16 and C18, C18, C16 and C18 just for discussion and I think they're good to talk about.

Move approval on all other items on the consent agenda.

Second.

All in favor say I.

I.

Any opposed? Okay. All right, item 16. Letter of understanding for County Line Road widening east to Mariner to west of Suncoast Parkway, State Road 589. Um, want to Nick, if you would just let's talk the details. Please.

Sure. Um, good morning commissioners. Um, Nick Yuran, county engineer. So, details are this is a a shared roadway. County Line Road North is owned in part by Pasco and in part by Hernando County. And we are trying to widen it to a four-lane facility to address congestion and accommodate growth in Northwest Pasco and Southern Hernando County. DOT is offering to administer the project. They're already designing the four-lane road. They've spent about three and a half million of state funds on the design. And this letter of understanding lays out the shared approach to funding the right of way acquisition cost and the construction cost for the road. It's about an additional $85 million needed. 20 million for the right of way acquisition, 65 million for construction. That 20 million for right of way gets split, half paid by the department, DOT, 5 million from Pasco, 5 million from Hernando. The $65 million for construction gets split. 20 million will be paid, 10 from the department, five from the county, um, five from Hernando. The remaining 46, 45 million rather, uh, will be is anticipated to be paid via um, acquisition of a state infrastructure bank loan. that would be split between Pasco and Hernando. So, we would pay 5 million for construction and then we would borrow the remaining 23, 22 and a half million dollars needed. So, that's what this letter of understanding asks the board to consent to as an approach. It is an LOU, it is not a legally binding document. These details, especially the construction funding strategy, can evolve between now and when those decisions are become finalized and payments are obligated. We will continue to look for other people's money to fund the construction cost of this facility, uh but this is the best approach that we've been able to assemble at this point in time.

Okay.

How much, Mr. Weiman?

Thank you, Chair. So, to your point of it being a letter of understanding, we've had some challenges working with Hernando in the past on the one County Line Road. And I think both counties understand the importance of improving County Line Road. I feel confident that Pasco is going to uphold its end of the bargain knowing what goes on in in that part of our county and the infrastructure improvements that are needed. What level of assurances do we have from Hernando that if we hold up our end of the deal, that they're going to continue to be a good partner in working with the the with us through the remaining balance of the entire segment County Line Road, not just this particular stretch. You don't really have an answer, I know.

Yeah, you you widened the question at the last second and that that made it a little more challenging to answer. Uh I I will say that we are the second signature that's being sought on this letter of understanding. Hernando County has already signed it. So, they they They already on board with the approach for this segment in the terms and conditions that I laid out for you just now. I will also say that the subsequent legally binding document is what's called a local funding agreement that the county would be asked to execute with the department. There will be two of those. There will be an agreement between Hernando and the state. There will be an agreement between Pasco and the state where we commit formally commit our dollars to a specific timeline and amount. Should either of those parties fail to deliver those dollars, then the department would say to both of us then we have to consider canceling the project. And then we would we would receive back any contributions that we had made. But at this point in time I have no reason to believe that that's going to occur. Hernando wants this. We want it. We we are recommending approval of this to you because we think it's an efficient way to partner with our two partner agencies Hernando and FDOT in order to implement this important capacity investment. Thank you.

Any other questions?

Move approval.

Second. Uh, a little more discussion on on my end. So, this is a road that's been on our MPO plan for many many years. Hernando years ago decided not to pursue the road, but they went and pursued getting the intersections done along the way. They also did Ayers Road a few years back as opposed to focus into this year. So, the cost has gone to like through the roof. Um, the businesses up there want to see it done. It's a very vital road. It is an evacuation road. That should be done and I think for that reason I think the state should be helping out quite a bit more than what I what I see right here. I don't mind starting this process to go forward, but with all the growth, and let's face it the state is pushing down growth on everybody. We don't have the controls to get stuff done as we want we would like to get it done. I think we need to like to try to push the state to now only take take the road over. Um, I think the business community up there cuz this is like a 5-year deal to go buy the right-of-way as well, right?

Uh it's a 2-year process to acquire the right-of-way.

Okay, but when does that start? After the road is designed?

Design is underway and right-of-way acquisition is funded subject to county's con- contributing their share uh funded in fiscal '28 and '29.

