Joseph Citro 09:03:04AM
And happy new year to everybody. Welcome to 2023. We do not have anyone for invocation today. So can We please rise for a moment of silence. [Moment of silence] thank you. Join me in the pledge of allegiance. [Pledge of allegiance] thank you. Please be seated. Roll call.
Bill Carlson 09:03:53AM
Here.
Luis Viera 09:03:58AM
Here.
Guido Maniscalco 09:03:59AM
Here.
Lynn Hurtak 09:04:00AM
Here.
Orlando Gudes 09:04:01AM
Here.
Joseph Citro 09:04:04AM
Here.
Clerk 09:04:04AM
We have a physical quorum.
Joseph Citro 09:04:07AM
Thank you. Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 09:04:10AM
Yes, good morning, Mr. Chairman, Members Of Council. Happy new year. Martin Shelby, City Council attorney. With regard to the communications media technology and the fact that this can be seen virtually and participation virtually and in person. What I would ask Council to do to waive your rules to make it consistent --
Orlando Gudes 09:04:32AM
So moved.
Martin Shelby 09:04:33AM
-- consistent with the instructions on the agenda and City Of Tampa's web page at tampagov.
Joseph Citro 09:04:42AM
A motion and a second. All in favor. Opposed. Thank you. Motion for adoption of the minutes from the last meeting.
Guido Maniscalco 09:04:51AM
So moved.
Luis Viera 09:04:53AM
Second.
Joseph Citro 09:04:53AM
Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 09:04:57AM
Hate to interrupt, Sir, but remind You that You have two minutes to adopt the minutes of the evening session are also included. The regular session and then the evening session.
Guido Maniscalco 09:05:07AM
So moved.
Charlie Miranda 09:05:09AM
Second.
Joseph Citro 09:05:10AM
A motion by Councilman Maniscalco. Seconded by Councilman Viera. All in favor. Any opposed? Thank you. Okay. Lets go through the approval of the agenda. Do we have representatives from -- go ahead.
Morris Massey 09:05:34AM
Real quickly, relative to the agenda, Morris Massey, Legal Department. Item 56 is a budget resolution. That needs to be moved to January 19, because you all need to hear and take actions as a CRA board before the money is moved by you as City Council. We will ask that item 56 be continued until January 19.
Guido Maniscalco 09:05:55AM
Move to continue item 56. To January 19, 2023. Yes.
Joseph Citro 09:06:06AM
Motion by Councilman Maniscalco. Seconded by Councilman Viera. All in favor. Thank you. I do believe there is item 62 that is being asked to be pulled by Staff. And this will be heard at -- agenda item number 2.
Guido Maniscalco 09:06:26AM
So moved.
Orlando Gudes 09:06:32AM
Second.
Joseph Citro 09:06:34AM
All in favor. Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 09:06:39AM
Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Council, just a reminder with regards to item 80-84. Those are the five ordinances for second reading for the charter amendments. That is to have those items placed on the ballot in March. There is a deadline for getting those items to the Supervisor of Elections if that is what councils pleasure is, and that is presented to the Mayor for her consideration. So that being the case, Council, I just want to ask you, these can be heard any time after 9:30 am. And time frankly is of the essence at this point in time. So the -- the time clock is running. So I would ask Council to consider taking them up early so that the Chair can work with the Clerk to expedite these --
Orlando Gudes 09:07:28AM
So moved.
Martin Shelby 09:07:29AM
I havent finished. I need the motion -- or whatever the councils pleasure is, frankly. What I am asking Council is that -- that the items be taken up before lunch -- let me finish my thought on this -- so that what can happen is The Chair can work with the Clerk to expedite this matter of getting it on the mayors desk for her consideration.
Orlando Gudes 09:07:54AM
So moved.
Lynn Hurtak 09:07:56AM
I will add that we can put it as item 3.
Orlando Gudes 09:08:00AM
So moved. Move it up and it will be done.
Guido Maniscalco 09:08:06AM
It will be 9:30 from them. Maniscalco. All in favor.
Martin Shelby 09:08:17AM
Thank you.
Joseph Citro 09:08:26AM
We are still on the consent agenda -- consent agenda.
Martin Shelby 09:08:33AM
Mr. Chair, did you want to review the staff reports?
Joseph Citro 09:08:40AM
Thats what I am looking for right now.
Martin Shelby 09:08:42AM
Thank you, Sir.
Joseph Citro 09:08:44AM
I believe -- lets go with agenda item number 3. That is a resolution. Agenda item number 4.
Martin Shelby 09:09:09AM
Pardon? I am sorry -- no, they havent.
Joseph Citro 09:09:17AM
We havent. That is what We are going through now.
Martin Shelby 09:09:20AM
So the question then, mr. Chairman, is staff needed for number 3?
Guido Maniscalco 09:09:28AM
No, I am good.
Joseph Citro 09:09:30AM
We good? Everyone good?
Orlando Gudes 09:09:32AM
I think Mr. Baird, with these contracts, these dollar amounts. What they have done with the numbers. That is very important. And I think he can do it under three with four, five. I think he can get that done and six.
Joseph Citro 09:09:50AM
So we are keeping all of them?
Guido Maniscalco 09:09:58AM
Yep.
Joseph Citro 09:09:58AM
Number 7? Number 8?
Luis Viera 09:10:05AM
Thats me. So we came up and I -- and I see Chief Tripp here and 754 is here as well for this with a compromise, I believe, where the overall issue on the support of the Public Safety Master Plan will be continued until February 23, 2023. But Chief Tripp and 754 will be here to speak on north Tampa and the status of the Public Safety Master Plan. Not the report of it. That can be discussed. But that is the -- my chief -- I dont know if his --
Joseph Citro 09:10:45AM
Chief Tripp, are you good with giving the report on District 7 and talking about the status?
Chief Tripp 09:10:52AM
Yes.
Luis Viera 09:10:52AM
Very good. May I make a motion on the Overall Master Safety Plan. It will be discussed but the actual reporting will be done, if I May, February 23 -- February 2 of -- sorry, February 23, 2023.
Orlando Gudes 09:11:12AM
So moved.
Joseph Citro 09:11:14AM
A motion by Councilman Viera seconded by Councilman Gudes. All in favor. Thank you. Agenda item 9 being asked to be removed.
Guido Maniscalco 09:11:23AM
Second.
Joseph Citro 09:11:24AM
A motion by Councilman Maniscalco. Seconded by Councilman Viera. All in favor. Agenda item number 10, Councilman Viera, that is your?
Luis Viera 09:11:33AM
Yes, We can -- glad to see in go through obviously, but We dont need a report or anything on it. We can move forward.
Charlie Miranda 09:11:41AM
Second.
Joseph Citro 09:11:42AM
A motion by Councilman Viera and seconded by Councilman Miranda. All in favor.
Luis Viera 09:11:46AM
Same for 11, Sir.
Joseph Citro 09:11:49AM
Same for 11. Motion by Councilman Viera. Seconded by -- by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor. Thank you. Agenda item number 12, Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 09:12:00AM
Yes, Sir, I want to hear that report.
Joseph Citro 09:12:02AM
Thank you very much. Number 13. That is being asked to moved until June 22, 2023.
Orlando Gudes 09:12:12AM
So moved.
Joseph Citro 09:12:16AM
Motion by Councilman Gudes. Seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor. Thank you. Agenda item number 14. Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 09:12:27AM
I am fine with the report and seeing how it is being used unless any other members have questions.
Guido Maniscalco 09:12:35AM
No, I am good.
Lynn Hurtak 09:12:37AM
Okay.
Charlie Miranda 09:12:37AM
Second.
Joseph Citro 09:12:39AM
A motion made by Councilwoman Hurtak. Seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor. Thank you. Agenda item number 15.
Orlando Gudes 09:12:48AM
Yes, 15, yes, yes.
Joseph Citro 09:12:53AM
You want to hear 15.
Orlando Gudes 09:12:56AM
15 and 16. Vik can get them both.
Charlie Miranda 09:13:01AM
Mary told me something about it, but I am fine with you with what you are saying.
Joseph Citro 09:13:06AM
Agenda item number 17.
Guido Maniscalco 09:13:08AM
Yes, please. If Mr. Bhide is here. He briefed me and speak briefly because quite a few people reached out to me of Trader Joe's. Also made the news again today. I would like to hear that. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 09:13:23AM
Then we have gone through the consent agenda items.
Guido Maniscalco 09:13:27AM
Move to approve the agenda.
Joseph Citro 09:13:30AM
Motion by Councilman Maniscalco. Seconded by Councilman Gudes. All in favor. Thank you very much. Is Fdot here with US? Agenda item number 1. Ten-minute update from the Florida Department of Transportation to this City Council on projects within the City Of Tampa. Good morning, council. Happy new year. As requested by the chair and Councilman Carlson over two years ago, we have a quarterly update by Fdot today. We continue to work with Fdot District 7 and Secretary Gwynn to improve safety on our roadways and mobility of all modes. District 3 has done great work, and they are here to report on some of their projects in very critical areas within the city, but also how their approaches changed as we work together on vision zero. So at this point, I would like to introduce a friend and colleague, Peter Hsu, safety person at District 3. Accompanied by Eric. And do we have Alex here?
Vik Bhide 09:14:46AM
Great. If Rick looks familiar, it is because he is Alex, our vision zero coordinator. His husband -- brother. Sorry. Peter, take it away before I get US in trouble. [Laughter] good morning, chair. Good morning, City Council. Good morning City Council men and woman. First I will give you -- edge. We will bring our presentation to you about whats going on and happening in the City Of Tampa. Congratulations of City Of Tampa. Do you know based on the latest crash data tracked by dot, the fatal crash -- crashes happen in 2022 compared with 2021. Your city is making a tremendous impact. 22% reduction from 76 to 59. That is an amazing result. Really -- this is just purely -- we have seen inside City Of Tampa. I just want to say, how did we do it? Similar to what -- to echo what vik said, we have great teamwork with your city. Recently I am funding using the funding with your city of more than a million dollars. I am going to ask my partner, Eric, to let you know the big picture what we have done. It is part of the way we outreach to address traffic safety. Eric, all yours. As Peter mentioned, my name is Eric Henry. Alex Henry that you May know. We work out of our safety office. We are asked to focus on a safety project from 2022. We will focus on a project along Nebraska Avenue that was programmed to improve pedestrian safety along that corridor. So to talk about that, we want to give a little background and the heights mobility study that many of you are familiar with. With background, started 2017, the goal was to provide safety and mobility for Tampa heights, Seminole Heights neighborhoods. You can see the project limits, Hillsborough River to the west, Nebraska Avenue to the east. Involving coordination between Fdot, City Of Tampa, Hart, Hillsborough Mpo. There were walking audits done, field reviews. Community outreach with community members to determine what they thought was necessary improvements in the area. And that the culmination of the project, there was a series of short-term and lon-term suggestion that were provided for several corridors throughout this study area. Looking at those results as well as some done by independent studies done internally, we identified a number of safety improvements that can be made specifically along Nebraska Avenue. So in 2021, we programmed this project. You can see the limits Kennedy boulevard to the south and east arctic to the north providing pedestrian improvements raised medians, midwalk crosswalks with beacons, rfb, beacons and plus more. All in all $3.4 Million in design construction and cei program in this project. It is set to let in June. So construction should begin some time in fall of this year. So just to dive into some of the improvements going to be made and talk about the benefit that will provide to pedestrians in the area. There is going to be a total of 27 raised medians installed along the corridor. You can see the design for just a few of them mere. They will provide additional refuge for crossing pedestrians and provide an opportunity for landscaping, future landscaping projects, adding greenery which can help to slow traffic as an added benefit. There is going to be a total of six midblock crosswalks installed. Three of them rectangular beacons crosswalks or rfbs east 11th, east brian and east 25th avenue. I am sure you have seen them around. Like that guy on top. Rectangular beacon, flashes. Let Drivers know a crosswalk and pedestrians crossing and you need to stop and yield. It has known to drastically decrease the rate of crashes. And reduce pedestrian crashes by 40% and significant benefits for pedestrians in the area. Other east at east idlewild. Juneau. Hybrid crossings. You see the it designs. If you are not familiar with the hybrid beaconses. They are sometimes called the hawk. A form of traffic control and warning that warns Drivers that there is a sidewalk here. They will begin as a blank signal like this. A pedestrian will press the button to activate it and it will begin flashing yellow to warn Drivers they need to come to a stop soon before proceeding to a solid yellow, solid red. Drivers come to a full stop and pedestrians are given the okay to cross. As pedestrians begin clearing the swab that red wigwag that they can proceed for caution as long as the crosswalks is clear. And clear signal. Pedestrians arent crossing. Traffic is proceeding as normal. Known to be massive benefit to places for pedestrians where they are installed. Reduce crashes 69% and overall crashes of 29%. Significant benefit for pedestrians in that area. This is just one engineering project and we dont want to give the impression that is the only way we try to approach safety. We try to come at it through the viewpoints of five es: engineering, education, evaluation and encouragement. Education are things like the safety psas. Team traffic safety education program. Our outreach communities. Enforcement. We look very closely with Local Law Enforcement. We have our Elae Program that I will talk about. Engineering in addition to the project I just mentioned. We have led. Lighting improvements, high surface treatment. Pedestrian intervals. Evaluation side. Something that is important to evaluate these treatments and make sure we are not just put them out there and forgetting about them. Encouragement which is largely internal and includes people like Peter Hsu, and those who light a fire under people to get them excited about safety. And some of the efforts that we undergo in 2022. On the evaluation side and kind of the engineering side as well, we installed turning radii improvements. Tight rate turn lanes. You can see the traditional design on the left and the new tight design on the right. These are designed to encourage Drivers to turn at a lower speed, increase visibility to pedestrians with vehicles who are returning. The center of urban county research cutr at usf performed before and after and found a reduction of right turn speed by 9.5% On average and increase yield to pedestrians by 7%. If you look at it in nighttime-only, 32% increase in yielding to pedestrians. Quite significant. Evaluation is important to US because we dont want to just put the treatments and hope they are work. We want to check back in. Is this working? If not, why? Ha what can we to do change it and how can we duplicate it going forward. On the education side, we began airing source safety psas during our preview in several movie theatres across the district. A pilot with the Fourth of July weekend where we were able to reach 200,000 people of movie theatres of safety psas by Brandon High School. And we wrapped up our second campaign that went over Thanksgiving and Christmas question we are still waiting for the final numbers on, but we were able to reach $300,000 during Thanksgiving. And this is a innovative new ways to reach people with safety measuring with people who May have been harder to reach through more traditional avenues of advertising. Finally on the enforcement side, enhanced law enforcement engagement program, eloe program that reason from February to August of this year. Essentially this allowed Local Law Enforcement Agencies to donate enforcement officers next change for incentive points, which then could be exchanged for several incentive items like speed radars, speed feedback trailers, things of that nature. We saw great participation in this building with 22 participating agencies at all five counties and at the end of the program 11,000 hours of enforcement donated specifically along high crash corridors. The areas where the enforcement hours are needed most. With that, I would like to thank you for your time and open up the floor for any questions you have for me and Peter.
Joseph Citro 09:24:16AM
Councilman Maniscalco.
Guido Maniscalco 09:24:18AM
Thank You for the update and presentation. I love that You started seeing the reduction. 22% from last year to now. Not so long ago, we were the most dangerous or one of the most dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians in the entire country on top of our high insurance rates because of so much insurance fraud and so much that affected US. In the time of covid in March 2020 when we were all at home, I wanted to get out of the house and I would walk through the city from west Tampa to downtown to the airport. Whatever it was, just to see, You know, if I had to -- if I had to walk to work every day, if I wasnt taking the bus or if I were a bicyclist what would it be like. Each -- each street is different. Each intersection is different. We have seen some improvements and the lack thereof, but if You look at other parts of the country or other parts -- throughout europe, You know, how they focus on the pedestrian first. They focus on different technological methods. For example, the flashing crosswalks. I think those are effective. Bayshore Boulevard, several years ago we had a horrible, horrible, horrible tragedy where a mother and child were killed in that we saw some improvement with the reducing of the speed limit, with the insulation of crosswalks. Many that are flashing. Use that area all the time and I see people that benefit from it and people that go right through knees lights. See it on palm avenue in Ybor City where they installeded flashing crosswalk lights. I can go on and on. We due to significant death and tragedy, we made improvements and we have a long way to go where people feel safe. You know -- when I said I walked through the city in the time of covid, very little traffic. But imagine a regular day and crossing a busy street. Dale Mabry. People who ride their bikes across Dale Mabry. A wide stretch of controlled. Kennedy boulevard. Columbus drive. Hillsborough avenue. So many places for improvement, but we are taking those steps. You showed Nebraska Avenue, which is just like Florida Avenue, which improvements have been made south of hillsborough and what not. Nebraska Avenue, much-needed necessary improvements. Again, You know, we have to think about people first. Bicyclists first. Not everybody can afford to drive a car. Again very expensive, insurance rates, gas, everything. We have to protect the pedestrians in this community. I know as we embrace vision zero and these policies. I sat on the Tpo former mpo for eight years and I have seen the improvements. A long way to go. Thank You for your presentation. All three of You, Vik -- everybody from Fdot, You are wonderful and You understand and know that You have my support, again, this keeping people safe. But little by little, we are taking those steps. Thank You very much.
Joseph Citro 09:27:29AM
Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 09:27:31AM
I just -- I want to say thank you so much for this presentation. Especially the focus on Nebraska Avenue, which is a heavily, heavy pedestrian corridor. People are crossing at any spot. So I notice particularly the intersections that you have chosen are certainly areas that I also see when I traverse Nebraska Avenue. Whether it be on a car -- in a car, on a bicycle. So I am hoping that helps slow some things down. The Community is going to be very excited about this. So thank you very much. And look forward to seeing them go in to actual work. When do you think if they are start the fall of 2023 that we will start seeing some of these? Construction. Mobilize. Start summer. This kind of project will take a week -- a year. So some time summer 2024.