Okay. So, I thought I So, what's 2031? What's What's going to happen in 2031? That's what

That So, um acquisition is funded. It gets it It gets spent out over that 1-year and 2-year period and then construction commencement is is anticipated in fiscal '30 '31 time frame.

Okay. So, when I had talked to um DOT years ago about this, we we talked about Hicks Road sidewalk project. Um we did Seven Springs real quick cuz we didn't have right-of-way issues. We worked with the local community, got them all together, got them all in the room, talked to them. And a lot of those folks signed up with us on our normal appraisal, uh signed the contract, and away they went. I think DOT's got restrictions to that. But, I think that I think we should have a meeting with the public to let them know we're making this agreement and that we've got X amount of number of dollars to go spend on the right-of-way, etc. But, if we could get all the business community to to agree uh to give us the right-of-way and not give it to us, but sell us at appraised values, um as opposed to going through that long arduous process that costs more money, it might speed up the road project and get it funded for less money. And if we could maybe take a look at doing that, I think it's worth a worthwhile endeavor I can come up with. And at a minimum, that $46 million, I want you to think about if Amendment 3 goes through, Hernando's going to get hit really hard. We're going to get hit really hard. They're going to get hit really hard. That funding may not be there as far as if if everything gets stripped out. So, I think it's something we needed to take a look at every precaution we can, but I think the state should look at either funding the road or taking the road over, one of the two. But, that's a huge number for us to be able to take and and count on Hernando to be there, too. Again, Amendment 3, transportation dollars are going to be evaporated.

a motion. Uh we have a motion in a second. All in favor say I.

I.

C18. I just pulled this item. This is a progressive design design build agreement with Vogel Brothers of the Land O' Lakes water treatment and rehabilitation expansion. Now, what I wanted to bring out was as we always hear that you know, the county is spending so much money. But, utilities are an enterprise fund is a loan, but the number of dollars it takes to go build this because of new treatment conditions that are put in drive up the cost dramatically. And if you would just talk about what burden our people are being faced with because of the water treatment. I'm not saying it's bad. I'm just saying it's reality to when you increase the conditions, which I think is good for the environment, but there's a cost to it. If you would address that for us.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning, Commissioners. Adolfo Gonzales, Utilities Engineering Contract Management Director. This is a an amendment to the progressive design build project for the Land O' Lakes wastewater treatment plant. Uh this amendment is to initiate the construction phase. The total contract amendment is $142 million. Of that $142 million, approximately $26 million is for new regulations that have been implemented since the construction of the existing plant that's there. Of the $142 million, about 3/4 of that is to upgrade and rehabilitate the existing plant. And another quarter, about $35 million, is to provide for additional or future growth or new capacity. That plant right now is permitted at 3 and 1/2 million gallons per day of capacity. We're going to add another million and 1/2 gallons a day of capacity for that system. Thank you very much.

Move to approve.

Second.

All in favor say I.

I.

All right. Thank you very much. And I will move to item Do we have Chuck Hardin here? And his team? Very good.

Hello again. Mr. Hardin, good to see you, all of you. Good morning. Uh I'm Chuck Hardin. I'm the general manager of Tampa Bay Water, uh which is your regional wholesale water supplier. Uh our agency was formed in 1998, uh by the member governments that we serve. That includes uh Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas counties, and the cities of New Port Richey, Tampa, and St. Petersburg. Commissioners Weikman and Commissioners Oakley serve on behalf of the of your county uh on our board. And uh Commissioner Weikman is our current vice chair. Uh since my last update, we've been very busy uh on our water supply system, ensuring that we can meet the future demands. As we and we know growth is very uh prevalent out there. Uh this is a a slide of uh our interconnected system. Uh we just ended our water year September 30th, and we supplied our members an average of about 202 million gallons a day. And of that total, Pasco County uh bought about 40 million gallons a day. So, about 20% of the system was uh purchased by the county. Our distribution system uh includes uh 13 well fields, two surface water intakes, a seawater desalination facility, and a 15 and 1/2 billion gallon reservoir, and 21 points of connection. Uh we maintain this network uh to you 24/7, and uh we charge a wholesale rate of about $2.66 per thousand of the new fiscal year we're going into. So, a little over a quarter of a penny per gallon is the is what we charge. And we sell it in thousand uh thousand gallon units. Uh I did speak of the reservoir holding 15 and 1/2 billion gallons. As of this morning when I got up, we had 12.5 billion in there. And why that is significant because on September 8th, we had 5 billion gallons in there. And our our goal every year is to have it full at 15 and a half billion before we start the new water year, which is October 1. So during early September and we're over 1/3 of the way. The recent rains have been a blessing to us. We are putting in about 200 million gallons today and we plan to not stop for a while. So I'm hoping to be full up here by early November.