Lynn Hurtak 09:28:29AM
Great. Thank you so much.
Joseph Citro 09:28:31AM
Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 09:28:33AM
Thank You, Mr. Chairman. Again, like Councilwoman Hurtak just spoke about, people in Seminole Heights have been under a lot of strain. It comes through the help that they have received and revitalized our area. Many years ago, it wasnt even close to where it is today, however, with that closeness comes a lot of new businesses, thank good, Small Businesses, and a lot more traffic. So what You are doing there is to save lives. And no one can save lives other than the driver of a car. And the pedestrian. Sometimes both of them are at fault. Sometimes one doesnt look. Sometimes the other one doesnt look. Most of the time neither one of them looks. So everybody has got a mind-set of where they are going. How to get there. And what clock tells You You have to be there to arrive for whatever reason and that is what Society is about now, unfortunately. Thank You for what You are doing slowing the traffic. I see the right lane turn has been narrowed. Instead of having an island a longer dash. Somebody designed the island. It wasnt You, I dont think. But thank You for changing. Life is a cycle of changes. And when You folks first started talking about an exit off of the malfunction junction into Ybor City, I hate to say this, sometimes people want the change. And I am not going to ask You who. But all of that is predicated on something else being built somewhere else in Ybor City. I think 20th street, 21st street exit is paramount. Ybor City has a lot of traffic come had in and out and You will close that one, I understand. Am I correct?
Charlie Miranda 09:30:20AM
A long time I heard that that one would be closed and that would have been chaotic. Any time you get on the expressway especially at 3:30 in the afternoon mading east, you are not going to get far. From 3:30 to 5:45. Getting gridlocked. If you were doing five, ten miles per hour. I dont want people to go 100 miles per hour when cars on the expressway. Every time we have expansion of the expressway, not only does it dissolve the fiber of the neighborhood, but within a year, already antiquated. So I dont have an answer to that. I hope You Folks have an answer to that. We do not have a very good transportation system to move around the city. Certainly buses and things like that. Maybe too much time waiting on a bus and smaller buses and rapid transit to move them around. The streetcar will need to be extended but other modes of transportation. The cars will eat you up if you dont. Because people want to get from point a to point b. Everybody is busy and have a schedule actual to meet that is unbelievable. All of them do. You Folks -- you gentlemen right here in front of US that are the ones to determine how further are we going to expand expressways. I dont think you can make them any further because the more you do. The more you incentivize the same people you want to get off of the expressways. Thank you very much.
Joseph Citro 09:31:56AM
Any other Councilmembers? Thank you so much for the report. I want to make a statement, and I dont mean to keep bringing up. But what transportation had gone through. The voters -- without the matching funds, the City Of Tampa is nowhere. The City Of Tampa is the transportation hub for west central Florida. Land, sea and air. Transportation should mean moving people not vehicles. City Of Tampa cannot raise funds for transportation for public Mass transportation. That is left up to Hillsborough County. Something is going to have to change in the future. We need to move people, not vehicles. Gentlemen, happy new year to you. Thank you for this report.
Joseph Citro 09:32:49AM
At this time we will be taking public comment. Anyone wishing to give public comment, if you would please form a line, my left, your right. And you will have three minutes to give your public comment. Miss Burton. Happy new year to you. Happy new year to all of you. For transportation, just to jump on that. Aint going to go anywhere as long as the people to need to vote, to push it cant see economic benefit for themselves. When I look at the 27-page agenda and item 3, 4, 5, 6, big money items moving. It dont say anything in there the hiring. How do the african community benefit from all of these money projects? How? How do we benefit? How do it align itself with the resolution that you passed in 2020 that you stated that you recognize the ill effects of slavery and the continual -- the continuation of african people in this city being deprived of economic opportunity. So 27-page agenda. You are starting the year off. Hopefully it dont continue. We must see an economic incentive for Black people in this community so we can deal with some of the systemic problems. We are not going to be able to pray our way out of this. Out of violence. People need to have opportunities so we can move forward. Secondly, Black Lives matter. According to the creative loafing report, that questionnaire that was sent out by the Pba should be denounced by all of you. The Mayor should take a position on it. Most of the officers dont even live in the City Of Tampa. And yet they feel that they can refer their point and their views to say, I will guess if you participated in a Black Lives -- the fact that Black Lives have meaning in this city, then you wouldnt be worthy of their support. It is -- it is racist. Because you know what it didnt say? It didnt say that are you a member of the Proud Boys. What are your views about the Klan? What are your views of the ongoing systemic problems that Black people are having in this country? It is racist. And they should be denounced. As we move forward to dealing with the ongoing issues in our community, it is not enough that the naming of streets of honorable african people is enough. We need real change, and we are going to be concentrating -- because what we see happening all across the country is the part two of the January 6, and we see that it is trying to infuse itself way in Tampa, Florida as well by the initiation of the Pba. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 09:36:14AM
Thank you. I want to say very quick of the transportation people. They are gone. They are out of here. But the fact of the matter is, building straight and down interstates so the homeless people cant sleep under the interstate. They to make a donation to the homeless people. Put it in their budget. The Tampa Police Benevolent Association is a domestic military operation operating in the city Tampa. Nothing unique about it. All police unions are operations of the domestic for capitalism and imperialism. From 1990 and beyond acting with venture capitalists and neocapitalists. The highest expression of White nationalism, klu klux klan operations and using taxpayers money and resources. The Tampa Pba is nothing but a kkk operation with taxpayer money, take-home cars, amenities and other benefits not afforded to real and poor working-class people with a 18% pay raise no one asked for but was approved by city government. Each and every week a motley crew, Albert and Costello, three stooges of mermaids and puppets try to tell the general population of decorum and how to impress the hierarchy of the City Council. This group of clowns and jerks that cant even get to work on time cant understand hundreds of millions of dollars that come before them within the course of a year, who cant stand up to a Mayor, not just a current Mayor but any Mayor, allow the pba to forward with them a questionnaire or survey that is 100% offensive and illegal without any push back object condemnation from their practices. The pba is a klu klux klan military operation that got its start like any other Police Department, which is from save catching. Yes, the Police Department roots are deeply rooted in slave catching. The City Council with all of its wisdom, decorum and public service did not have the wisdom to forward the survey to the State Attorney's Office or the United States Department of Justice in a complaint form of a whites nationalist organization sending investigate I have it or threatening letters in the form of a survey to public officials. If the survey isnt offensive to the Mayor and the City Council, it is offensive to the conscientious objections of african community and the indignations that Black people had to suffer under the foot of Tampa Police Department and related agencies since 1855. It is offensive to the normal human beings. Should be offensive to Jay Passmore violently hit by crazed motorists operating an automobile in a crazed manner and not charged by the Tampa Police Department. Offensive from people getting dragged by the Police Department. But the clowns have the nerves to do a litmus test on elected officials or potential elected officials' feelings toward Black live matters. I personally demand anyone in possession of that White nationalist call for the disbandment of the police benevolent and forward to the United States Justice Department for investigation.
Joseph Citro 09:39:40AM
Thank you Gudes mr. Chairman.
Joseph Citro 09:39:44AM
Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 09:39:46AM
You know I dont -- I love the place I retired from, the good and bad. Sometimes it was very bad. Sometimes they are very good. I received several calls in reference to the questionnaire from a lot of Police Officers that dont even know about the survey. The Police Department has a union. They fight for the rights and the will of the workers for pay and wages and safety and so forth and so on. But a lot of officers did call knee in concern with the survey because they did not know about the survey. All the sentiments arent the same for all Police Officers. I filled out the questionnaire. I returned it pack to the Pba. Some of the questions on there I thought were offensive. And I -- in my responses, I let them know I did feel offended by a couple of the questions that were indicated. If you were going to generalize, you need to generalize everybody. As a Black man, I was kind of offended with some of the questions. Prayful that sometimes we do mistakes when we do things. I made them. We all made them. Hope that the Pba will evaluate the survey and come out and apologize to the community, to the candidates running for office. Because some of the candidates to fill it out because they were afraid not to get an endorsement. But you cant be afraid of that because you need to do the right thing at the right time. I am hoping that the Pba will take that back and make a public apology what was sent out for everybody involved. Most people know I am not afraid to speak out. I dont care about retaliation and what have you. As a Black man, I have to speak out when it is right. I know some other high-ranking police officials did call me last night as well. They had some concerns as well. Right is right. Wrong is wrong. No matter how you May feel of protesters and what have you. As a police officer, I can remember curtis lane, the first protest, he led US to marching in belmont heights estates. I have been in a protest. I have been in a fight. I understand both sides when police feel that the public is not standing up for them. I understand it sometimes. But the Police Department is an unbiased entity. No matter what. No matter how you May feel of an individual person. Your job is to protect and serve this community. And I am hopeful and prayful that had the Pba administration will look at it and see that the community is kind of outraged what has happened and maybe retract it and do a public apology. Those are my comments, Mr. Chairman.
Joseph Citro 09:42:36AM
Yes, maam. Nice to see You, Councilmembers. Im here to speak on the Zion cemetery. Tampas first Black cemetery and 800 Black pioneers laid to rest over 100 years ago. Contribution of building this community due to racism, greed, thievery, their rest was disturbed by White developers and business people who profit unjustly -- profit unjustly. You were not the sitting members at that time. The city permitted this to happen as early as 1920. Councilmembers, we need your help to restore justice to these people. We need the two private owners to cease their business operation and respect this land. Just liked land Housing Authority has done. You can use your eminent domain powers to take back this land so this cemetery can be respected as a final resting place for the Black citizens once again. The Zion Cemetery Maintenance Safety Board of which I am the Vice President needs your leadership to help make these private owner do the right thing. It has been three years since we have discovered these bodies. And nothing was never -- and still remain and buried beneath these businesses. We need your help. Will You help US? With that being said, I would like to set up a meeting with You all separately. I would like to discuss this. You were given all voters -- information about Zion. If You did not know, now You can research it. This has been going on too long. Many other cities, states have found the same type of cemeteries in making great movement and strides toward correcting this. And it wasnt You who caused it. But it is You who can make the change in the future here in Tampa. Tampa is a growing city. People are moving here like crazy. We set the pace for a lot of other cities and states. You have the to help Zion, to help my people, to help the people who are buried there. To show some respect, to give back to the families in need. And with that being said I would like to set up a meeting with every last one of You and board members to discuss this little bit further. Please, please, be a body of strength. Make movement. Make stride. We need your help today. Thank You.
Joseph Citro 09:45:43AM
Thank you. Maam -- maam, please, my legislative aide Tim is coming out and help set up a meeting with all of US individually. Councilman Maniscalco.
Guido Maniscalco 09:45:59AM
You said it. We will get your information and coordinate with all of our offices and set up individual meetings.
Joseph Citro 09:46:04AM
Cue please one more time. I am a Resident here in the City Of Tampa. Public Housing in robles park when those bodies were found. It is with means a great deal to me personally -- personally because I was a Resident there. I watched this process.
Martin Shelby 09:46:33AM
You dont have an extra copy for the Clerk?
Martin Shelby 09:46:39AM
You do? Thank You so much.
Joseph Citro 09:46:40AM
Maam, My Legislative Aide is the Gentleman at the door. He will help coordinate.
Joseph Citro 09:46:51AM
Thank you, maam. Happy new year. A lot going on this morning. Robin Lockett. I came here wanting to talk about one thing, but a lot going on with this questionnaire. You know, I find it interesting that -- let me make a few comments about it. I would love to see what People would do when no one is watching. So anybody would do -- a lot of People would do a lot to get an endorsement from an agency with the People that they need the endorsement from. They are relying on selling your souls out on a questionnaire to get an endorsement. I wish this article would have came out later to see who signed it. To see what they said. Because it would -- hopefully would have been made public. But anyhow, a lot going on and I hope you guys take it seriously. Not a Black and White thing. A right thing. A right thing. Reba talked about zion. I lived in robles park, 212 east Kentucky. Where they have it roped off, that grave sites was right under our apartments. 212 east Kentucky. So I am -- it is amazing. I mean, we find out so much -- I am getting emotional now. We find out so much that goes on and it comes up later. All the hell that goes on in robles park. Just everything -- and there is a cemetery there. Unsettled bodies. Unsettled rest. I have been getting phone calls in regards to the -- the r-3 money. People have applied for it. They are being told there are mo more funds. I have been ringing the bell for this for months saying what happens -- this is a band-aid. We are feeding the Developers, right. What happens when the money runs out. Things have not changed. Rent is still increasing. Would have been great to do the rent stabilization, at least tried it for a year. Rent is increasing and People are still where they are. What happens when the money runs out? What happens when the money runs out? We can not operate in fear. We can not operate in fear. When People are -- are suffering. What happens when the money runs out? Thank you.
Joseph Citro 09:49:35AM
Thank you. Do we have anyone else in chambers that wishes to speak to public comment? Okay. I believe we have Michael Randolph online. Michael, are you there? Thank you very much. And happy new year. And good morning. A new year and a new attitude. 2022 prepared US for the start of 2023, which is going to take US to the next level. Today, I want to speak of the silent majority who feel that they are left behind. Who feel that no one has their back. Those who go to bed every night wondering if they are going to be placed out -- I also want to address the vulnerable population from the citizens, to fixed income, low income, those with hanging on the corner, disabled, businesses threatened, threatened by crime, the homeless, those returning from prison, victims of crime, and those who commit crime. Those who are suffering from substance abuse and mental health. Last year our project, which was going to start this year, will increase the quality of life of those people who feel like they are left behind. Those projects include west Tampa building, job creation center, which is going to create 100 new businesses, home-based businesses in the community. The West Tampa Public Safety Industry and address the businesses in west Tampa that are leaving. The West Tampa Engagement Program in which we have seven meetings last year. We plan to have more meetings this year. The partnership. Tampa Housing Authority and related groups. And relationship with Florida Department of Transportation which will lead to hundreds of jobs for residents in west Tampa. This year 2023, we want everybody to know we have your back. No one will be left behind in west Tampa. West Tampa will see our office open up this year to start receiving guests, as well as those who needed jobs right now with currently taking application for those who want to work with construction and the Florida Department of Transportation. These are good jobs. Even if you have a criminal record, we can get you a job with good pay. 2023 we hope is the year to be the best that we can be. Again for those people in west Tampa, I hear you on the phone. There is concern whether or not you will be priced out of the community. Those who live in fear will change the narrative 2023. Its going to be a year where everybody benefits and no one is left behind. Thank you very much.
Joseph Citro 09:53:09AM
Thank you, Mr. Randolph. Miss Strohmeyer, are you with US?
Clerk 09:53:16AM
She did not log in.
Joseph Citro 09:53:19AM
Again, anyone else in Chambers who wishes to make public comment at this time? Thank you. According to a vote made by City Councilmembers, we at this time will be taking agenda item 79-84 no? 83, 84, excuse me.
Nicole Travis 09:53:56AM
The administrative update.
Joseph Citro 09:54:04AM
A motion was made to take the charter amendments first before.
Martin Shelby 09:54:08AM
That was councils intention.
Lynn Hurtak 09:54:12AM
62, right, for the CRA.
Nicole Travis 09:54:15AM
Correct. But I thought the motion was to take the -- take the charter amendments as item number 3.
Joseph Citro 09:54:21AM
That is what the vote was made for. And now making it agenda item number 2.
Lynn Hurtak 09:54:27AM
I thought this was 2. But okay.
Joseph Citro 09:54:29AM
That is what I have asked for and Councilman Gudes asked to make the motion for the charter amendments to be taken before that. Thank you very much.
Nicole Travis 09:54:38AM
Thank you. The first one we will be hearing.
Martin Shelby 09:54:45AM
Motion to open, please.
Joseph Citro 09:54:47AM
79. Right, mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 09:54:53AM
Would be 80. 80-84.
Joseph Citro 09:54:58AM
Motion to open 9:30 by Councilman Maniscalco. Seconded by Councilman Miranda. All in favor. Agenda item number 80.
Martin Shelby 09:55:07AM
Mr. Chairman. Present today are second reading and adoption. This is regarding to the amendment section 9.01. If Council wishes to proceed to open it for public comment.
Joseph Citro 09:55:26AM
Are there any public comment to agenda item number 80? Do we have anyone online?
Clerk 09:55:37AM
No one registered.
Joseph Citro 09:55:38AM
A motion to close by Councilman Gudes. Seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor. Take a roll call vote on -- I am sorry. Councilman Carlson, can you read agenda item number 80.
Bill Carlson 09:55:52AM
Yes, sir. I would like to move file number e2022-8, ch 2, ordinance present today are second reading and ordinance relating to the government of the City Of Tampa, Florida, submitting to electors of the city a proposed amendment to the revised charter of the City Of Tampa of 1975 as amended to amend section 9.01 To clarify that standing boards shall be created by City Council by ordinance without requiring the mayors recommendation providing an effective date.
Lynn Hurtak 09:56:23AM
Second.
Joseph Citro 09:56:24AM
A motion made by Councilman Carlson. Seconded by Councilwoman Hurtak. Roll call vote.
Charlie Miranda 09:56:30AM
Mr. Chairman.
Joseph Citro 09:56:32AM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 09:56:33AM
I am not going to support it based on the fact not only this administration but the Prior Administration set up a -- an avenue to the public to have, in my opinion, the best of everything, that was setting individuals from the general public to sit in as the Charter Review Committee, some appointed by the Mayor. Some appointed by the Council. That was not done this time. Just the Councilmembers doing it on their own without the charter review, so, therefore, I will be opposing most of these, thank you very much.
Joseph Citro 09:57:02AM
Roll call vote, please.
Charlie Miranda 09:57:05AM
No.
Lynn Hurtak 09:57:06AM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 09:57:07AM
Yes.
Orlando Gudes 09:57:08AM
Yes.
Luis Viera 09:57:09AM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 09:57:10AM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 09:57:12AM
No.
Clerk 09:57:13AM
Motion carried with Miranda and Citro voting no.
Joseph Citro 09:57:21AM
Agenda item number 81.
Martin Shelby 09:57:26AM
Again, Council, Martin Shelby, City Council attorney. An ordinance relating to placing on the ballot. The mayors nomination of head of departments and to other city employees.
Luis Viera 09:57:46AM
I have a question.
Joseph Citro 09:57:50AM
Councilman Viera.
Luis Viera 09:57:51AM
Thank you very much. I have a question on this. I was looking at this and Miss Travis who is here, if I May, for Miss Travis, if I May, I voted no on this. Originally I voted no. It came up outside of the Charter Workshop. And the next time you kind of spoke to it. Can you just tell me. When I read this, I -- -- call me whatever, but I dont see the significant burden in this. Tell me how this will burden your job. Because I -- I take you very seriously, so to speak. I take everyone. But particularly you.
Nicole Travis 09:58:26AM
Good morning, Council. Nicole Travis, director of economic development and opportunity. Happy new year. The comments I made regarding this charter change was regarding recruiting C Suite Executives. If you were hiring a person in the C Suite, and they are Confirmation isnt in balance, is in the wind, chances are they wont believe a job knowing that they have to be -- they wont necessarily get this job. It is very -- when you are in thepublic Sector, once you put in an application, especially if you are in a comfortable -- I want to say comfortable, but in a job that you like and that people like you and you are doing a great job. It is difficult to recruit for C Suite Executives, top talent, that will have to wait until a Confirmation not knowing whether or not they would have the position. And the way this is written, you will -- you cant appoint that person to the position. They would have to be in another position or in the wind. So essentially, I would have never necessarily taken this job knowing that I was leaving a city that loved me and I loved it. Worked well knowing that there is a chance that I May not get the votes for this position. So it just makes it very difficult recruiting for top talent. Especially at my level, C Suite executive director and above. That is what I was saying.
Luis Viera 10:00:00AM
Thank you. If I May ask for Mr. Shelby or anybody that can inquire on this issue. Isnt there already some sort of doubt whenever you go into a job, you are the interim director of whatever it May be, you will be subject to a City Council Confirmation anyway, isnt that doubt already there and further solidify councils role in this. Otherwise -- again -- I should have had this question privately and I apologize, Council, for this. But does this significantly change what it in effect now?
Martin Shelby 10:00:33AM
Ultimately -- Martin Shelby, City Council attorney. Ultimately in the charter in another form with regard to -- if you look at the ordinance, it changes the concept of appointment to a nomination. And what happens is the nomination of the Mayor is then submitted to City Council who then does the appointment. And this came up, as you know, based on issues that came before Council with regard to interpretation and ultimately what you have is also the concept of the 2018 Charter Review Commission added language to allow that if the Council chose to deny that, that the Mayor can resubmit with the same name. Clarifies the process and adds new language to create and define the concept of making an interim appointment where times in the past whereby naming of an interim appointment allows someone to remain in that position for a longer period than what this now says the Mayor now needs to act in a period of 90 days and can be extended by the Mayor for an additional 90 days. What this does obviously is based on councilman gudes suggestion based on councils experience with regards to the process and the intention is to actually clarify that which was in the charter, which was to give the City Council the say over department heads and greater.
Luis Viera 10:02:23AM
Yes. And thank you for that. For me four votes in favor of this. They could be vetoed by the Mayor. I want to inquire more and I should -- I apologize. I should have done that more and whatnot. I want to speak with staff more on this. Appears to pass and go to the next level. If it is in fact vetoed by the Mayor, I May switch my vote on it. I May do that. But I want to inquire with more people on it. I dont want to jump back and forth. That is just not my style. This will pass today, but I do want to talk further on it if it comes back to US. So thank you.
Joseph Citro 10:02:56AM
Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 10:02:58AM
So the last time we brought up this, it was a little more abstract, and it was based on what had happened with the Police Chief. Guess what, we are here again. And so what I am hearing from The Public is very clear. That they dont want that to happen again. And that is what this does. This prevents that from happening again. The Public is demanding to be a part of the next Police Chief choice. They are demanding it. That is all I hear. I had a nice long conversation about it yesterday. So I am wholeheartedly supporting that for that reason alone, because ultimately, while I understand Miss Travis's concern, we can have someone that starts a job and all of US can say, I dont think so. And then that person is stuck. So I -- I do not think that just plopping someone into a job and making US say, oh, well, they already moved here and -- I feel that is coercion and I dont want to do that. I want to absolutely approve someone for the work they have done and you know what, rarely is it an issue. I trust our staff. They -- for the most part. I cannot imagine a time where -- where generally department heads arent brought US to with -- with a stellar resume. Good recommendations. The chance for US to actually talk to them ahead of time. This is coming up because of what happened with the Police Chief. And I am going to hope that this time we will all have a chance to talk to that person before they are nominated. We will all have a chance to make sure The Public has. And that, in my opinion, and I cant speak for Mr. Gudes, but for me, that is what this is doing.
Joseph Citro 10:04:52AM
Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 10:04:56AM
Its commonsense. It was a flaw. The system was in place, but when you have a situation that arises and you are stuck, you need to fix the process. The process was flawed. This Council wanted to deny someone, Mr. Maniscalco was the swing vote. Because he felt that, you know -- it is going to go on and on and on and on. So to say that you wont fix a process that is broken is asinine to Me. I respect Miss Travis tremendously. She know I do, but when you apply for a job in hopes of getting a job, there is a process to getting a job. So the mere fact that you -- leave a job to get a job. I cant imagine that. Most people when they -- when they say they got the job, they -- they take the job. But for Me, it is the process. The process is flawed and the verbiage is flawed. To nominate someone, We appoint that person. After that it is the mayors baby. Whoever -- our job to listen to the community. To listen to the people. Our job -- that is why you have to nominate. How come I didnt have a chance to meet this person. To hear their background. Let Me feel this person out. From day one, I said how come I -- how can you bring people before US and We just appoint some people? Thats wrong. It is totally wrong. And I cant sit back and just support things that are wrong. I want to fix things and make them right for the Administration. Not because of a strong form of Mayor Government, but because it is the right thing to do. I will be supporting it and thats why I put it up. We know the chaos We went through when We had a flaw system and We cant be afraid politically or whatever not to fix things. That is what this Council is supposed to do. We are the governingy of the city. It is our job to make sure that the house functions properly regardless. But make sure that the rules are put in place. I am sorry, rules are in place and We have to understand the interpretation of the rules. For Me, the rules that that were put in place, the interpretation is off. We could do nothing about it but here We have a chance to fix the interpretation in the rule.
Joseph Citro 10:07:27AM
Councilman Maniscalco.
Guido Maniscalco 10:07:30AM
Thank you very much. At the federal level, the President has their nominee for supreme court justice. And there is a lengthy process. This is to be why usually on a grander scale. And Cabinet Member. A Cabinet Member have to be approved and those are are people -- life-changing things where people are moving to a different area. Serving in a different capacity. I dont see any harm or foul. But my recollection in the time I have been here has only been one controversial once. Not contentious votes for approval of the department heads. Only once. I heard a lot from the public regarding that issue. As Councilman Gudes mentioned, I was a swing vote, meaning I got even more heat with it, but, however, I think about if we were on the other side. And that other persons shoes, would it effect me? No. Because I would nominate the best and the brightest individual for that position where I wouldnt have to worry. If that person had such a stellar resume, what is the worry. Only have been controversial one time. I dont see this strong-arming or tying the hands of the Mayor or -- again, if I were in that position, I would says it a checks and balances system. Again, we took a lot of public comment. And a lot of public opinion with regarding to is a more recent situation and I dont see any harm or foul in this. Thank you. Thats it.
Joseph Citro 10:08:57AM
Councilman Carlson.
Bill Carlson 10:08:59AM
Yes. To follow what Councilman Gudes says, all this is doing is fixing the misinterpretation of this part of the charter in the past. It doesnt change the main thrust of what the charter said before. And that a Mayor can never appoint somebody without City Council approval. And I dont know of any cases -- Councilman Miranda has been here a lot longer than I have -- but I dont know any cases where City Council didnt approve someone. One case that was controversy since I have been council maybe pushed a little bit more. And Mayor should have listened to the public and not push that through with a political fight. What has happened -- and Marty mentioned the case from several years ago. The last Mayor misinterpreted the charter and illegally allowed a very, very good person to stay longer because of a misinterpretation of the charter and leaving the word "interim" in. We tried to fix it in the Charter Review Commission and it didnt quite fix it and trying to finish it on this way. Mayors people are saying on these and those that before didnt get passed that we are trying to take away the strong Mayor of government. That is bs. We are trying to do the reverse. We are trying to fix the misinterpretations of that prior mayors and City Attorneys have misinterpretered the charter, take power away from City Council and restore that power so we can have checks and balances. We need to make it clear that whoever a Mayor appoints has to be approved by City Council. And the only reason we are doing this because of the misinterpretations. What happened this last time -- not only controversial in approval, with you the interim phase, the Mayor called the person by the permanent title and offended people in the public and disrespectful from City Council. You should believe in american democracy and american democracy of a balance of powers. Democracy of power are checks and balances and we are voted in to be that check against the Mayor. Not our choice but the charters choice and basic american democracy. In this vetoes, that is a vote against demock a viand checks and balances. I will say also that the -- just to remind everybody, the charter always had the right for City Council to change the charter. That was always in the charter. The Charter Review Commission was set up ad hoc from the last City Council. Three of my colleagues were on the board and thank for them setting up because several of US were on the board and we as a Charter Review Commission and that City Council voted and the voters ultimately decided to put the charter review in the charter. That was not in there before five years ago. That was something new, since probably going back to 1975, the City Council has the right to review the charter. Not that we are breaking the process. Another coming out of Mayor's Office. Not breaking the old but lets not split straws on this. Lets be honest with the public and tell thepublic We believe in checks and balances, believe in american democracy and correct and accurate determinations of the law. Something we will be fixes today of hundreds of millions of dollars because of a misinterpretation of a Prior City Attorney. We need to make sure that the City follows the law and the law is voted by the public. Called the charter. And it is the constitution of the City. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 10:12:38AM
Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 10:12:40AM
I have listened to some very good factual things, but I want to make sure that these things are not -- I like a strong Mayor form of government. I like a check and balance from the council. I always have. Always worked for as long as I can remember. This was one of four -- we have four items here. I think 20 some items that were presented. And it was just alluded to that the Charter Review Commission, that we formed up with cooperation with the mayors office at that time and the City Councilmembers and some of US were here and another Mayor worked. This has never been vetted by anyone other than the Councilmembers. That is not the way the process was set. It was set that we have a Charter Review Committee. We took everything. They took it. And there are four of US in this room that served on that committee. Three are now City Council members. One now is the County Attorney. It does work. ; however, we did not abide which the same rules we said in the beginning that the charter committee will have it, vet it out, and come back to US just other things. The CRA is another one. We sit at the CRA, they do the work and they want for their community and bring it up for a vote with US. These are the things when you talk of transparency and the legality of things, it is not done the same way now. So what does the general public want to think? Wasnt investigated by no one in the community. None that sat on that side as we did years back. I dont know what they are going to think. But I heard those words very many times. And never vetted by anyone other than seven Councilmembers. Thats not the way the process was set up. So the process is the one that I am sticking with. And I am not opposed to this item. I am opposed to the process of which it has gotten to US without a vote from no one not a public and adding a zoning hearing with no public participation. Exactly what that is in another forum. And when these things happen. Where is the transparency. Where is the public input. I dont see it anywhere, do you? Thats a question that I am asking myself. Thats why I have to think baa and think what actually happened five for six, seven years ago. How did that happen? Took over a year. About a year for that Committee Of Citizen Review spending their time trying to make the city better. And they did. However, this new process, they have been zeroed out. We dont need you anymore. We used you once. That was enough. And I believe that is where the fault is. Not in US. Not in the public, but the process of which we have come to this point today. So these are the things that I am bothered with. I am troubled with. Some of those things are fine. I agree with them. But procedurally, how can I vote for something that I know was flawed from the beginning those are the things I am concerned with. The process was not followed how originated all of the things happening today from public participation from the members of the review -- Charter Review Committee. And I am troubled by that. And I dont know what else to tell you. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 10:16:30AM
Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 10:16:33AM
If I am correct, once we close this, dont we open this for public comment?
Joseph Citro 10:16:40AM
Yes We do, open it four public comment before We close it.
Lynn Hurtak 10:16:45AM
I believe that is how the public is involved. So just going to say that.
Martin Shelby 10:16:49AM
Mr. Chairman, if I can, just to clarify for the Council and the public. The Charter Review Commission made recommendations to City Council. The Charter Review Commission as it was set up did not have access to place things on the ballots. Ultimately by ordinance City Council's position of what to accept. Coincidentally of the work of the charter review, City Council accepted every one of the recommendations. One of the recommendations was to create a process for review of the charter in addition to being able to do it by ordinance by the City Council even up until day, everything was done by ordinance of City Council. It is ultimately where the buck stopped is where the City Council chose to put something on the ballot and every charter amendment that has been placed before the Voters have been done pursuant to ordinance, charter and state law to be able to place things on the ballot. With that being said, this provision has been there for I believe -- from the beginning. I it dont know the full history, but certainly havent -- havent changed but for the -- changes in 2019 by the Voters. The question that I want to bring to councils attention at this point, and I raised this earlier, is the concept of the veto. And without getting into a long discussion about it, I shall say that section 2.10 Of the veto says if any ordinance shall not be returned to the Council within 14 days presented to The Mayor, the same shall be made effective in light manner of which he or she signed it. That would be the case but for the fact that there is a shot clock running. And we talked about this early on from the deadline that is necessary by the Supervisor of Elections to get these items placed on the ballot. Ideally, this should go if they are signed by The Mayor or even overridden by -- overridden -- the veto overridden by City Council, the date that will be ideal would be the 13th of January. That is how soon we are from having to do this. We have up until the 20th, but then we have to, then, provide it with spanish translation which has not been done in the past. Normally done by the Supervisor Of Election and they need an additional week by the deadline of January 20 to get that done. Councils next meeting date is the 19th of January. Which a day before the deadline. So in effect, what happens is, with if the clock runs out to get these to the Supervisor Of Election by the deadline, then the Voters wont have a say in March. That is just the reality of the way this is scheduled. The way this has come forth. The way this is structured. I wanted to bring that to councils attention that is why in my opinion important to get it on The Mayor's desk as soon as possible so The Mayor can make whatever action she deems necessary. That is her prerogative and we can, in effect, move forward from there. What happens is if that deadline is missed, the practical effect that the Voters will not have an opportunity to have a say in March.
Orlando Gudes 10:20:22AM
Mr. Chairman.
Joseph Citro 10:20:24AM
Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 10:20:25AM
I respect my colleague Mr. Miranda. He has been here forever and he knows. But the problem I have is that. We did hear from The Voters. We heard a long time with this issue 81. We look at all the proposed charter amounts to go to The Voters and I look at who voted before, 82, 83, 84, I see unanimous. Confuse that the process is flawed, you I see unanimous out of three out of the sick of them. I will say we heard from The Voters and thats why we are here and remove the process. Take the vote and move on and get it to the mayors office and let the process go how we need to go.
Charlie Miranda 10:21:12AM
Hold it until The City Attorney came back. He said five or six things on one item that went all the way around and was a little confusing to follow.
Joseph Citro 10:21:21AM
I prefer to have the City Attorney -- the City Council attorney back in the room. Before we finish discussion.
Joseph Citro 10:21:38AM
Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 10:22:05AM
Mr. Shelby, I am not being critical of you. Speaking on one item. You went to one item and another item and another item and it --
Martin Shelby 10:22:17AM
I am sorry.
Charlie Miranda 10:22:18AM
-- kind of hard to follow, I guess.
Martin Shelby 10:22:21AM
Okay, yes, Sir.
Charlie Miranda 10:22:22AM
Let me start by saying thank you for the work that you do. However you do it. To disagree on a couple of minor things. The last item you spoke about was what about -- about the timing of the Clerk and the City Council getting it on the ballot.
Martin Shelby 10:22:40AM
Meeting the deadline by the Supervisor of Elections.
Charlie Miranda 10:22:44AM
Remind You said that twice in the beginning of the meeting and You said it again. We follow that very clearly.
Martin Shelby 10:22:52AM
Thank you. I just wanted --
Charlie Miranda 10:22:55AM
Do you agree or disagree that that Committee was set to revise the city charter should not have been brought up or should have been brought up on this vote? To clear the air. When we wanted to change the charter the last time, we did set a process through the Former Mayor on Council representation and representation. Am I correct or not?
Martin Shelby 10:23:19AM
Yes, Sir. I was actively involved in creating that process.
Charlie Miranda 10:23:22AM
Glad You did. And I appreciate the job You did. So when this charter -- this is a change of the same charter. Am I correct or not?
Martin Shelby 10:23:31AM
Yes, Sir.
Charlie Miranda 10:23:32AM
It is. Did we follow the same process of which the public had the right of input from two governmental agencies, the Council and the Mayor, collectively working for the betterment of society and everybody who lives in the City Of Tampa?
Martin Shelby 10:23:47AM
Again, Sir --
Charlie Miranda 10:23:49AM
The Mayor and City Council set up a process so all was encompassed in the Charter Review Committee that sat in meetings time and time again and voted many times to have clarity on what they felt was best for the community of the City Of Tampa. Am I correct or not.
Martin Shelby 10:24:07AM
Yes, sir. City Council initiated that process because the charter had not been comprehensively reviewed since the 1970s. And every amendment since the 1970s have been initiated by City Council and placed on the ballot after an ordinance approved by City Council.