It's great to fill it up without a hurricane.

[laughter]

Yeah.

Well done.

The rain without the the pain.

We're lucky. And it's cold now, so we're good.

I'm with Jack.

So every day we deliver a blend of of source waters to you and that includes the ground water. We have river water and we have sea water. And what's important about that is we blend them. Each of those sources have a different cost to them. Some are you know, desal is the most expensive and ground water are the least expensive. That enables us to keep the rate to an affordable limit of the 20 the $2.66 uh that I told you earlier. The pie chart here is the fiscal year we just started October 1 and you can see the ground water is 57% and the river and the desal is 43. That's important because that mix is generally I tell people in general it's 60/40. But in 1998, one of the main drivers of why we are why I'm standing here is Tampa Bay Water 100% was ground water. And then you you do know about some of the the past of the water wars and and the environment. The region continues to grow as you know, I don't need to tell you that so much. Um, this is the chart that shows our 2026 actual demands and then we're looking out 20 years to see uh, where we're going to be. And you can see right there the second set of uh, the bars are Pasco County. Um, a lot of growth there and and you know that in Eastern Pasco especially at this time Central and Eastern uh, Hillsborough County they also have a lot of growth going on in the the southern Hillsborough County and so you can see that as well. Uh, right now our our capital improvement program the majority of the budget's being set spent on three different projects. Uh, a surface water treatment plant expansion and we're also building a South Hillsborough pipeline and um, the board approved last October the South Hillsborough well field which I I'll explain or talk about each one of them here. Uh, this is the surface water treatment plant expansion. Um, we broke ground in March for construction and uh, it will uh, expand the plant to 145 million gallons a day. Uh, we're adding a fifth train to it so there there's identical treatment trains and so this is the fifth and probably the last one we're going to be doing. The plant originally started out was a 66 million gallon a day plant in the early what 2002 and so it'll go up to 145 million once we're complete. Um, uh, after done uh, we should be able to uh, harvest another 12 and a half million gallons a day for the region. Construction is scheduled to um, be finished by the end of 2028 and you can see here on the slide there's uh, some various pictures of the construction going on. The plant is located um, near the fairgrounds for in Brandon area for your visual site. We're also constructing uh, the new

South Hillsborough pipeline uh which is 26 mi long and it is uh 5 ft in diameter. And it will deliver water from uh our regional site at near the fairgrounds down to the bomb areas of Hillsborough County and also at Lithia. Uh the the pipeline will be in service by the end of 2028 and it is funded by uh Southwest Florida Water Management District, Tampa Bay Water, and Hillsborough County. We're all sharing in the cost. We're making steady progress. Uh the construction is underway at multiple locations and we have completed seven micro tunnels. Um we've done a couple of horizontal directional drills and they are uh moving through with the open cut trench work. And so you can see some of the pictures here uh of the pipe being staged on the side and some of the work progressing. For the South Hillsborough well field, uh this new well well field is estimated to deliver between 6 and 12 million gallons a day of new fresh uh ground water as early as 2030. The well field will be built in phases and some of the permitted quantities that we've been acquiring um from private permit holders who would would sell it to us. We had our board meeting yesterday and we bought two permits yesterday. Uh we now have acquired up to 4.1 million gallons a day for uh this this new well field that's being built. Um we plan to get all the way up to six or more from that from those acquisitions. And then the remaining six uh per day, we're hoping to acquire aquifer recharge credits. Uh we've been negotiating with Hillsborough County to purchase these credits and so that's could make up the the additional six and we'll have a 12-MGD uh plant. You can see here the picture there's eight uh production wells at the full capacity design that that is the 12 million gallons a day. We also continue to study projects for the uh the long term. We are currently conducting uh feasibility studies for the projects shown here uh on this listing. Um they will be evaluated and brought back to the board. Uh we are projecting next year late next year uh to have the board look at those and make a selection of one or or a few to get to the next incremental water that is needed by the year 2033. Uh you can see here um the Eastern Pasco Wellfields number one is number eight on your list and so we've been working hard over there in near the Zephyrhills area. We've um drilled a core well and we've also done uh the aquifer performance test in September. They are looking at data and um they will be compiling their report. Uh right now I'm told verbally that the water quality was was very good. Uh very low hydrogen sulfide and very low TOC. But they're looking at the the flow limits now on that. So that that'll be out and that'll be distributed soon.