Charlie Miranda 10:24:27AM
Sir, if that body has not been involved you said since the '50s, that we set up a process where we have a review of individuals, City Attorney, Three Sitting Councilmembers and a large number of people. I dont think that large, but large enough to get a cross section of every understanding of life in the City Of Tampa. Those with, without, everything that was different. And I appreciate those who served. So then we are now having a review of the charter without the review by the citizens, am I correct or not?
Martin Shelby 10:25:03AM
Without rolling from that process under what is now section 1010 of the charter. There is also section 150-11 under the charter amendment that states that the City Council May propose amendments by ordinance to this charter. Upon adoption of initiating ordinance unless provided for otherwise, the City Council shall submit a proposed amendment to the vote of the electors at the general election held in the city and special election held for such purpose and tell how it can be done and done with initiation by petition. So the answer to your question is, what happened in 20 and -- what was it 2018 -- started in '17. Began substantially sooner -- excuse me, earlier, because it took, quite frankly, three chairs to be able to get through the process of creating that Charter Review Commission. And one of the most significant processes was the City Council, at the time, in order to make sure that was properly funded to take place in the future added, I believe it is, $50,000 to the budget to allow that to happen. In and up until that point, not a Charter Review Commission at all. This is -- what took place in 2017 was the first time in the history of the city that that ever took place. And this was put in place in the charter to create an alternative to section 10-11 saying that the city May propose amendment to ordinance of this charter which is what the City Council has done in this case.
Charlie Miranda 10:26:36AM
When You were read there I did hear something "May or May not?" I dont have anything in front of me, so I have to go by memory what You said, Sir, I am sorry.
Martin Shelby 10:26:49AM
Two ways -- there are two ways to be able to amend this charter presently. A Charter Review Commission or for what Florida statutes also provides to do it by ordinance.
Charlie Miranda 10:27:01AM
We choose the one out the commission. Obviously did --
Martin Shelby 10:27:08AM
Obviously did because at the time commencing in 2027. Which means unless You did it by ordinance, You will not be able to amend this charter by any form and fashion by any reason if You didnt invoke 10-11 You will have to wait until 2027.
Charlie Miranda 10:27:27AM
Anything We do without ordinance You cant do. You have to have an ordinance. That is a known fact. You yourself admit that We chose not to have the review, thats correct?
Martin Shelby 10:27:39AM
That is true.
Charlie Miranda 10:27:41AM
Answer yes or no, sir. I am trying to figure out where we are at.
Martin Shelby 10:27:46AM
Actually I -- you raise a very good point Sir. Let me just read this for a minute. There is in section 10.10 The fact that it does say the City Council May by ordinance have the power to call for the establishment of Crc more often in the event if it so chooses. So in that sense, you can call for it before 2027. Thank you, Sir.
Charlie Miranda 10:28:11AM
Thank you for being so kind in answering the questions.
Martin Shelby 10:28:15AM
Thank you, Sir.
Joseph Citro 10:28:16AM
Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 10:28:18AM
I am good.
Joseph Citro 10:28:19AM
Councilman Carlson.
Bill Carlson 10:28:20AM
The fact is that -- I dont know that the Counselor can correctly, since 1975 or a long time ago, City Council had the right to propose amendments to the public. And the Mayor had the right to veto or not veto. We added -- we -- the Charter Review Commission, the City Council at the time added the Charter Review Commission as an additional thing. When we started as a Charter Review Commission, most of US knew nothing about the charter. Very little about it. We had to be educated. Which is why the process took so long. Four, Gudes, Hurtak, Citro and me that were on the City Council. And two City Attorneys on the board. Nine on the board and six of US are in the room today. Instead of relying on people like US who didnt have experience at the time, we now have six people who have experience. This has been drafted by outside counsel and reviewed by counsel and I assume by those in the Charter Review Commission. Nothing wrong in the process. We are following the process that always was there. Only new process that we are not following is the option of having another Charter Review Commission. I want to say for the public, every time be discussed these -- now it has been five or six times over a long period of time, the public -- a lot of these were rejected by council. The public had many, many opportunities to contact US to speak in public comment and they will have an opportunity to speak in a few minutes. Over the 18 months or so of the charter review, only two meetings that we had more than a couple of people. A reporter in the room can confirm he was in the room one of two people who were there. One or two meetings where people in the public got more of a handful of people to come. But we asked as a Charter Review Commission, the Communication Department of the Former Mayor to communicate the meetings to get the public there and the Communication Department of the Former Mayor said no. They refuse it again to communicate it to get the public there. That process was flawed as well and did not include robust public comment. This process does because people know and expect to come here every Thursday and giving US of feedback. In a minute they will tell US if they agree with this or not 367. A clear interpretation of the charter so some City Attorney cant misinterpret it as they have in the past. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 10:30:42AM
Anyone else. Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 10:30:45AM
Mr. Chairman, just -- just one comment that we are here today because of previous votes of City Council, previous majority votes. I dont know exactly -- some were unanimous perhaps. Some perhaps not. But this has been following a process at the direction of City Council. This is City Council's initiative from the beginning. I was asked to make a running list of when things came up when Chairman Gudes -- Councilman Gudes was setting in the chair seat and I did so at councils direction. This process up until this day has been a result of votes, previous votes of City Council. I wanted to bring that to your attention just to let you know that ultimately City Council's discretion in this case subject to the mayors action as the charter provides. And it is ultimately City Council's decision how it wishes to move forward.
Joseph Citro 10:31:44AM
Mr. Shelby, clear something up for me, please. You say either way, made by change, ordinance or a charter amendment?
Martin Shelby 10:31:57AM
No, sir. The ordinance -- You can initiate -- You can initiate a ballot question, but it has to be initiated by ordinance.
Joseph Citro 10:32:06AM
These changes we want to make through ordinance or a charter change.
Martin Shelby 10:32:11AM
Ultimately on Ordinance. Ultimately has to be by an Ordinance. An Ordinance is provides it being sent to the Voters. It is the Voters --
Joseph Citro 10:32:20AM
I am going to get another point, please. Go ahead.
Martin Shelby 10:32:23AM
Of this does not change the charter. Your passage today does not change the charter.
Joseph Citro 10:32:31AM
It cant be vetoed by the Mayor.
Martin Shelby 10:32:33AM
It can be vetoed by the Mayor.
Joseph Citro 10:32:37AM
If we were to do an ordinance. City Council do an ordinance to effect these changes, the Mayor couldnt veto that ordinance.
Martin Shelby 10:32:45AM
No, sir.
Joseph Citro 10:32:46AM
Then -- then We are -- it seems to me that We are going through a long process that May not get to that point when We could simply make an ordinance.
Martin Shelby 10:32:58AM
No, sir.
Joseph Citro 10:33:00AM
You just contradicted what You said.
Martin Shelby 10:33:02AM
Let me make it clear. You can not change your charter. This is The People's charter and The People get -- The People -- I am not -- I am not being -- forgive my passion. Not directed toward you or anybody personally. This is The People's charter. I have been actively involved in this from the inception when City Council wanted to be able to have a body to review this charter comprehensively, facilitate it. I was involved in the process of obtaining the facilitator. I was involved in crafting the process.
Joseph Citro 10:33:37AM
Lets please -- for me --
Martin Shelby 10:33:40AM
Yes, Sir.
Joseph Citro 10:33:41AM
Can these changes that We are wanting to change the charter, can We still do that effectively through an ordinance instead of changing the charter?
Martin Shelby 10:33:55AM
No, sir. What the ordinance does is provide an opportunity to be placed on the ballot so it is ultimately the people who decide. Your -- your passing this does not effect any change to the charter. It is the result of an election. If for whatever reason, this does not make it to the Supervisor of Elections in time, Voters will not even get the opportunity to have a say whether it wants to or not.
Joseph Citro 10:34:21AM
Thank you. You clarified that for me. Thank you very much. Councilman Maniscalco.
Guido Maniscalco 10:34:25AM
Just to make it a little more plain. The ordinance is the path to get to the ballot. The Mayor can veto it and block it and thats it. Or the veto can be overridden by a supermajority vote of five votes and still goes to the ballot. But the Mayor can block the process. How the process is. But you needed ordinance to get on the ballot.
Charlie Miranda 10:34:47AM
One more time. Only time I could ever remember that Councilmembers overrode the Mayor was back in the '70s. On a 5-2 vote. It was recording the raise for the Fire Department. Thats it. That is -- maybe there are others, but I havent been here since -- 1974 either. I decent know what happened in between.
Joseph Citro 10:35:13AM
Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 10:35:15AM
One last point and I dont want to beat this for death but I want this to be absolutely clear because councilmember Maniscalco made a point that I want to clarify and make more succinct. If City Council does not have the opportunity to overrise a veto by the deadline of the Supervisor of Elections, it will not make the ballot.
Joseph Citro 10:35:36AM
Thank You. Agenda item -- agenda item number 81. Is there anyone in the public that wishes to speak to this agenda item? We have been here to hear about a strong form of Mayor government, however You say it. It has felt like a dictatorship inside of our community. We would like to see this ordinance brought to the voters without any more hesitation, delays, attempt not to get it to the Supervisor of Elections so the community can finally say that our votes to our councilmembers matter. We want You to have enough courage in the people to say that we have a right in the say of government in this city. And those who refuse to allow this ordinance to move forward will show that You dont believe in democracy. What is the fear? If the city is moving forward and the Mayor is working in accordance with the citizens. Why not? But all we hear is delay after delay after delay. We do not want a strong dictatorship form of government in this city. We want one that when we vote for You guys, that You will work in according to the issues of this community. Move it. Burn the midnight oil. Stay until it is done. Do not bring it back US to and say it sat on the mayors desk and it did not move. We have an election coming March 7. Those that have fear do not deserve to represent the interests of this community anymore. We are watching You. Thank You.
Joseph Citro 10:37:41AM
Thank you. It frustrates me for a lot -- for a lot of reasons, actually. When you speak with your Attorney, and you ask him a question. And you May not be getting the answer that you are expecting, but you cut him off. He can never -- I am sitting here and want to hear what the total answer is, and I can never get it. Because then you all stop him. These -- this -- what, 80, 81? We have been talking about this for a while. And it always seems like in the ninth hour, all these things come up with questions. But you -- like someone pointed out unanimously voted on 82, 83 and 84. What is the question? At this point you should make sure the wording is correct and send it to the Voters. Send it to the Voters. Then if it fails, it fails in the Voters. That is how -- that is how you get The Community involved. If The Community is not showing up here, it will show up on the ballot. And I have an issue with just this. You talk about the -- the -- the amendments and so forth getting -- the committee -- I mean, The Community to those meetings. I think it is a set-up when yall -- taxpayer money you dont have a plan -- a plan of enforcement to get information out to The Community. You guys should be having surveys or something. What is the best way. Everybody is not going to go to your -- go to your web site. But how do you get engaged and get to this -- get this information to The Community? The million dollar question that none of you are answering. Taxpayer money. A large chunk of your -- of your administration budget should be communication to The Community. Because nothing is getting out. Even when we have -- we have money in the budget for The Community. They dont know about it. So this is ridiculous. All of this -- if it goes -- trust The Community. Send it to the ballot. And let it fall where it May. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 10:39:59AM
Thank you. Anyone else wishes to speak to agenda item number 81? Second reading. How are you doing. Melvin Hicks. I know all of yall. We all have history. How are you doing, Councilman. How are you doing, sir. Yeah, a vote needs to be on this. You need to do something about this today. I have been in -- in this city for a while. I was kind of implement in helping to grow your city. This right here, I havent been in Council for a long time. I took my name off the ballot for a reason, and yall -- Council right here have been very -- not doing your job. If we could pay for somebody wrongdoing, then you can do something. Its in you to me. I have been going through a lot. And the people have been going through a lot. I dont believe in no strong mayor. I dont believe in Strong Government. I believe in the people. Yall have been doing wrong. Carlson, Luis, Joseph -- I dont know about you yet. Orlando. Charlie. This needs to be up for a vote. If yall dont do something about this right now, you dont need to be in office. You need to be locked up right now. This -- I dont believe in Strong Government. I believe in strong people. I really do. My life has been in danger a lot. I am very scared right now. I am scared because the Police behind me. I dont know if they are going to shoot me in the back or not while I am up here. I am scared of the Chief Of Staff right now. I dont want the same incident like he came up to me last time and intimidated me. Talking about shaking his hand. Mr. Orlando Gudes, I want you to look at me, sir. Whoever dont vote on this right now today, needs to be a vote on it. However -- Craig Lattimer is very wrong. Craig Lattimer. I am not very ready for this, but the people built this city. I didnt build it. You are just elected officials. We elected yall. They elected yall. It seems like I -- I work with some people up here some time before, I did. And I dont want to be -- I know my time is up. But somebody needs to be voting this right now. If we could pay for somebodys wrongdoing and pay for yalls dinners and stuff like that, yall lunches and everything, if you can support a chief -- a chief --
Joseph Citro 10:43:47AM
Thank you, Sir.
Joseph Citro 10:43:54AM
Thank you, Sir.
Joseph Citro 10:43:58AM
Thank you, Sir.
Joseph Citro 10:44:00AM
Anyone Else wishing to speak to agenda number 81. Anybody online?
Guido Maniscalco 10:44:13AM
Move to close.
Orlando Gudes 10:44:14AM
Second.
Luis Viera 10:44:15AM
If I May. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I always like to explain my votes. I think that is important whenever -- that is just me. Whenever I potentially look at switching a position or something of that nature, I owe the public and everybody a explanation. A really big thing for me. Goes without saying. I dont see this -- as I understand it as going up against a strong mayor form of government. I dont. I really dont. Councilman Miranda, mrs. Correct me if im wrong, if I am misconstruing this. The it is not objectionable but the process. This appears to be we have very reasonable. Goes without saying. I personally dont believe in the idea of the charter review supremacy which is the idea that you can only get charter amendments through the charter review process. I think -- I voted against a lot of charter proposals out there because I respectfully disagreed with them. But I believe that Council has a role as long as it is done responsibly and reasonably. This appears to be reasonable. The changes that I am seeing that you need to have that are mandated. A city employee to be interim and within 180 days and then goes to the public. The very public very, very involved in the nomination before. Very involved in the nomination before. I think they deserve to have a say in this. So in terms of how I understand it, I think this is reasonable. So I will be voting yes. Thank you.
Guido Maniscalco 10:45:46AM
Move to close.
Joseph Citro 10:45:47AM
Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 10:45:48AM
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much. I asked some hard questions about this. And I wanted the public to understand exactly what was going on and how the process worked and how it worked in the past and how it worked in the present. Although I voted no in the first one like Mr. Viera, I am satisfied this will do no harm to the Strong Mayor Form Of Government.
Joseph Citro 10:46:10AM
Any other comments.
Orlando Gudes 10:46:12AM
Move to close.
Lynn Hurtak 10:46:14AM
Second.
Joseph Citro 10:46:15AM
All in favor. Councilman Viera, would you please read this.
Luis Viera 10:46:21AM
Maybe Councilman Gudes wants to. Or you dont care.
Joseph Citro 10:46:27AM
Councilman Viera.
Luis Viera 10:46:29AM
Yes. Item number 81. I move an ordinance presented for second reading in r relating to the city of the government of the City Of Tampa, Florida, electors of the city proposed amendment to the revised charter of the City Of Tampa of 1975 to clarify that the mayors nominations for heads of departments and other city employees to be by four votes of the City Council and provide interim appointments by 180 days provided an effective date.
Joseph Citro 10:47:00AM
A motion by Councilman Viera. Seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. Roll call.
Lynn Hurtak 10:47:05AM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 10:47:06AM
Yes.
Orlando Gudes 10:47:06AM
Yes.
Luis Viera 10:47:08AM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 10:47:09AM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 10:47:10AM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 10:47:11AM
Yes.
Clerk 10:47:13AM
Motion carried unanimously.
Joseph Citro 10:47:16AM
Thank you, agenda item number 83.
Martin Shelby 10:47:20AM
Again, for councils consideration, Martin Shelby, City Council attorney. This is revision to revise the process of term limits to limit the ability of members to serve a total of four consecutive full terms consistent with councils direction and has been brought back for second reading consideration.
Joseph Citro 10:47:44AM
Councilman Maniscalco.
Guido Maniscalco 10:47:46AM
Thank you very much. I dont see any issue with this because We voted to support this unanimously. I dont know how it is going to go today. But We didnt vote for permanent term limits as the President is treated, two terms and you are done. Because even though it says a total of four consecutive full terms, it doesnt stop a Councilmember from ever running again with that four-year gap. We are not creating a permanent term limit system. So I think it is, again, no issue and I am happy to support it.
Joseph Citro 10:48:17AM
Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 10:48:23AM
I am not opposed to this -- doesnt say the Mayor, so I have no problem with this. Mayor wouldnt vote for it, but it does not. Two terms eight years later and four years later. I am fine with that. Councilman Carlson.
Bill Carlson 10:48:41AM
And just contrary to the disinformation put out there. These are not all -- none of them, in fact, are limiting the strong mayor form of government. This one, in fact, had nothing to do with the May I dont remember. This one -- the City Council limiting our own ability to run for office in the future. So I would just like to make sure that everybody knows this is City Council limiting ourselves not in any way limiting a strong form of government.
Joseph Citro 10:49:11AM
Anyone in the public who wishes to make comment on agenda item number 82. 82. Thank you for clarifying it for me. Yes, it should be a term limit. Should. Why not. Nobody is above the law. We know how four years, eight years has been for the country. For the people who have been in office so long, Charlie. Charlie Miranda. My bad, I apologize.