And the last time I presented to you uh the EPA had just issued new regulations to take effect in uh 2029 regarding PFAS or the forever chemicals. Uh we already meet the new standards except for there are three connection points in Hillsborough County area that are slightly above the new regulations. So we've also been studying on top of the PFAS uh reducing total organic carbon uh at some of the members' request and that'll help strengthen disinfectant uh stability in their systems. Uh last April our board approved moving forward with the design for the treatment uh for five sites, uh three for PFAS reduction and two for TOC total organic carbon reduction. And so that will be progressing along and we will be

go back to that chart there? Please.

This one?

So So where are the PFAS ones? Number 10? Or what are the numbers?

Uh there are five stars on there and you can see the two in Brandon the far right. Those are the two Brandon wells and then there's a one right over in the middle. That's a surface water treatment plant if you can see it. Those are the three PFAS sites. And the other two orange stars are for TOC reduction and they're right there at Eldridge Wild and at South Pasco.

Chair.

Yes.

Mr. Weiman.

Thank you, Chair. And Chuck, we yesterday when we made the vote for the organics um we voted to start moving based on federal regulation and what have you to address the organic compounds if you wouldn't mind an update on that piece yesterday.

Yes, the PFAS was last year the regulation for the first time came out was four parts per trillion of the PFAS. And so these three locations in the Hillsborough County were slightly above four but you take a quarterly sample and you average it through the year. And so the they were above the four slightly and so we were we are addressing putting treatment there. Um there the work has been authorized to go through the design but not the construction. But the year 2029 is the year we have to be in compliance with the new regulations. You can get a waiver to go to 2031 but we are we are looking to get the design done and see where we are with that to whether we go to the construction or not. Uh there has been discussion of maybe not putting in treatment in the Brandon wells and maybe sending raw water to our treatment plant and and pipe it back to the treatment plant and then maybe not have to do the PFAS treatment at that plant. So, we're looking at alternative ways. Uh the surface water treatment plant which you voted on yesterday was to a pilot plant to go in there and study the different treatments uh for that. Um but there will be something probably needed for the for treatment at the the surface water treatment plant in the future. We also continue to work very closely with our staff and all the member governments uh to have open and transparent discussions about all water topics. Uh we meet regularly through committees and working groups. You can see on the slide here all of the different ones. And And then just yesterday again at the board meeting uh Pasco County uh you sent a letter uh late August asking us to talk to you about a new uh point of connection from us in the eastern Pasco area. So, our board saw that yesterday, approved that, and I will be getting with your team and we will start discussion of of a new point of connection to deliver you water uh at a different location than you're getting it now. Um that will eventually turn into a either a joint project agreement or an MOU with the county. And so, you'll be seeing that in the few the coming months uh you know, the who, what, when, where, and how is got to be worked out. And uh that's all my slides and I want to thank you for your time, and I'm very happy to answer any questions.

Okay. Any questions?

I I just have a quick one. Um when when you were working on that South County project in Hillsborough and I was on Tampa Bay Water Board, it looked like a great opportunity to give that community a trail on on top of your in your corridor. So, I I I someone's taking that and running with it because there there are no opportunities down there and this is a great opportunity for cuz you're going through some pretty populated areas. And certainly when we work on the East County side, we want to talk about that.

Yeah.

Cuz they go very well together.

I remember that. All right. Thank you very much.

Very good report.

Yeah. Just want to say thank you you know this we looked at costs of construction and balancing the costs of of of construction to move water from A to B to C and and and the fiscal discipline that Chuck and his team have and being able to buy rates down to keep rates in line is impressive with with the monumental projects that you all are underway with doing so very grateful for creative thinking and and how we manage the costs you know we're we're not going to run out of water in this state. The challenge will be the affordability of water. And with the work that Chuck and his team do partnering with the water management district and and thinking regionally right I was on the water management district governing board when we decided to use the bulk of the cooperative funding agreement money which tied up majority of those funds for a solid five years to to to see the need to fund this this project and working with Tampa Bay water and Hillsborough County the regional approach and thoughtfulness to it that's it's it's truly a model for how MPO and the folks in Pinellas and other counties should be thinking because when you have the the right representatives on regional boards like this and when when it's time to really roll up your sleeves and get to work the right decisions are made and Chuck and your team do a fantastic job and provide a quality service for everybody in the Bay area so thank you for coming to Pasco.