Joseph Citro 10:49:49AM
Talk to the Council as a whole. Now there should be a term limit. Nobody should be ever to run over and over again. It shows people above the law. It shows that people can be bribed. Shows that people can be bought. We know that right now. People have been bought. And the city has been bought. People who have been elected -- the elected officials have been over and over again. Like Buckhorn. Proven with him. Proven with Buckhorn. Proven with our City Council right now. Proven. We are in 2023. I made a statement yesterday. And I said this statement. I am going to say it again. Yesterday was going to determine the -- yall 2023. And it has. Determined your 2023. We had to look forward to the future right now. If you dont look forward to the future and passing this along, that means that yall dont -- dont need to be here. Its called new blood. Not old blood. New ideas. Not old ideas. Old ideas shaped and ruined this city, nation, however you want to call it. And we need new blood. The old ideas have the City Council have been put along in the city. New growth stuff as old. People -- you have staffers doing your job for you. You are not doing your job -- you are not doing your job. Off city attorney that want to do stuff. -- above the law. I understand the law very well. Very well. No one shall have -- shall go over their term limit. No one. It seems like I have been looking at yall for years, decades up in here, fighting for my rights and the peoples rights. Now it should be a term limit. Two years, that is more than fair. No one should have to run like that again. Because we already know whats going on. No Businessman should be on this Council. No Businessman, because he has ties in it the community. And he could -- he could do stuff. No one with a business degree should on this Council. People should be on this Council.
Joseph Citro 10:52:34AM
Thank you very much, Sir. Do we have anyone online?
Guido Maniscalco 10:52:39AM
Move to close.
Lynn Hurtak 10:52:42AM
Second.
Joseph Citro 10:52:43AM
All in favor. Councilman Maniscalco, please read this.
Guido Maniscalco 10:52:47AM
Thank you very much, item 82, e 2022-8, ordinance relating to the government of the City Of Tampa submitting to the electorates proposed amendment to the revised charter of 1975 as amended to amend 2.02 Revising term limits of City Council members. Limit the members of City Council to serve more than a total of four consecutive full terms effective with the City Of Tampa election provide an effective date.
Joseph Citro 10:53:19AM
A motion by Councilman Maniscalco. Seconded by Councilman Gudes.
Bill Carlson 10:53:24AM
Yes.
Orlando Gudes 10:53:26AM
Yes.
Luis Viera 10:53:27AM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 10:53:27AM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 10:53:28AM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 10:53:29AM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 10:53:31AM
Yes.
Clerk 10:53:31AM
Motion carried unanimously.
Joseph Citro 10:53:36AM
Agenda item number 38.
Martin Shelby 10:53:38AM
Again, Martin Shelby, City Council attorney for consideration of second reading is another ordinance to sent to the voters. And that is to amend section 5.01 To provide the Citizen Review Board to select legal counsel not a city attorney to provide information funding provided by the city and that is councils consideration.
Joseph Citro 10:54:02AM
Seeing no discussion from council, anyone in chambers who wish to speak to agenda item number 83? Come forward, sir. 2023. Right. This says the 1975. Right. So if we go by -- we are still going by 1975, that means something is very wrong. So that means that it should -- the Citizen Review Board -- the Citizen Review Board should select legal counsel. Should be able to select legal counsel. We are in 2023. Not 1975. Something doesnt balance out with me. And the Citizens Review Board should be able to select legal counsel. Should. Should be a right by the citizens we are not in 1975. I keep seeing 1975 in this. Being 2023. All fair.
Joseph Citro 10:55:40AM
Thank you. I will be quick. Totally agree with it. Should be a separation with the Attorneys. They should not be or work for the city. Totally independent. I am in total support to this. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 10:56:04AM
Anyone else in chambers. Anyone online. A motion to close by Councilman Maniscalco. Seconded by Councilwoman Hurtak. Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 10:56:16AM
Ordinance present for second reading and adoption. Ordinance of the government of the City Of Tampa, submitting to the Electors Of The City a proposed amendment to the revised charter of the City Of Tampa of 1975 as amended to amend section 5.01 To provide for the Citizen Review Board to select legal council that is not a legal employee and funding provided by the city providing an effective date.
Orlando Gudes 10:56:45AM
Second.
Joseph Citro 10:56:46AM
A motion made by Councilwoman Hurtak. Seconded by Councilman Gudes. Any further discussion? Roll call vote.
Orlando Gudes 10:56:54AM
Yes.
Luis Viera 10:56:56AM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 10:56:57AM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 10:56:58AM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 10:56:59AM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 10:57:00AM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 10:57:01AM
Yes.
Clerk 10:57:03AM
Motion carried unanimously.
Joseph Citro 10:57:05AM
Agenda item number 84.
Martin Shelby 10:57:07AM
Martin Shelby, City Council attorney. The last of the proposed amounts to the charter to send to the voters to be placed on the ballot on March 7. And this one is to amend section 1010 of the charter review to have it be every eight years instead of every ten years for councils direction and submitted for your -- for your consideration.
Joseph Citro 10:57:41AM
Any discussion? Councilman Maniscalco.
Guido Maniscalco 10:57:51AM
I am in full support of this. It was mentioned -- the charter of 1975 because that was the last major overhaul in modernizing the existing. The way the city operates in its charter and amendments have been made to that. We use 1975 as a reference point. But having said all that, we did have the Charter Review Commission with wonderful individuals on there that did their -- did their public service. And to do this at a more regular -- on a more regular scheduled, I think, is wise, considering we didnt do anything since 1975 until 2017, 2018. So I think it is all good.
Joseph Citro 10:58:29AM
Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 10:58:31AM
Will chairman, if I May, I want to reflect on 1975. The lady to brought the charter revideo you was Jan Platt. Very fine lady served here and county commissioner. Wonderful lady. Did a lot of things for the city that at that time was dormant like environment bringing it. And those that served was Jan Platt, Sandy Freeman, Kathy Barjo, Lloyd Copeland and the guy sitting here. But I havent here since 1979 all the way through. Let me again say that, but it was a fine council. I worked with a lot of good people and Jan Platt that start that. At that time, the charter had something about pigs and horses and all kind of stuff that you would never think of, but they were there. She had the foresight to look into something -- I dont know when it was done before that, but had the forsythe to start that and had done the -- was here in the County Commission and a fine lady through her whole life. A wonderful servant. Was wonderful -- passed away a few years back, a wonderful servant to the community and the county. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 10:59:40AM
Public comment. Anyone In The Public wish to speak to agenda item number 84? Do we have anyone online.
Orlando Gudes 10:59:55AM
Move to close.
Guido Maniscalco 10:59:56AM
Second.
Joseph Citro 10:59:58AM
All in favor. Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 11:00:01AM
Thank you Mr. Chairman, file number e 2022 -8,ch 2. Ordinance second reading and adoption. Ordinance of the government City of Tampa, Florida, to the Electors Of The City the proposed amendment of the revised charter of 1975 amended 10.10 To correct a scriveners error and commencing in 2025, the charter review advisory commission be established every eight years instead of every ten years. And hired with the City Council approval. 37 and providing an effective date.
Joseph Citro 11:00:38AM
Who seconded that. I am sorry. A motion made by Councilman Gudes. Seconded by Councilman Miranda. Any further discussion? Roll call vote.
Luis Viera 11:00:48AM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 11:00:50AM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 11:00:51AM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 11:00:52AM
Yes.
Orlando Gudes 11:00:57AM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 11:00:58AM
Yes.
Clerk 11:00:59AM
Motion carried unanimously.
Joseph Citro 11:01:02AM
Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 11:01:04AM
I have a question for our City Council attorney. Mr. Shelby, it would be presumptuous to put it on the January 19 agenda in case we do need to look at them again to provide proper -- proper notice?
Martin Shelby 11:01:25AM
My recommendation, Councilwoman, would be to go through the process. If the Chair would be so kind to work with the Clerk to sign those to get them to the mayors desk today to start the process. There is a process that is set forth in the charter that requires how this be done. If this has to come back, we can arrange for that to be done. I think it would be -- I earned stand what your intention is, but I think it can be accomplished without necessarily doing that and follow the process like we always have for every ordinance and see where this process takes US.
Lynn Hurtak 11:02:00AM
Excellent. Thank you very much.
Martin Shelby 11:02:03AM
Thank you.
Joseph Citro 11:02:03AM
We will go now to agenda item number 62 which is asked to be pulled for staff reports.
Nicole Travis 11:02:15AM
Good morning, Nicole Travis, administrator with development opportunity. I am also your interim CRA director. I was requested to make this presentation, to pull in agenda item off of consent. And its -- the presentation that I have for You is exactly what I presented to the Cra Board at the December 8 meeting. So for the publics -- I believe the desire was so that the public can see what was done with our budget allocations in the CRA funding relative to what we were doing on Affordable Housing Initiatives. Thank You. So just a little bit to recap on how we got here. Back in 2020, Councilman Carlson made a motion to -- for the board to work toward as per rational goal of 30% allocation of CRA district funds within all of the redevelopment districts. Consequently, in 2022, we talked about doing that again to use unused fund -- look at unused funds. That discussion carried forward through our project process. -- through our budget process and You agreed to take up a special meeting to do this 30% allocation. At that time, we took your request and Alis Drumgo -- the deputy administer described the attempt for affordable housing initials tiffs to be set aside. With that, we brought to You at a December meeting what 30% would look like for each one of the CRA districts. Just to your memory, the item highlighted in red is the line item we take the revenue from and in green is where we put the money for affordable housing initials I have it. Working with US to create an affordable housing category with the initiative. Any money we spend can be captured under a specific projects and we can account for it along the way. The downtown CRA district to be pulled from the infrastructure item to be for Affordable Housing Initiatives. I failed to say that this passed unanimously at the CRA hearing and appears before You to appropriate those funds. In the channel district. We took $3 million -- a little over $3 million from the capital improvement projects and put that into the Affordable Housing Initiatives Tampa. In Tampa heights we have about $140,000 going to Affordable Housing Initiatives. Central Park Cras is -- is lower increment CRA. We are pulling $100,000 from the capital improvement projects for Affordable Housing Initiatives. And in ybor one, there was several line items that we took that revenue from. But we have 945,000 allocated for Affordable Housing Initiatives. And in ybor 2, $426,000 for Affordable Housing Initiatives. In the East Tampa CRA. We have moved $2.4 -- almost $2.5 Million to Affordable Housing Initiatives. That is in addition to what funds were already in affordable housing initials tiffs. Drew Park have a little over $1 million. That money came out of their neighborhood infrastructure improvements funds. S we Tampa allocated about $2.7 Million in Affordable Housing Initiatives. Again coming from neighborhood infrastructure improvements. So ultimately, we have about $17 million coming for the adjustments from the 30% set-aside that You requested. Also asked US to look at interest earned on each CRA trust fund and a little over $2 million. $22 Million. Ultimately the CRA -- You should be proud -- that the CRA is contributing -- moving funds for $20.2 Million toward Affordable Housing Initiatives. On your resolution -- resolution number -- item 62, say is $16 million. The reason that number is different because already $4 million in the appropriate allegations. That is just moving the difference to that bucket. I am available for any questions that You have.
Orlando Gudes 11:07:48AM
Mr. Drumgo, go job.
Nicole Travis 11:07:53AM
I failed to do this -- I want to thank Alis Drumgo for beating the pavement and going to the cacs meetings to understand the boards intent. Still a lot of questions from some districts that we dont have any programs yet. That the money is being allocated. And for anyone who is watching, we have programs that exist in some cras that can be replicated in others and asking to be work. Thank you for the opportunity for letting me publicly thank Alis Drumgo.
Lynn Hurtak 11:08:40AM
I will publicly thanks both of you. Started with $10.7 Million that bethought we could get in the Cras. Instead you were found 20.2. That is huge. Gigantic. It is a game changer. I am excited because Cras have a little more wiggle room and the ability to be more creative throughout the city in areas that dont have a CRA. I am very excited about this. I cant wait to see what we can do. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 11:09:30AM
Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 11:09:32AM
Mr. Drumgo. I want you to take your bow, sir. You do good work.
Nicole Travis 11:09:40AM
He wouldnt come up here. I made Him come to Council.
Orlando Gudes 11:09:44AM
You do good work, and you should be recognized. You are taking extra tasks with the cba and some other things. I know you are the catalyst behind a lot of work with Miss Travis. I want to thank you for moving the needle on this. And I know you understand Cras and where we need to go with our Cras. People understand not about social services with Cras. I know you have been telling our managers that that we have got to focus on infrastructure and housing which is what the CRA is meant to be for. Somebody that understand it is and start the implementation. Keywords. We have a lot of programs -- tired of hearing the programs. We need to start implementing the programs and staff, whatever you need to do, anxious to hear of next week how to do the implementation of the rra and how to have staff be revised and start implementing the process. So that is what we are keying on this season. I want to hear of the process with this kind of money how we are going to move it. But I thank you for your work, sir.
Joseph Citro 11:10:52AM
Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 11:10:54AM
Just echoing Mr. Gudes. Congratulations for the work You done. Very calculating quickly on the math when I saw your numbers what You took out equaled 20% of the monies available. Each one took 20% to make the total 17 plus which You found in interest and $20 million. I believe that is about what You did. Casually I looked at the number and I think You took 20% out of each budget of the Districts.
Nicole Travis 11:11:21AM
Of new money. Some -- ended up being 30% but --
Charlie Miranda 11:11:29AM
I understand. Thank you for producing that number.
Joseph Citro 11:11:33AM
Councilman Carlson.
Bill Carlson 11:11:35AM
One thing real fast. Say thank You to You and whoever worked on this and the cras advisory committee who worked hard to come to this. Unfortunately this process started almost two a and a half years ago. Think of the people we could have helped through all that time. And the two of You are new, but previously staff told US it would be difficult and impossible and they just didnt do it. So thank You for jumping in. Even though for You it is a part-time job You jumped in and did this. Appreciate this. Also oversee affordable housing. How much is the citys budget on affordable housing not including CRA.
Nicole Travis 11:12:18AM
I should have prepared for that. It has to be -- all of our funding is over $55 million allocation.
Bill Carlson 11:12:26AM
Includes the CRA money. $35 million, $36 million. I would challenge the Administration out of 50 or so million, we found 20, and out of $1.9 Billion budget, I which the Administration will find more than 36. And ask our communication department when talk about the total dollar, please separate CRA. A separate entity. We are connected and if the Administration wants to take credit for affordable housing, they need to find the money in the larger budget that they can control. It is kind of embarrassing. We are a Staff working for that and embarrassing out of $1.9 Million. We found 20 in just a few months. Last thing anybody watching who May think that the CRA money should be used for something else. The law that creates the CRA is very specific what it can be used for. Only four things to alleviate slum, blight, affordable housing and disease. Most of the time other than covid, we dont have disease. What has happened in the past with other cities, slum and blight have been misinterpreted to sub si side Developers. Some arguments by people that we should use this money to subsidize Developers. Whether that is legal or not, I dont know. I am not going to go back and hear those discussions but we are using the money what it is meant to be used for. If the rest of the city can subsidize the cras, the rest of the city wants to make sure that the money is being used for the best possible purposes. With one ant the other dont anti-capitalist and anti-democracy. We need provide the environment where every developer can be successful, building affordable housing or others. Solving a market failure where there is not enough affordable housing. I thank the Staff for doing this and let everybody to know this is what the CRA money should be used for with things in the past what the money should not have been used for.
Orlando Gudes 11:14:32AM
Mr. Carlson, you are right and in research of the solution with regard to the housing crisis. Not that we dont have enough places to live. It is the fact that our livability with the way that people are making in some of the cities cant afford the rent prices. Because I can go to any of these apartment complexes. And they have available apartments. They have available apartments. So not that we dont have the stock. People say we have -- we need -- no, you dont. We have the stock. The problem is, you talk of a livable wage. We dont have a livable wage to compete with the prices of apartments. This particular juncture. We have to look at that. How do we fix that balance. I dont know if we can or not. I dont know if it is a livable ordinance. On my research, look at the whole system. I cant afford to pay my rent, my utilities, which are included and transportation. Its hard to say, I can pay my rent if I cant meet my needs. So I just take -- that is the problem. I keep hearing a housing shortage. There aint no housing shortage.
Nicole Travis 11:15:51AM
We do have a housing shortage. Hold on now. I understand --
Orlando Gudes 11:15:56AM
You know where I am going with that.
Nicole Travis 11:15:58AM
From an economic development perspective. I am going to put on the economic development hat for a second, this -- this is not just about supply and demand and having the units. It is about wages. People being able to live. It is about transportation. It is about education. It is about upward mobility for communities. And so holistically, these are things we consider as a community that we have to look at that the city itself, local government itself cannot solve and working with Nonprofit Partners, Private Sector Companies, and any business that the city engages on. And we are doing that, right. We are looking at second chances. We look -- ban the box. All of our ebo including paying our lowest paid employees and making sure they are raised to a livable wage too. Holistically we need to do that and we need to continue doing that if You look at the statistics of the income in the City Of Tampa. The income has increased especially over through covid significantly with people moving here with higher jobs, but the wages of the brown and Black community have not increased in that same time period. And so, this is it is what it is. I think that can help US with that. Based on the workshop that we did back in act. And You have been making small incremental changes on the land development code to allow for some of these things. I want to remind You that I brought some changes to You on affordable housing issues to which You said that You were going to support and You ultimately did not support. So I -- I am saying that in a not so delicate way so that we are doing everything he can on a policy perspective, and we workshop the items and not a silver bullet. You have to it be intentional about some of the decisions that You are making. So I am not going to relive that and tell that You I am bitter about it because it is 2023. And I am moving on, all right. But we spent an incredible amount of time to give You policies and ways to move the needle and move forward. But Council elected not to do that. You talk of inclusionary zoning, we are going to look back at bonus density.
Orlando Gudes 11:18:31AM
We talked about it.
Nicole Travis 11:18:33AM
We talk about bonus density. We talk about these things. Workshop them. Get the consent. And you need to be willing to take the leap even in an uncomfortable public setting, even when you are getting push back on it. If it was a silver bullet, Every Community would have done it and solved the challenge. Its not.
Orlando Gudes 11:18:58AM
You are talking of Aadu.