Thank you, Commissioner.

All right. Commissioner Oakley.

Yeah.

Jack, good report. Could you tell them how much we use actually we provide water each day? So, a lot of people are confused about it. I've heard numbers of up to 900 million a day and I wish we had that kind of money to or water to be able to deliver, but that's a lot less numbers, so.

Yeah, um it's it varies throughout the day. I showed you a slide that should the end of the year over the whole course of the year we used 202 million gallons a day.

Good.

Um but there's days in the summer or May, June, um we can get up to 275, 280.

Yeah.

Um but during just even a 24-hour period, it can swing anywhere from 200 down to 100. Depends on the time of day. People get up in the morning, you you know, and when they come home from work, you know. And so, it's just got to go it's up and down as a diurnal curve. Um so, but you know, that's an average 202. And I was thinking about your the slide that showed you about 40 million gallons a day. When I started my career at at West Coast or the Tampa Bay Water, I think you guys Pasco County was buying 17 million gallons a day.

Yeah.

So, that was early '90s you were you more than doubled and um

Right.

So, that just shows you the growth, but it also keys in on what Commissioner Whitman is saying, the cooperative being in this model and trying to go from 17 to 40 by yourselves. I I think what is you know, what a great model and works for every every member and every member government to work together with this.

But it's pretty good that the fact of it is we use like 202 million, but the fact is we can put in that reservoir will take 200 million plus a day, we can refill it. So, you you start doing that each and every day, you'd be shocked at how much how much water you put in and that's how we got from that 2.5 to 12.5. So, it really is amazing and there was talk yesterday in one of my ideas also is the fact that one day we may need a second reservoir and put a reservoir in half the size of this one like a 8 8 billion gallon reservoir that will also collect water to help supply for the tri-county area that we do supply for. It's great. All I'll thank you very much, Mr. Mike Cabella.

Yeah, I just want to add to that. Um the the board's vision and over the years the aggressive use of reclaimed water in this county has really offset a significant amount of potable water demand. 17 to 40 doubling, but imagine if we didn't do reclaimed water. You know, that number would probably be twice that number. So, this county has really done a fantastic job of reusing the resource uh and and keeping it where, you know, the right quality of water in people's homes versus on lawns or other types of uses.

Very good. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much.

Thank you. All right, we'll go to R27M Skills Cooperative Funding Agreement.

Good morning, David Engel, Planning and Economic Development Director. It's my pleasure to be here today to present R27. This is a cooperative funding agreement for AMskills. We heard a lot about people today in the morning support comments. We we make a difference in people's lives here in Pasco. But AMskills has a larger mission than that. It makes a difference for our economic sustainability and prosperity in our community. Years ago, people migrated to be by the company. They were called company towns. But nowadays, things have flipped around. Business is looking for workforce, skilled, indigenous, reliable labor. And we are in our not a renaissance, but an evolution in our economic prosperity journey. We are getting advanced manufacturing not only knocking on our door, but already establishing here. Gary Plastics, 600 people. Balducco, it's going to be probably up to a thousand. Mytech, Southeast Culvert, you know, I can go on the list and list, but I want to tell you that the industrial pipeline in Pasco County for the 8 and 1/2 years I've been an employee here has never looked better. We have massive uh uh Fortune 500 companies looking hard at Pasco, and we want to gear up. Now, AmSkills is specifically in job skills training. We They train advanced uh people for advanced manufacturing, for technical training, and uh right now AmSkills is basically branching out and uh doing the work we need to have done to support business, to attract business, and to also partner with our other other job skills partners. And um so, let me just uh review a couple of quick things. Uh this the slide here is just an introduction. We all know that AmSkills is a support uh uh as a training concern. Uh they used to do just exclusively manufacturing skills training. Now, they're involved in technical training, whether it be electricians or or even automotive mechanics and things like that, because we have a massive demand for these type of trade jobs, and we don't have the skilled labor force to perform them. Uh in 2014, the Board of County Commissioners, which is 12 years ago, provided AmSkills with some seed funding. It was just a concept then, and this was a pilot uh organization. And since then, the board to date has provided approximately $2.6 million in funding. And uh over the last 12 years, AmSkills has developed and produced 29 workforce programs. Over 3,000 participants have gone through their training. And we have it at 193 manufacturing job full-time employee placements, and almost 1,100 individuals have been industrially credentialed. AMSkills hits on the four focus areas of our strategic plan. It creates a thriving community because our our our population's engaged, and they provide opportunities to earn a good wage and to be a viable part of our county. Enhancing quality of life. I

think there was a discussion about homeless. We also focus on retired veterans that are out of the service looking for career tracks, and also an upskilling track very similar to the CareerSource Pasco Reentry Program. It's just much more advanced and technical this in this type of training, and it certainly drives economic growth and prosperity. So, what's changed between 2014, 2020, and last December when I was before you? We have a new CEO, Natasha Sherwood. Um and I have to say Natasha is loaded with energy, but she's also loaded with experience. In her past tenure at other career tracks, she she managed a electrician's training program that started off in year one with about 200 people going through the system a year, and she built it over 5 years to go to 700 individuals. She's also skilled in taking these job skills training programs and turning them around. Unfortunately, she had it well, unfortunately for for the program, she got involved before she was into the IEC, and took this old school, converted into a training platform, and there's a successful program there today. I mean, great work. And what's happened also since is I've been over at AmSkills. I bring our MBA Steve Smith over where where where where focused on accounting controls, bookkeeping, record keeping, and compliance. In the last 3 months, the board of directors have gotten together. They've a defined their role through the business plan analysis. And the budget that I'm going to present to you today was reviewed and adopted by the board of directors of AmSkills. So, the the proposal is as follows. For we are proposing to offer AmSkills $810,000 per year for 3 years. There there's two groupings of disbursement. One is to pay them $300,000, which will be an annual will be an upfront payment if the board were to approve this today. And that money will be used specifically to train 200 Pasco residents. And might I add, all the money I'm asking for today to fund this not-for-profit goes to the doesn't go to operations, it goes to program support. Just like we did have done with CareerSource, we don't pay their salary and wages. We run they use our funds to run a program. Same thing here with AmSkills. The second the second component of distribution is $510,000, and we pay this at the time that they place 60 Pasco County residents into full-time manufacturing or technical skilled jobs. And most importantly, we pay at the job placement. AmSkills has Mr. Mr. Jones. He goes through the system. He gets the job placement. They submit the proof that he has a full-time job, and then we pay on that. So, we're not giving advanced money for this. It's totally performance based. And lastly, we all

know that there's a outstanding debt to the county totaling $150,000, and we've built in a amortization of this debt and retirement of the debt at the end of fiscal 27. This is a 3-year deal. So, the question is, what if? What if AMskills doesn't train 200 people in year one of the 3-year period, then they don't get additional funding? Um number two, if AMskills, because we're paying by the full-time job placement, doesn't hit the full 60, they only get paid what they put in place. They don't get any advanced money. And if they don't hit the 60 folks in year one, they can't pay off the $150,000 loan, so that's that turns off the funding spigot as well. And let's go into the final chart here. Um this just breaks down how much it costs per student. And I would say it's it's reasonable. $1,500 through the training programs, which are multi-days and involves training, skilled instruction using equipment, power, etc. And then $8,500 a person for manufacturing technical training. When you look put that in perspective, CareerSource utilizes $7,000 of county funding per student in more remedial front-end jobs. So, this this is reasonable and sensible. And again, in year in year one of the $8,500 going to the 60 students for full-time placement, AMskills has pledged to provide $2,500 of that of that revenue to pay off their debt to the county. So, that is my presentation. I have Natasha Sherwood to my rear. She's here to ask answer any questions and I certainly am here to answer any technical questions or contract questions you may have. Thank you.

Um so it's 12:04 for the board. Um do you want to have Natasha speak or just have a conversation?