Nicole Travis 11:19:02AM
Not just Adu. I brought Affordable Housing as a specified use. Couple of other things that We brought and fully supported until it got time to the ordinance, and you guys decided not to do it. It is not just -- listen, it is 2023. We are not doing that.
Orlando Gudes 11:19:22AM
We can always revisit.
Nicole Travis 11:19:24AM
We can --
Joseph Citro 11:19:30AM
Councilman Gudes, are you finished? Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 11:19:32AM
Thank you very much. And I know you mentioned Adus. A big article in the Tampa Bay times. And it looked great until you looked at the numbers. How in the world can a 600-square-foot house cost $258,000 without the land and 800 square-foot house or adu.
Nicole Travis 11:19:55AM
Cost of construction.
Charlie Miranda 11:19:57AM
Cost 300 or some thousand. Might well rob a Bank.
Nicole Travis 11:20:01AM
We are not going to do that.
Charlie Miranda 11:20:04AM
Not you. I am not saying you guys. But 400 a square foot and about. I never seen that in a big house on a mansion on the side of a canal somewhere. But when I saw those prices and -- put the paper away.
Nicole Travis 11:20:18AM
Adus are definitely not going to solve our issue. What it will do is provide another option.
Charlie Miranda 11:20:27AM
I understand that and not bringing it up for a debate. I want you to feel happy in 2023. I brought it up because My Colleague --
Nicole Travis 11:20:40AM
I dont know if you want me to feel happy in 2023.
Charlie Miranda 11:20:44AM
Twice to build a adu than to build a house. Give me a break.
Nicole Travis 11:20:49AM
Some of the changes we brought to you. Things that are conditional use to be allowed by right. Shortens the time for Developers to go through and have this -- to make -- to make these developments happen. Developers want certainty. You will hear me say that and my mantra to 2023 as we work on our land development codes. Developers need certainty. Our community needs more units, affordable housing units, we have to give them certainty. They have to understand when enter into the development process. How long it will take. What are the requirements. What is the give and take. They dont have that level of certainty now. We will continue working through that and work on our process and do we can on the policy side and regulatory side to help you through this. This is supposed to be my happy presentation of 2023. Anyone else. Appreciate you guys and you should be proud of the allocation of $20 million for affordable housing initials tiffs. Yes, Mr. Chair.
Joseph Citro 11:21:58AM
Miss Travis, as all of US up here expressed, thank you. It thank your partner. Thank you.
Nicole Travis 11:22:08AM
We appreciate you. Thank you.
Charlie Miranda 11:22:12AM
Councilman Carlson. Part of your Committee. Move it now or move it with the rest of your Committee resolutions.
Bill Carlson 11:22:22AM
Up to you. We can move it now.
Joseph Citro 11:22:24AM
A second.
Guido Maniscalco 11:22:26AM
Second.
Joseph Citro 11:22:27AM
A motion by Councilman Carlson and seconded by Councilman Gudes. All in favor. Any opposed. Thank you. Agenda item number 3 pw 23-78734.
John Bennett 11:22:59AM
Good morning, Council. John Bennett, chief of staff. Mr. Baird gets started. I enjoy listening to public comment because, again, all that you said, it comes pure from the community. But one thing that you know each week you get a briefing. Each week you see each agenda item kind of in its own space. To postscript what Miss Travis and Mr. Drumgo did. By Council approving the job order contracting some time ago, you have increased the Bbe portion of that by 25%. That is putting a lot of money into small job processes in the city not only that, it opened an opportunity to do owner-occupied rehab when I met with Miss Travis. I said lets try this. Lets try to get out of the box and do something. You should celebrate some of the wins that dont seem to pay dividends. I want to bring one more thing to your attention is that I asked Mr. Hart -- Miss Wynn is here today and she didnt know I would stay that. Congratulations to her office listening to Council all the way when Councilman Dingfelder asked US to look a business opportunity and you put the gas on that and the mayor did the business to business and split contracts and gave more things. Because brad is going to talk in itemized form. But I will ask for Mr. Hart's office to give me the ebo basis every two weeks and do it for the aggregate. Bbe alone, $14.7 Million year to date and only in the budget for this quarter. In this agenda alone, until huh Bbe represents over $6 million which is 53% of all the ebo opportunity just going in this agenda. So, one, continuous improvement has to be continuous. We have to come up with new ideas, shelter market. Bid discounts. Having more opportunity in the community for engagement for the bid process, selection process. Im here that the public sees these agenda items one on one on one on one. Oftentimes you dont hear it and the public doesnt hear it and the aggregate how well we are supporting the growth opportunity and small businesses of color opportunities that they have not seen over time. I wanted to put that preamble Mr. Baird went.
Orlando Gudes 11:25:42AM
Mr. Chairman.
Joseph Citro 11:25:43AM
Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 11:25:47AM
People see the numbers and want to see a breakdown. Dont tell the numbers, I want to hear the breakdown. The first thing I ask -- sometimes when it is not there, I tell Brad, let US know so why it is not there. People are -- with the contract, this and that. I am glad you do that and with our housing situation, that owner-occupied rehab that that goes to there to speed that process up to get it moving with the implementation. Glad you made mention of that. Thank you.
Brad Baird 11:26:20AM
Good morning, council. Brad Baird, director of infrastructure to speak om number 3, water contract. A contract with our three low biddering. Totaling up to $34 be 4 million. For project that is part of our pipes program. I want to point out that as chief of staff just pointed out, back in September of 2019, when we approved the pipes program -- when City Council approved the pipes program the diversity, equity and inclusion was a major part and what we wanted to accomplish and opportunity as parts of the pipes program was going to be huge. These contracts, three three contracts, honestly exceeded my expectations what we were thinking back then. And I will go through the breakdown as Councilman Gudes asked me to do. The first contract with Jvs Contracting for $9.7 Million. And it is achieving ebo participation of 26.6%. Not all Black business intervice. Black bbes 9.3%. Small Business Local Enterprises, 9.2%. Asian Business Enterprise -- almost 5%, 4.96 And Hispanic business enterprise 4.5%. Dallas 1 Corporation has a goal of 21.1% Of which bb hees are 17.1. Sble 2.56. And women business enterprise, 1.44. Finally the third low bidder, rtd construction, inc. Hasebo participation goal of 21.9%. 144 Bbe, 5.4, Hpe and 5.1 Slbe. All three of these contracts have over 20% participation. I personally have never seen that in a -- in horizontal construction. I have seen that in vertical construction, but when you do the math, that is almost $7.5 Million that wasnt counted in the numbers John just gave you going to Ebo Firms and this is amazing.
Guido Maniscalco 11:29:23AM
Thank you very much, Sir. This was brought up during public comment. A lot of numbers -- big numbers coming through on the agenda and this is the first of the big numbers we are approving, but you explained specifically how it is benefiting. And numbers you have not seen. 20 plus percentage points for minority owned, black-owned, women-owned whatever it is that we are getting this piece of a pie. We say pie, equity. It is equitable. Not just the big contractors. We talk of the three lowest bids and clarify. $7 million.
Brad Baird 11:30:05AM
Almost 7.5 Million.
Guido Maniscalco 11:30:08AM
One item we are approving today and a lot more and a very good trajectory. Thank you for that.
Lynn Hurtak 11:30:19AM
I want to echo what Councilman Maniscalco said, but I also want to say what you highlighted that We havent talked about before. And this is what I like when We have asked for you all to try to increase these numbers. I love the fact that you said this is horizontal development. Which means you are getting more people on new types of jobs. And I think that -- that is what I want to commend you on today. Because expanding the types of work that We can give to local, small and minority contractors is huge. It is going -- it is going to are ripple waves. However that is said. I want to say thank you so much for that. As always, We want to -- We want to say thank you to that 20%. But I really like the fact that you highlighted the horizontal development. A new space. I love that you keep challenging yourselves to find new places that We can find this growth. So thank you.
Brad Baird 11:31:23AM
You are welcome.
Guido Maniscalco 11:31:25AM
Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 11:31:30AM
I hate that word "good-faith effort." We talked about that. I dont like that word. I am glad that -- I say this. If you tell the people up front this is where We need to be and stay firm where We need to be, We will continue to grow instead of good-faith effort. We talk about making sure We are monitoring who is doing the work and again, We talked about who should be looking and I said it from day one. If We approve it, We need to make sure that people are looking at these jobs and making sure We are not just getting a blanket number in years past and come -- nobody got the job. You heard these numbers. Nobody is there. I am not hearing it, so you thinking it is there now. Put our foot on the gas. Not good faith situation, but making sure that, hey, this council wants this to be a steadfast pace getting those numbers up there. We will appreciate it and continue to do that work.
Brad Baird 11:32:26AM
Thank you.
Joseph Citro 11:32:29AM
Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 11:32:31AM
Thank you, Brad. I dont know who is doing Armenia and Tampa Bay boulevard in this area. I went to the coffee shop the other day and friends of mine stopped me and said this guy showed US how it is done. He actually -- they were looking at it. The Gentleman -- I am sure not still an employee of the Company, whatever that Company is, actually showed them how the machine work and in awe that somebody took them the time to show them how their money is being spent and the pipe went inside the other pipe. Whoever the Company is, from all of US, thank you very much.
Brad Baird 11:33:05AM
Thank you for bringing that up. That is key witt construction. They subcontracting the pipe bursting -- I shouldnt say brand-new but a new technology and fascinating how They do that work. So thank you.
Joseph Citro 11:33:22AM
Comments or questions? Motion to move the resolution by Councilman Maniscalco. Seconded by Councilman Miranda. All in favor. Any opposed? Thank you very much.
Brad Baird 11:33:34AM
Brad Baird, deputy administrator of infrastructure addressing item 4 a change order to add $3 million to a valve installation and replacement. Contract with Rtd Construction. Perksbo participation is 6.3%. Break down to bbe at 4.15 And hbe at 2.3. Somewhat of a drop-off. I dont know if you want me to address why that drop-off. There are very good reasons. On item 3, those contracts included a lot of pipeline relocation. This contract -- and their plan worked. So you can plan for that, you know, participation and the participation is there. For item 4 and item 5, which is a similar contract, certainly not as much opportunity because primarily hydrants and valves. Not a lot of pipeline. On top of that, emergency work. And happens around the clock and on-call. For those two reasons, the numbers arent as good, but the hydrants and valves are purchased through Ebo Firms.
Joseph Citro 11:35:04AM
Anyone else? Motion by Councilman Maniscalco. Seconded by Councilman Miranda. Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 11:35:17AM
Just for the record. You see that the water meters are being replaced. Not that they run fast. That they start to run slow. The Taxpayers get a break but the other Taxpayers do not and You have to change them about every 10 or 12 years. If not, You will get a very low water bill when You used much more water. I believe that is correct.
Brad Baird 11:35:38AM
Thats correct.
Joseph Citro 11:35:40AM
Again a motion on the floor by Councilman Maniscalco. Seconded by Councilman Miranda. All in favor. Opposed. Thank you. Item number 5.
Brad Baird 11:35:55AM
Similar to item number 4, but adding $4 million for Kimmons Contracting Corps for citywide meter, hydrant and valve installation and replacement work.
Guido Maniscalco 11:36:08AM
Move the resolution.
Joseph Citro 11:36:10AM
Motion by Councilman Maniscalco. Seconded by Councilman Gudes. All in favor. Opposed. Thank you.
Brad Baird 11:36:18AM
Item number 6, I dont recall if that was moved or not. You did not, okay. Item 6 is hiring Evoqua Water Technologies for odor and control services in the amount of $7.4 Million. Includes a 16% manufacturer price escalation; however, this firm has not asked for a price escalation for five years. And the initial agreement was for five years. So that averages out to a little more than 3% a year which we felt was fair. We did a comparative analysis to other municipalities throughout the State of Florida, and we are at the low end of price for these type of services.
Joseph Citro 11:37:07AM
Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 11:37:12AM
I want to say thank You again. When I had a question and I said 16%. And You gave me that entire rationale and reasoning behind it, but, no, the point I want to make is that I appreciate that You all are doing the work when You see those price increases. And I love the fact that You even went to other municipalities to see where we were in the balance. And I just want to thank You and your team for going above and beyond making sure we are getting a Deason deal. If we are not, going out for rebids. I appreciate that. It definitely makes approving this a lot easier with no questions behind it.
Brad Baird 11:37:57AM
Thank you.
Guido Maniscalco 11:37:58AM
Move the resolution.
Joseph Citro 11:38:05AM
Thank you. A motion to move the resolution by Councilman Maniscalco. Seconded by Councilman Viera. All in favor, say aye. Any opposed? Thank you.
Brad Baird 11:38:14AM
Thank you very much.
Joseph Citro 11:38:16AM
Thank you, Mr. Baird. Agenda item number 7, file numbere 2021-8, chapter 18. Department. A continuation to give you a synopsis of our body worn camera annual report that I came before Council and presented, I believe, in August. A question of specifically the mute feature of the body-worn camera. If there was data how often that was used. I said no because the system does not specifically track that. We were asked to come up with our vendor Axon who look at that globally instead of individually with the random quality checks. Mr. Grayson from Axon with US is if you have any questions of how the process is going. We are still in the process of working that out to give US an opportunity to basically get that aggregate data rather than specific advised day that how that is used. Any specific comments from Mr. Grayson.
Joseph Citro 11:39:40AM
Councilwoman Hurtak, do you have any questions?
Lynn Hurtak 11:39:42AM
I will leave it for Mr. Gudes.
Joseph Citro 11:39:44AM
You have no questions afterwards.
Lynn Hurtak 11:39:47AM
I May.
Joseph Citro 11:39:47AM
Go ahead.
Lynn Hurtak 11:39:50AM
I am good with letting him go.
Joseph Citro 11:39:52AM
Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 11:39:55AM
This is Councilwoman Hurtak's baby, but Council might need to research as well. I did talk to high-level Sheriff Office officials in reference to this mute situation. And from what they tell me, that system can do anything and everything and get data as much as times the person -- recorded it. You record it. You stop. This system can do everything. With the mute, you say that cant be done. They are saying inaccurate. Our system is different than what the Sheriff Office is use something in. Used. Thats correct. We have an audit log. Each camera has an audit log. Anything on that particular camera can be tracked. We look at that audit log manually. We had a case, an Internal Affairs case where we pulled the audit log for one shift. It was for 30 pages. Pdf document that we have to go through every single line to see what that is is. 300 cameras if we did that with every single officer 20,000 pages of data to look through and manually complicate. So no way to get a number based on looking at those individual audit logs unless we manually go through it. What the software update is going to do is basically show US an aggregate number of videos and what percentage of those videos will have a mute function enabled in those videos. That technology does not exist now. Mr. Grayson can address it from axons perspective. Another body wore an camera provider that May have a different system. I dont have any knowledge of that. The Sheriff's Office in Hillsborough County uses Axon as well. And any specific, technical questions, He is probably the best one to answer.
Orlando Gudes 11:41:52AM
Let him answer it. Good morning, Councilmembers. Andrew Grayson. On behalf of Axon.
Orlando Gudes 11:42:08AM
Other departments say that function can be tracked and can be done. And he is saying, yes, but so long against -- you cant capture the data because it is so much. So is our system different than someone elses? Or can -- Councilman wants, can that be done? The same system that Hillsborough County sheriffs department uses. It can be tracked with a manual process that the Captain alluded to. Axon is working to automate to have performance and compliance metrics of the camera system.
Orlando Gudes 11:42:47AM
Basically to have a function to do what We want to do. The function is there and We need to update.
Orlando Gudes 11:43:00AM
It can be done, but with what we want to do, it needs to be updated.
Joseph Citro 11:43:07AM
Before I go to Councilman Carlson. How long will that take effect?
Joseph Citro 11:43:19AM
One more time?
Bill Carlson 11:43:23AM
I will leave the underlying issues to Councilwoman Hurtak. But for me transparency and communication with the public. In the Former Police Chief's report, it said that -- that, as I remember it, it said no way to do this automatically or something like that. So -- and then a reporter came out and said that is not true. We can provide the data. And then the administrations response was, no, remember, we put the word "automatic" in there so that makes the statement true. So the concern is that the Administration especially communication for TPD. Remember, we need to try -- if you remember marches a few years ago, we need to create trust with the public. You take the hard-working men and women of the Police Department putting their lives on the line every day, they deserve better communication slight communication nuances seen is detrimental to the working men and women of the Police Department and detrimental to the public in this case if the Police Chief or someone who wrote the memo say no way to do it automatically, the data exists doing it manually but the time to -- to complicate that would be very costly or something like that, it will be a lot more transparent. And in the article, to have Axon put on the spot to prove what they said is true. The simple way to resolve it is, look, we misunderstood the question. We thought an easy way to do it. And instead we went through these machinations. We need to be direct and honest with the public. Same thing going on right now. I asked a question of the violent crime rate in Tampa going up. The TPD, putting out info graphic after info graphic how it is not going up. Slicing the information that meets their narratives. The example is, one of the narratives. One of the data points is violent crime involving gun is going down. Okay. But what they are leaving out the murder rate is going up and aggravated assault is going up. Instead of trying to skew the information to somebodys political agenda, lets be honest with the public and talkwhat we are doing well and not doing well. Violent crimes with guns going down and violent crimes with a knife is going up. Lets give it to the public. Its not fair to the public. It confuses the public. It is not fair to the people putting their lives on the line every day to defend our community. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 11:46:23AM
Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 11:46:25AM
I appreciate what my colleagues have said and this is also to me an issue of transparency. It is interesting. I was on a ride-along Tuesday night with an Officer who just said how much he loves his camera. He has the special thing on the dash and gets to is somewhere maybe a car moved when he goes to address a suspect. How he is able to go back and use the video to see whether or not they are right or among. And go back and the superiors can do the same. So see how the entire department uses it and maybe different shifts would be valuable. For the public and managerial reasons. How often are we using this. Why are we using this. We can have the community conversation whether a mute feature is really good for bad for the community really all about transparency and ensure other jurisdictions is similar in similar data. Thank you. Any other comments or questions? Thank you.
Joseph Citro 11:48:07AM
Item number 8.
Chief Tripp 11:48:15AM
Good morning, council. Chief Tripp with Tampa Fire Rescue. Happy new year. Glad to see everyone. I just wanted to review the actual agenda item that was mentioned and pretty much say to provide an update report on district 7. And compliance with the public safety master plan. And I am working for one for the entire City Of Tampa, but city Councilmember Viera, I will give you an update as far as your district if that is law want.
Luis Viera 11:49:07AM
May I, Mr. Chair.
Joseph Citro 11:49:10AM
Councilman Viera.
Luis Viera 11:49:13AM
I will speak after. The intent of the motion nor for the public safety master plan as it applies to District 7. Obviously talking about the whole City Of Tampa. Inquiring what the million dollars in the budget will be spent on if you knew. And dealing with response times in new Tampa and prospects of a new station in north Tampa. And just seeing where we are at on that go into detail. Absolutely, I dont expect to you do a full presentation.
Chief Tripp 11:49:54AM
Okay. Give you an update. '19, in January before I got in this position, a new station was opened which included a fire engine, rescue transport unit, as well as area ladder. That was station 23 that was put in place. Since I have been in this position, November of 20 -- November of 2020 of course speaking to City Council, assistance in the area. We relocated some unit and put units in service with the call volume in north Tampa, 13 in a different location and able to respond in that area. We added another engine to that area to help with a call volume. A rescue call was put in making that transition. Right now we have two engines and two rescue cars coming out of station 13. The car volume has assisted as far as the multiple units. With that, and took place in March of 2021. As I looked to see what else could be done to help with the north Tampa area, the conversation and the plan was to take over fire station 11. We converted and put two transport units because as I always stated in my comments over the last couple of years, we have been running right at 90,000 calls, 80,000 medical calls. The goal is to add what is needed and that is medical response. With that being said, we converted old station 11 into -- too have two ambulance transport units coming out of there. Even though that was district 6, but backs up District 7 and District 5. Helps that north Tampa area. The call volume. The unit. Our utilization has decreased when it comes to each individual unit, okay. So to continue with District 7, in March of 2022, I received a letter memo from you concerning the heavy rescue, the rescue that was stored at supply. I had a plan with that. But because of your memo I wanted to pretty much put that in use. You are correct. Downtown Tampa was the only unit when it comes to a heavy rescue response it too 30, 40 minutes to get up there. One was needed up there. In the budget, I asked for two heavy rescue cars -- heavy rescue units. Went to Wisconsin. Did a precon. They will be here within a year. With that in service, implemented to new heavy rescue which is the mini and made changes at station 21 now. Put additional equipment on there as well as personnel to be able to use that type of equipment and to be able to respond. Increase levels of service when it comes to heavy rescue in that area. Within the last year, as I stated, we have added -- we cleaned all of the stations. All of the stations have been cleaned, even in District 7. We are repaving station 20. The pavement out there. Which is going into place this week. Next week. We -- we replaced station 21 ac system that was done in 2022. And we implemented all of our -- [Inaudible] -- truck 13, 21 and 23 and increase of services in that. As we speak now, now that we have identified some other with -- with engine 24, I need to find a station. I have been working with other departments as well as Real Estate to locate an appropriate place to put station 24. My goal is to put it in the usf area to help with that response time and based on the heat and the call volumes. That is where the area needed. With that said, I think that is pretty much an update for District 7. If you have any questions.
Joseph Citro 11:54:12AM
Councilman Viera.
Luis Viera 11:54:14AM
I -- and thank you very much for that, Chief Tripp. We also invited Tampa Fire Fighter 754 to come up. I dont know, Mr. Chairman, after you have Staples, you want them to speak as well?
Joseph Citro 11:54:32AM
Any questions or comments for Chief Tripp.
Luis Viera 11:54:34AM
I tell you what, with regards to the public safety master plan because I asked for just a status of that. And I will go through the timeline I speak after Local 754 speaks, etc. Where are we with that. I dont want you to go into the specifics of that, but a document with a -- where are we with that?
Chief Tripp 11:54:58AM
Back in 2021, we got an outside source to come into the City Of Tampa when it comes to response time. With that -- with that information that was relayed, the results of that, have allowed Me to make the changes we have made throughout the city and want something documented as far as the master plan I have been worked on and all of this is coming out of that master plan. I can finalize my master plan and provide it to the entire council.
Luis Viera 11:55:25AM
I appreciate that -- sorry, maam, were you --
Chief Tripp 11:55:30AM
I can bring that to The Entire Council.
Luis Viera 11:55:34AM
Guilt through the history of what council is requested on that for all of US including yourself first and foremost, the sense of great certainty for this. My idea on this was to see where all of our deficits are at for all of the City Of Council. Began this council with looking at east Tampa and gudes dealt with a lot there. And east Tampa, we have been talking about it for two and a half to three years now. To have one report that we can look at -- I believe the Tampa Police Department does this and one report that we can see all of our -- and plan to remedy those deficits. Talk of a monetary plan, whether it is more revenue, whatever it May be to talk about those citywide deficits. When I look through all of our City Of Tampa, obviously not just north of new Tampa, but water street. And serious issues that are there. We see on west shore, continuing needs there. West Tampa, a lot of work force housing being built there. South of gandy. I know Councilman Carlson talked a lot about that and that will be coming up. A comprehensive report to make the policy decision with the Mayor and deficits and have them reach them. That is kind of what I am looking for, but I appreciate it.
Chief Tripp 11:56:54AM
I have no problem getting in this position and how things took place. I was giving nothing. So pretty much I am starting from scratch. Over the last year and a half, I have been able to accumulate a lot of the area and stuff and where the needs are. Pretty much I have been working with all of the departments with Chief Of Staff to make sure we get something implemented. If you want an actual document. I have no problem with one from the entire council what I am working on, and the plan for Tampa Fire Rescue on this position.
Luis Viera 11:57:27AM
Yes, maam, I appreciate that. I want US to make the Public policy decision with the Public to talk of the economic bridge to get to revenue or Public safety deficit. I think the Public deserves to know where the deficits are at and how much it will cost to remedy those deficits a very, very issue this terms of transparency an financial bridges to get to where the needs are. I will speak more after 754, but thank you.
Joseph Citro 11:57:53AM
Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 11:57:55AM
Chief, thank you for the report. Just like -- just like you called me and talk to me 37 I talked to Union Presidents to hear their concerns. Everyones concerns. And it is a balance. It is a balance. You got a new president now. Its over there. You have a new Fire Chief. So he has a plan. You come in. You got a plan. Because any manager of team takes over. They bring some ideas and everybody has an idea. So I am hoping that you and him get together to get the ideas out there for what is best for all of our fire fighters. When talk of the call volume, We put those two rescue cars up there. The city is growing. I am glad you talked about -- still -- the calls are still growing and put the units and get another station to help out. Because that volume will increase in the area with the building going on. So I am glad you did kind of talk about that. And, again, the master plan, looking at -- looking at ways to look at the whole city as a whole. I am appreciative of that. Because I always say downtown and channelside. We get a major issue. I dont think We have the apparatus to do what We need to do. I am very afraid of that. Hopefully in the master plan We can incorporate and Mr. Viera will get a bond. And I look at station 10. A dump. Its old. Some of these stations are old and need to be fixed up around the city. Port Tampa. South Tampa where Mr. Carlson is at. This Council needs to approve money. Public Safety is number one. Especially when you are talking about peoples lives. And the police are important, but I tell you that fire rescue car and that fire is very important to get it to the people. And I am sure this Council will give you and what you need to be successful. So I am looking forward to the master plan. I know you talk about the radios and the cast system. That is coming forward and hopefully We will have that in front of Council for the couple of weeks or months because its been a long time coming from that. And will be glad to hear of the report. That is something that I was passionate about back in 2020 when We talked about the system. Again, you realize that system does not work, is not compatible, and you did the research to find the finest system thats going to work, so hopefully well get that sooner rather than later and you will be happy with that. So again I do want to applaud you, because there are a lot of issues. You are the boss now, so trying to figure your way, and again youve got the Union, so hope We can still mesh together and get it all worked out so everybody can be happy and We have a great team. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 12:00:39PM
Councilman Carlson.
Bill Carlson 12:00:40PM
You and I had along conversation yesterday, the day before, and I have a lot of confidence in your ability to handle this and strategize about it, and You seem to have a very good plan in your head. I am looking forward to seeing You present to the everyone. Constituents at this city are frustrated because for years there was a focus on investing in downtown and the rest of the city to some extent was ignored, and they want to know why they are not getting the resources they need. And this affects a lot of different areas. And We, City Council, have been waiting for several years for a city-wide sidewalk plan, city-wide mobility plan, which includes roads which people want, city-wide Parks plan, they want to know why the benches are falling apart and why the roads are almost impassable with their cars are breaking, and they want to know why what happened a couple weeks ago someone passed away, the allegation in the community was it was not -- a truck was not able to get there fast enough. Whether thats true or not somebody else will decide. We all know in this area We need more investment and We need more coverage, and You believe that. There are limited dollars, and as my colleague Charlie Miranda says, We are going to lose the cit money which really scares me because We need more investment in Public safety, not less. I want to thank my colleague Councilman Viera for proposing a city-wide Public safety plan. Thats exactly what We need. We need with all of these city-wide plans to be able to go to the Public and say that the plans and priorities are not just the deficits, but also the priorities were set by Public input, but also by an objective standard. The Union also, a couple years ago, I think Mr. Greco or somebody presented the gps study which they had done, and I hope You utilize that as well. The issue is that We need to be able to tell the Public that solutions are coming, but if the response time in one area is 15 minutes and response time in another area is 20 minutes, We need to be able to tell them, We want to solve that 10 minute problem but We need to solve the 20 minute problem first. So different parts of the city will understand they might need to sacrifice for a little longer if someone in my district says, why is it that theres a pot hole every other foot on my street and We all pay a lot of taxes, why is that happening? Its not enough to tell them that the road repair budget is every seven years, they want to know when in the rotation they are going to be. So on fire safety, We desperately need more coverage in south Tampa. We can each make political play, and rally people to defend our areas and try to get US a high priority. I think what everybody understands is the Public is an objective standard; so I hope when You come back that You will show equity throughout the city, and south Tampa has to be included there, too. South of gandy as they come before US has a lot more density than they used to have. The rest of south Tampa has a lot more density, many thousands more people living there. When You talk to the Firefighters, theres just not enough people to cover, especially the one unit You and I talked about is also a marine unit. I went with them out to the boat, and if they are out on the boat, it takes a lot longer to respond. You understand that. Theres a space in port Tampa thats on your long-term list to maybe reactivate. I know one station You May be looking to put a rescue car. Just putting rescue cars in would be a lot better because if You have to take a ladder truck to go to an overdose or heart attack, it makes it a lot more complicated and puts wear and tear on trucks that are already too old. So I want to support You. The only thing I ask is that You work with the Union and their data with the gps and everything and that You come back to US with an equitable objective plan so We can go to the Public and say yes, We are going to provide more services and here is the timeline for when We are going to do it. Thank You.
Joseph Citro 12:04:50PM
Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 12:04:52PM
My colleagues Carlson and Gudes alluded to, when you look at what we are facing, whoever sits in these seven chairs the next election is going to have the last bite of the apple for the community investment tax, but that apple, first bite starts with the coming '23-24 budget, because in there is where you are going to have the step forward, either move or stay exactly where you are at. And you have another problem that hasnt been mentioned. Its not only the lack of but the traffic situation that we have now where you used to take ten minutes, now May take a unit 15 or 20 minutes, because it is impossible to move around the city, because we are growing. And these are the things that bring up some delay, not only the need for expansion to make sure you have the coverage according to the statistics that are necessary for the Fire Department and Police Department to do. Going back to the budget item, the public doesnt understand, doesnt know to understand, because its not publicized enough, that even in this years budget, if you collected all the money from ad valorem taxes, and you apply it to the police and fire, you are still 25, almost $26 million short of funding the people that we need to do the work for the city. So those are things that it has to be addressed. And its imperative that we have every city to have great response time, great police coverage, wonderful people working. Those that dont die out, because people dont want to live where they feel threatened by themselves if they dont have the opportunity to save someones life. But the men and women of both the Fire Department and Police Department are always number one in our case anyway. So these are the things that are needed and I think the Administration thinks the same way. But its not only the seven, its the whole city now because you have growth of 14, 18% all over the city, and those are the things that are -- we have to keep up with the times, and the time is now. It cant be tomorrow, because tomorrow will be too late. Got one more bite at the apple. If you are looking at your watch, it is the end. Thank you very much.
Joseph Citro 12:07:17PM
Other comments?
Luis Viera 12:07:20PM
Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. And a couple of things, I wanted to make sure its clear. This report when it applies to seven is only on the million dollars.
Charlie Miranda 12:07:30PM
I understand that.
Luis Viera 12:07:31PM
And thats actually why I proposed a public safety master plan so that we wouldnt deal with districts going, you know, maybe new Tampa says, hey, four out of the six longest response stations are in 33647 and maybe south of gandy or west Tampa or somewhere has a more acute need, lets base it on objective facts throughout our city, and without need of politics. And for Chief Tripp, let me ask you, with regards to that, I guess it is in February that we continued it to, is that enough time for you? Because let me ask, you are saying now we can be in writing. Is this something that Tampa Fire Department is going to be doing or is there a consultant or a contractor retained for it? Because, in other words, do you need more time, until March? Because my original motion a year two, years ago, was it to be presented in March of each year. So I am asking you now, do you need more time --
Chief Tripp 12:08:25PM
I can give you the master plan of what I have and what I would like to see for Tampa Fire based on the results that we got from that study. It all depends on -- so I hear every one of you all. I just have to make a statement. What I inherited is something that wont be able to be taken care of over 24 hours, okay. Now, I inherited a history of over 127 years of a department that in my opinion I think in 25 years that have been behind times. I feel like we are ten years behind. I have equipment thats front line, thats 1992. Thats totally unacceptable. Okay. My rescue cars, five-year front line, five-year reserve, ten years they should be gone. I have vehicles that are now 12 years old that are front line. Okay. Thats what Chief Tripp has been working on day and night, okay. So I hear you. When I got in this position, I got in here to try to make a difference and to help the fire department, okay. Personnel, since I have been in this position, 104 firefighters, 104 firefighters, I got 23 more coming on. I am still down another 50 employees. Okay. I cant put units in places write dont have the seats for them -- the people to fill the seats, okay. Not only that, since I have been in this position, not to mention covid, we have had a back order on equipment. So our rescue cars that are pretty much outdated, out of service, its a 24-month delay to even get a chassis. I ordered 15 rescue cars last year. Okay. I only have two. Two just came in. I have another three thats planning on coming in right about April or May of next year. Keeping my fingers crossed. The other ten, they havent even started building yet. So theres nothing, when you sit here and say we need to get this done, I agree with you. I go back to Councilman Carlson, I was stationed at station 15, okay. When I went back, my daughter is 22 years old. For that to be the only rescue car thats in south Tampa, and as much as south Tampa, south of gandy has grown, to me thats totally unacceptable. That has been on my list since I have been in this position. But once again I got to get butts to put in seats. That is in my head. Thats what I have been working on these last two years to try to get this done. Every chance I get, I hire. Every chance I get I pretty much taxed the Hr Department, you know, because we need to open it up again, im interviewing. I got an interview going on now. So when it comes to putting equipment, just like I told Councilmember Carlson, my plan is definitely to put a unit down there because its overdue. But I have to put butts in the seats efficiency and the first quarter of this year. Not to mention I have other places to put butts in the seats because we need it all over. We are behind. So with that, when you ask or demand all of this, just make sure you take that into consideration. Personnel, equipment. I know the number one object here as well, but personnel and equipment. If the Manufacturers cannot make a rescue car or truck, I cant do nothing about it. When I say motor vehicles thats outdated, engines, rescue cars, especially units, my head of rescue just order, I believe, is 12 years old. The ladder thats down here, I think its 10, 12, going on 15 years. So its a lot of equipment, in my opinion, that has not been taken care of in order to get to this point where we need to. Im working on it.
Luis Viera 12:12:32PM
If I May. And thats why it actually supports my question, which is the original motion was for March. Do you want more time to present this to maybe, a New Consultant, a Contractor? Thats why I am asking, do you need more time given these many issues? Just making sure.
Joseph Citro 12:12:53PM
Councilman Gudes. Going to Councilman Maniscalco first.
Guido Maniscalco 12:12:59PM
First a motion to extend to 12:30. Second.
Joseph Citro 12:13:06PM
Seconded by Councilman Miranda. 1230 it is.
Guido Maniscalco 12:13:08PM
Thank You very much. And You said it. You dont have the bodies of the You have outdated equipment. You dont have enough. I mean, You are trying to do your best with what limited ability there is here. And when You are talking about equipment from 1992, You are eligible for an antique license plate in the State of Florida and thats unacceptable when You are talking about when seconds counts, You need to be there. We cant have situations where there is not a quick enough response time, because theres the inability to do so. So some of that was brought up, and a concern of mine is the cit. Expires and its right around the corners. I dont know if thats going to be renewed. I am always hope if You but its got to be a County Initiative and I dont know whats going to happen. I remember reading that in 1987 maybe, under the Freeman Administration, it was to hire more police officers, I think. I dont know what the options are, but You are saying that You are short staffed. You are saying that You are short staffed of equipment, and outdated equipment, and the Manufacturers arent making it quick enough. We have to look it a You will a options. When it comes to public safety, We cant mess around with it. Its delayed enough. And You are here trying to work with the catching up with that. We need to look at all options and see how We catch up, because the city is growing very, very quickly, and We need to improve the quality of service. So whatever We can do to help You, We will help You. But We have to look at all the avenues, and how to fund that and move forward. Thank You.