Um well, I've already made I can make a motion. I I I don't know if you guys know, but my husband had a stroke Friday and we've been in the hospital all weekend and he's he's home recovering, but he is not answering his phone. So um I am freaking out here a little bit, but this is very important. Um and so I sent Katie to go see if he's okay, but I'd I'd like to see if we could you know get through this. Um this is not a handout. This is this is helping uh people get great jobs. You know, when I when I started this, my intention was to bring manufacturing back to America. Um and um and I you know, Trey was president of the PEDC then and he said, "For manufacturing is only 4% of our jobs here in Pasco County. Why do you care so much?" I said, "Well, that's the problem. We we've shipped all our jobs overseas and we need to be making our stuff back here. Also, call not every call not every high school kid is going to college and they need to have vocational training and and we are going to specialize in manufacturing cuz it's important to this country. It's great jobs. When companies move here, they don't pick up and move their equipment easily. He's okay. Thank you. Um and um and so that was why we started it. Um and what you heard today and I'm sorry Commissioner Oakley wasn't in when Ethan and his grandfather were speaking. And [snorts] and the the social side of it has been an added blessing because there are so many people who have been touched by the training that we do. Um the boot camps are just one part of what we do. Um we had we were training the trainers last week um when Congressman Luna came through and she loves this program. She's asked us to apply for new market. Um we we were training the trainers in

[clears throat]

industrial maintenance, is that right? Oh, soldering. Um um and there's a lot there's a lot of other things that we do, but many many companies would not have been able to expand if we didn't weren't supplying them with a trained workforce. And I get that we have CareerSource. Um but CareerSource doesn't do training. CareerSource sends them to people who does training. Um and we're giving them a million dollars a year. We've been giving it to them for years. So, when you saw that $2 million, there's some of that CDBG money. 1.2 is part of that startup cost that we can we contracted to with Weatherford um to get to get this going. We are so lucky to have a program like this in our county. We're getting ready to go with Moffitt, Spiros overseas to attract more Swiss, German, and German companies here and it's because we have a program like AmSkills that they pay attention to us. So, um I don't know if you want to say anything.

I I I've I've spoken with many of you all. Um we have put together a really good pay for performance plan that protects the county and it protects us. It it gives us um goals. We already have um the calendar ready to go. We have a new instructor ready to hire. We have another boot camp starting November 2nd that we did the orientation yesterday. Um so, we are ready to go. We are ready to perform, ready to use. And as I explained, my goal is to have that building so loud that I have to cut shut my door. And tomorrow I meet with Zephyrhills on locations that the city is looking forward to give us to train in East Pasco um as well um already ready to go. So, they're all waiting and we're ready to run. Um and to add absolutely more students like Ethan and his grandmother, but also more students like the ones that are there right now getting ready that are employable as we speak. And open for any questions.

Commissioner Weizmann.

Chair, yeah, thank you. And you know, [clears throat] like I said before when we discussed this back in February, Commissioner Starkey's passion and love and drive for successful manufacturing, not just in Pasco, but Tampa Bay has been absolutely unmatched. And her work and her drive is wholeheartedly commendable. But you all have had 12 years in business. And you solely rely, this organization has solely relied on governments from the federal, state, and local level to survive. This board bailed you out once earlier this year. You're asking for another one today. Of the county debt, the debt that's owed to this taxpayer, will the money that you're asking for today, will taxpayer money from Pasco County be used to pay down the remaining balance of this debt? Are we going to be paying our own debt that's accruing interest with the money that comes that you're asking for today?

Yes.

Well, well, Commissioner

It's a yes or no question.

No.

How?

We're going to use if you look at the budget and exhibit A, uh, this is 810,000 out of almost a $1.4 million budget. They will be able to purpose their private contributions for the debt recovery and repayment to the county.

You can guarantee that?

I will guarantee it because now I'll make sure it happens. You know, because we are looking we're watching their finances and bookkeeping closely. Well, thank you.

Uh, question. Any of these funds are paying from Penny for Pasco.

The $810,000 are exclusively from Penny for Pasco for economic development.

Okay. So, voted for economic development. And in Tempe partnership years ago they said there was 32,000 unfilled [clears throat] jobs that are sitting in this area if we had the training, we could fill them. Gary's Plating is a perfect example. We had like no one out there. 500 jobs we thought we had 3 years to fill it. We had filled it in like 9 months. There is such a workforce. And when I look at Ethan today, instead of him at Publix, he's in manufacturing. And I'll tell you there's something else I want to pull up too that I think you I want you to think bigger cuz we talked earlier about the industrial park in Hudson trying to partnership with between food and others that want to come in RSG, a construction company to build thermal protected things that started in California that are weather resistant like 300 miles an hour. That company wants to come here, wants to partner with you and I know I know you've had those discussions. Uh when I look at all that and I'll tell you something else I heard today, I don't know if you guys picked up on it, but when they talked about foster children, 80% of them are serial killers, right? That is a market where you get kids that are going through high school is probably tough. Mouths are from mouths to holes depending some of them etc. And once they're out of the 18 years old, they're out of the house. They need a place to go. And I talked about AM Skills with some of the property down there. We've talked about it up at Hudson Industrial Park. I want to get with you when I think if uh maybe Congressman Luna actually gets a good look at this. This should be a good funding boost we can do with that to help those kids that are coming right up. They're not going to go to college which they could, but maybe they're going to go to manufacturing instead. Let's go give them a hand to go forward. And I'd love to try to take that cuz I think that's something that federally they can get behind immediately.

Yeah, I think it's a both ands. It's a college. You can do both college and a training skills. It can be an opportunity and boot camp into it, the trainability into it. Additionally, the foster children is something very important to us and we had a I think four or five at our East Pasco camp over in Zephyrhills. Um they were out of that foster care aging out program. So definitely we've already looked into that as well as with Sandy. Looking to I think we have three students coming up on our November 2nd camp. Um at our last camp in Zephyrhills, um they graduated those young men. One of them stood up and said, "I don't talk to people in the public." But I'm going to talk today cuz I've never been treated like I have a future.

Mhm.

And he talked about it. And he was about 19 or 20. And we also had about a 64-year-old who finished the program at the same time who they had mentored each other throughout the program. And it's not just about the stories or those are heart are what great stories. But it's about the growth that they will go into a job and they will become taxpayers and they will become contributors.

They're going into a career.

Yeah, they were going into a career after that. Um so we're excited about that. Definitely want to expand working with the school systems as well. Work well with um the school systems and really becoming a part um we created really a four-legged stool between the school systems, CareerSource, EDC, and AmSkills. That's how we can continually feed each other. So um have a meeting with Bill coming up soon and meet with uh Pasco County schools pretty regularly and Jerome.

Well, with all AmSkills has done and I know that it's we're expecting better and better things. I think we're going to get it between the three CEOs, Commissioner Starkey, that come in to see us the previous year when we

That was an interesting experience.

That was great. But seeing they found such a great leader like you that'll do such a phenomenal job at even over the previous years, the total dollars per person was only $856. All that you've done for all these people and AmSkills has done. I got I got full

confidence every step of the way.

All right. So it's 8:13. Do we have a motion?

Move to approve. Wait, I I wanted to say something. I I'm going to try this. We'll see if we get there. CareerSource, which is also a 501c3 and is federally and state funded. Um we gave them a very similar contract. We gave them a five-year contract. Um they don't do any of the training. They pass They send their people on to other places to do training. Um sometimes out of the county, but we are supplementing their federal and state money with a million dollars a year um, for 5 years. Um, and I'm I'm very glad we do it because I think there's nothing better than helping people get a job. That helps our economy, hands down. We We started out doing this one for 5 years and somehow somewhere we got cut to three. Just asking for the same exact contract that we did for CareerSource. I just want to see if there's a possibility of three votes to take this to 5 years because you need stability. And um, and and you know, before we were ev- every year [clears throat] it was that that was crazy, but so I just like to ask and see if in my motion I can um, do the same we did for CareerSource and make this a 5-year program, not a not a three. This is economic development money that comes from the Penny for Pasco that is required for I mean that is part of what we do. Whenever a company comes here is we give them workforce training money. It's almost at every contract that you give, right? They They That's part of their incentive money. So, this is something we do with the penny penny money.

Mr. Chair, to to add to that, CareerSource does not need Pasco County government to survive.

Well, we

This

We will not either.

this is is your is this company, this business, this private business which was not [clears throat] created by the federal government like CareerSource.

It's unique.

It's It's a private not-for-profit [clears throat] that's coming here to ask for a lifeline again. And I'm not going to support it. I'm not going to support any of the proposal that's on the table today.

All right, Mr. Stark, I think we should stick with the 3 years for now. We can [clears throat] come back with an addendum.

I'll be here.

Okay.

Um

All right. Um I'll make a motion to um approve the AM Skills contract as written.

I'll second it. All in favor.

Aye.

Aye. Aye. How many Do we have aye?

Yes.

Are there three ayes here?

Nay.

[clears throat]

Motion passes 3 to 2.

Thank you guys.

We'll break for lunch.

Thank you.