Orlando Gudes 12:14:51PM
Chief, with the equipment, is there only a certain number of companies that make it? Or I think there are Rescue Units of certain style that we use making the backlog?
Chief Tripp 12:15:09PM
The problem is the chassis. Any chassis. I dont care what plan, vehicle, model, whatever, its the chassis, in order to get these built. We actually moved to another company closer to Florida, and one in Florida, thats in winter park, for a couple of reasons. A little bit cheaper, economic, and its local. Okay. Same problem. So what do we do? The one here or the one in Ohio, its still on the chassis.
Orlando Gudes 12:15:40PM
Is in the ocala, too, driving these fire trucks down here?
Chief Tripp 12:15:45PM
That is the one thats making rescue cars. They do engines but the one we are dealing with is in the winter park area.
Orlando Gudes 12:15:54PM
The last thing, in your master plan when we talk about the response time from the units at the Hospital, in reference to pinellas and other places, that the Rescue Units, they drop the Patient off, they are not waiting there, and the Hospital is not taking responsibility, or to look at our response time, our systems to get back into service?
Chief Tripp 12:16:17PM
The only problem We are going to have with that, I can try to put some information in there but when it comes to the Hospital We cant tell the Hospital to take these this Patient. There have been conversations but with Covid, They didnt have the resource there is to receive the patients. It has gotten better. I can tell you that, it has gotten better. We actually have more or less a 45 minute wait time at the hospitals, and if the unit is not available They have to respond and let US know why They are not available, and get in touch with Management at the Hospital, say hey, whats the holdup? And They will tell US or try to release our units as quick as possible.
Orlando Gudes 12:16:53PM
Thank you.
Joseph Citro 12:16:53PM
Anyone else? Lets go with Local 754, the new president. Good afternoon, council. City Staff. Those listening in. I am Nick Stocco, the union president of 754 Tampa Firefighters. I apologize in advance for reading this to you all, speaking before council is somewhat new to me, and english is note my first language. I would like to take a few minutes of your time to speak on this motion. Originally this motion was made by Councilman Viera in early 2020 for a public safety master plan for fire rescue. Additionally 24 motion was to have a yearly status report. Since that motion Local 754 has presented a gis study on emergency services responsibility capabilities analysis. This 135-page document was given to all City Council, City Staff, and the administration over two years ago. The study used data from City Of Tampa cad system which is a computer aided dispatch to Tampa Fire Rescue for resources and or personnel. On March 25th, 2021, Gfr Administration presented in council chambers the state of Tampa Fire Rescue. The administration spoke on how far behind we are with regards to a rat US and the life expectancy, our technology, and the communication system to include avls, with I is automatically vehicle locaters and a shortage of station personnel at that time. 17 engines were beyond life expectancy, six of which are front lines, 17 rescues were beyond life expectancy, 5 of which were front line, two ladder trucks were beyond life expectancy, one of which was front line. It has been years since Tfr has had an operational abo and the Fire Chief is currently working on rfps to get our department back into the 21st century with technology. Over the last 60 years the City Of Tampa has grown significantly, and in that time frame Tfr has not added any additional fire stations to the city proper. We have a sheet here that we would like to show.
Joseph Citro 12:19:20PM
Can we have the overhead, please? Can you all see it? To give you a little perspective, in 2010 Tfr responded 66,960 calls for service. In 2022 Tfr responded to 92,056 calls for service. Thats almost a 50 percent increase. The lions share of these calls are coming from the inside boundary of Tampa city proper. Fire Station 25 housing two rescue units. Initially this station was presented as an engine and rescue station. The two rescue units were converted from peak units to full time units and relocated from other areas of the city, 712. While the areas surrounding area Station 25 got two rescues, the city did not gain any additional units. Water street is booming. 9 million square feet of mixed use property into one urban space. The gis study in 2020 indicates that this would double the sizes of downtown tampas skyline and the number of high-rises. The currents downtown fire station, station 1, houses the third busiest Engine Company, the fifth busiest rescue company, and the busiest Lad Or Truck Company in the city was just mentioned to be 15 years old. Is Tfr cable of meeting the demands of a city this size itself? Speaking on Chief Tripp's comments of making ladder truck companies and als or advanced, it is a decade behind overdue, and thank you, chief. However, equipped vehicles do not alleviate response times. Water street is not the only area in Tampa being redeveloped, midtown, Gas Worx, Westshore, Westshore gandy, just to name a few. This is why a public safety master plan is critical to identify public safety needs of our rapidly growing city. As we just heard, Developers are developing. Is public safety? The studies have been done, and now its time to put a plan in action. The city is growing and our Fire Department should be growing at the same rate to keep up with demand. The longer we wait, the further we will be behind. Lets implement the program. Just yesterday Tfr responded in new Tampa reports of a Pediatric Patient with traumatic injury. The closest Engine Company was 13 minutes away and the responding rescue company or ambulance was 17 minutes away. At the same time Atfr rescues were waiting transfer at the local emergency room. This is a Wednesday at 2 pm. New Tampa is not the only area where we are seeing long responses. As you have seen recently in the news, we are seeing the same long response times in the south Tampa area. Some May say when you need an ambulance, its quicker to get an uber. In closing, we have got to do the right thing, not just for the citizens of Tampa but for members of Local 754 that service this great city. If its finances, get creative. You can replace money but you cant replace lives. Now lets start saving some lives. Thank you. Im available for any questions.
Joseph Citro 12:23:11PM
Thank you. Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 12:23:13PM
Thank you for this. And I agree with you, and I am thrilled that you are working with the Chief to do as much as you can. When it comes to funding, one of the things that I have heard talked about, and I think we need to bring up again, is a Public Safety Team. I think -- I dont think Developers are going to have a huge issue with the fact that they are bringing in more people. I mean, how else, when the cit. Goes away, what else can you do? And that May be something that we should really take a closer look at. Thats just where I would like to come with that because that would be a continuous, as long as we are having development, redevelopment, that would be continuous flow of funds.
Joseph Citro 12:24:11PM
Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 12:24:12PM
Chief, You heard what the Union has said, and You pretty much talked about a lot of what the President has said. Manpower is key to some of the things You are talking about. You try to get the body. We talked about the back order of the car, You are trying to get those in, too. The master plan, I think thats going to be key. I think for me I talked about from day one, I dont know if the city can do this, I dont know if there can be something that says You so We can add a rescue car in that area to respond. I dont know if We can do that or not, if it would be a question, May come back and make a motion, with all these new buildings going up, that other northern cities have, I mean, thats another way of probably captivating some dollars to help that Developer, or some type of incentive to put in certain areas. I think thats key. I say from day one, We have to start doing that, and maybe other parts of the city, building all this stuff, hey, can We get a proportion of those buildings to increase what We need the rescue times? We talked about the hospitals, the big thing, You talk about the hospitals, a conversation again with You and Tampa General, and to the hospital to see, what can We do, 45 minutes is too long to be sitting at the hospital. Its a long time. And again, We cant control how they do but maybe what We can do, because that is a long time. Get those units moving. So maybe thats a conversation You can have with the hospitals and see how We can fix that a little better. You mentioned already, You got covid, a lot of these things We talked about already. Its not like You aint diagnose the work. We just got to be able to get it implemented and get the dollars and cents to do what We need to do. I think We are both on the same page. We just have to get it done somehow, and this Council is helping to get it done. You all are saying the same exact things, and You have got a plan, but again what can You do, if they dont have chassis to get it to US, You know. So I dont know if We can go so place else. I downtown know. But again You all are saying the same things. We have to work together to get it done. Well help do that. Thank You.
Charlie Miranda 12:27:09PM
Congratulations for being the leader of 754. Its imperative that any city that is growing keeps up with the demand for fire and police, because if you dont, the public loses confidence in that city. The public, number one, any city, the Fire Department and the Police Department, no matter what cities you are in, its paramount that we do that. And I believe this Council, and hopefully other councils in the future will continue to work on this problem to solve the situation that you are in, all of US are in. You are in it. We are in it, too. Its know it that we are against you or you against US. Everybody is in the same room and thats behind the 8-ball, because we havent had the opportunity to catch up. And the district that we talked about all the city, but just east of US, is one that needs service as lot because you have a lot of tall buildings, a lot of information, a lot of people living there in this area, and if something goes, we cant think about it happening, because of the proximity of the closeness of all the buildings. These are the things that we have 20 look at and its up to this Council, this Mayor toy try to work it out in it next upcome budget but at least open the door. Its going to take years. It aint going to be one year or two years. Its going to take some time to get it done but I am hope influence we can do what is necessary for the people, because we take care of the equipment, and the men and women in the Fire Department. We take care of the citizens, we take care of everybody. Thanks very much for what you have done in it past, the firefighters, what you are going to do as a leader.
Luis Viera 12:28:57PM
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And Nick, a great speech and whatnot. You know, whether or not you and the Chief are on the same page, I think, really bears the tall view and then we have what is coming in February, and I think thats whats really critical, and we have the 754 study in the absence of anything else in writing, thats what I go with. And something thats really important, somebody from the Union mentioned to me thats so important that study is precovid. So when you take a look at numbers, maybe even in the last nine months, its not what we typically see in Tampa, and as people get out and 95% of people maybe have, numbers are going to continue and change with regards to public safety responses, et cetera. I sense in you, and seeing you today, and as I always see you, a great sense of passion, and urgency. And I have shared that 110%, that urgency. You are said the developers are developing. Its public safety thats a big question. We dealt with public safety impact fees. If we can do them, I support them 110%. We have to have a discussion on potentially revenue and other sources for this. This is a need. All of our City Of Tampa supports our firefighters and our police officers, virtually all of the city does, and people have to take a look at other revenue sources that are reasonable and limited, et cetera. Such as that, I think 99% of people would support that because people support our First Responders. But I want to thank you so much for all the hard work it took to put all that information together, and God bless you.
Joseph Citro 12:30:38PM
Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 12:30:45PM
Mr. Massey, we asked about a safety impact tax, I cant recall, did we finish the finality on that?
Morris Massey 12:30:57PM
Council made several motions a couple years ago about the possibility of imposing a public safety impact fee. Our office, I provided a report to Council saying that is legally possible, but the Florida Legislature had certain requirements we have to meet, so we have to do an analysis, you cant just impose it of the you have to go through a hearing process. It cant happen overnight. So theres a fine process in state law, and thats where the report stood, and one time, I think things stalled at that point in time.
Orlando Gudes 12:31:35PM
So scheduled it. All right, take another look at that then.
Joseph Citro 12:31:39PM
Anything else? I am going to have the last word. And with that growth they still utilize our services. So if it isnt going to happen overnight, We work overnight fthats What We have to do on the inside We are going to work and whatever it is. Available. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 12:32:08PM
Anyone else? Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 12:32:10PM
My Office will work on a motion to bring that back, take a look at it again, see what we can do. Because if its a long road, then we need to get it started.
Joseph Citro 12:32:21PM
Chief, coming back on February 23rd? Was that your motion?
Chief Tripp 12:32:38PM
Can I say one other word? I just happened to hear about a motion being passed in 2020 to do a yearly master plan. So my apologies ididnt Know anything about that. If this was something that was done in -- what month it was.
Luis Viera 12:32:54PM
That was originally brought up. I think in February of 2020. But, yeah, before your time.
Chief Tripp 12:33:04PM
I just want to make sure it wasnt something I was supposed to do because I didnt hear anything about a master plan to be presented to Council.
Luis Viera 12:33:11PM
Thats what I was saying, about three years. So thank you.
Martin Shelby 12:33:15PM
Do you need a motion, Madam Clerk? Demand Viera? Did you need February?
Luis Viera 12:33:33PM
[Off microphone]
Joseph Citro 12:33:36PM
Thank you, Mr. Viera. Chief Tripp, thank you very much inform what you did today. This is going to take a collaborative effort from a lot of people. We have cad, which you can take it., We are going to have to look at the industries which supply the fire trucks, we are going to have to look at a lot of different things. I would like to see the ratio of population to firefighter, Fire Rescue, we are going to need more staff. Thats already been said. We can have all the brand new buildings we want, all the brand new Fire Rescue trucks we want, but again, as Chief Tripp said, we need butts in the seats. City Of Tampa is very unique. Our population doubles each and every day, seven in the morning to seven pm. So its not only the citizens of Tampa that we need to keep safe with fire and police. But also the people coming in from pasco, polk, hernando, manatee, sarasota county, pinellas, that come here every day to work. I am looking forward to your report, Chief Tripp and I am looking forward to hearing also from 754 on how we can make this fire department better. But without this report, we dont know how to budget ourselves to make sure that we can handle that. Chief Tripp, thank you very much. Nick, thank you and your staff very much for being here today.
Luis Viera 12:35:09PM
So I motion if I May for February 23rd, 2023 for Tampa Fire Rescue and Local 754 to come, Tampa Fire Rescue to come with a written report on the public safety master plan. I would also request if possible obviously to get it before sufficient time for Local 754 to review to be able to prepare, and that both sides be able to speak. Chief, again, I will say this again, if you need more time to March, I say this publicly, let me know, please. Thats fine, obviously. Because we want something in writing, and consultants need to be taken, lets do it. Thank you. And thats it.
Joseph Citro 12:35:48PM
Motion by Councilman Viera, seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor? Any opposed? Without objection, we are in recess until 1:30. [ recess [sounding gavel]
Joseph Citro 1:32:30PM
Tampa City Council is back in session. Roll call. [Roll call]
The Clerk 1:32:37PM
We have a physical quorum.
Joseph Citro 1:32:42PM
Thank you. Now, I believe we are at agenda item number 12.
Ocea Wynn 1:33:02PM
Item 12 speaks of the Cal Ripken Grant regarding the badges for baseball program. I provided a memo and wanted to know what additional questions I can answer for you.
Joseph Citro 1:33:20PM
Comment or questions? Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 1:33:34PM
Thank you for bringing this information back to US. I guess there were a lot of questions in reference to the Program, over in the spring hill area, and I guess this all started because of the lighting, equipment, and for the publics knowledge can you tell a little bit about the Program? What is it designed to do? So the public understands -- the right-of-way, and for lighting and so forth,.
Ocea Wynn 1:34:10PM
Yes, sir, I will be glad to. The lighting or maintenance, infrastructure part of the program, we are going to separate that out from the actual Cal Ripken Foundation when we talk about the maintenance, the infrastructure of that piece of it, that falls within the Parks and Recreation oversight. So I dont wants anyone to think that funding should be used for something that it is not.
Orlando Gudes 1:34:37PM
Correct.
Ocea Wynn 1:34:39PM
The way the program works, the Cal Ripken Foundation provides an avenue for a funding level for equipment, for sports. We dont receive any tangible funding. What we do is we provide a list of what we need for location. We give that, almost like shopping on amazon, we provide that to them, and then they send it to US. So in 2019, we did not receive any funding, or we did not utilize this program. In 2021 -- or 2020 we didnt do anything because of covid, because of the pandemic. In 2021, we were allocated a funding level up to $10,000. However, the equipment amount that was used for that year, was purchased for that year, was for $2300. It was $2300 because we are coming off of the pandemic, and the way the program works, we have had so many kids in the program, and that comb and services the equipment. We didnt have that number of kid so thats why we did not use all of the $10,000. In 2021, we received a Grant funding up to $5,000, and in that particular year -- im sorry, I said 2021. That was 2022, up to $5,000, but we only had $4200, part of that $5,000. And we are currently on track to receive an additional funding Grant amount for 2023 as well.
Orlando Gudes 1:36:26PM
So the Grant is based on participation?
Ocea Wynn 1:36:34PM
Its based on participation. Yes, Sir, it is. I dont know what else --
Orlando Gudes 1:36:40PM
To say, well, the money is based on participation, and you dont have the kid, you dont get $5,000. I understand that. Its the gist to make sure to explain to the public in reference to the maintenance of the facility, thats the Parks and Recreation department, and this Grant is for other assets to be used for equipment and so forth.
Ocea Wynn 1:37:05PM
And the additional point I would like to make, because I heard that there were questions about it was a police program. And we reached out to the Cal Ripken Foundation. We wanted to hear from the people regarding the Grant funding, and its for any -- any first responder, anyone who carries a badge. The purpose of the program is to provide a mentoring for individuals with badges, in a positive way, with these kids, so its not just police, it could be first responders, it could be Code Enforcement, sworn, carry a legitimate badge, then you are eligible to mentor these kids through the program.
Orlando Gudes 1:37:50PM
I have no further questions, Mr. Chairman.
Joseph Citro 1:37:54PM
Any other questions? No offense to you, Ms. Wynn, but I was hoping to see Ms. Hills here and wish her a happy birthday. Happy birthday.
Ocea Wynn 1:38:07PM
Thats why you dont see her here. [ laughter
Joseph Citro 1:38:12PM
But its good to see you, Ms. Wynn.
Ocea Wynn 1:38:16PM
Thank you so much.
Orlando Gudes 1:38:18PM
Mr. Shelby, I know we have a timeline, to receive the documents.
Joseph Citro 1:38:28PM
Already signed and done.
Orlando Gudes 1:38:30PM
Thank you.
Joseph Citro 1:38:33PM
Agenda item number 15. And I believe Mr. Bhide is going to be with US on cmt? There he is.
Vik Bhide 1:39:03PM
Good afternoon, chair, Vik Bhide, director, Mobility department, here to address item 15. Item 15 is a motion by Councilman Gudes related to accommodating our city clerks office and their staff during night meetings with a parking facility close to city hall. And a memo was submitted. We did reach out to the office and found a solution on franklin street, adjacent -- a block from this building, and the memo was I am happy to answer any questions at this time.
Joseph Citro 1:39:47PM
Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 1:39:50PM
[Off microphone] you know, sometimes Our Clerk Parks way down the street, and We got out late, late sometimes, and I want to make sure they are safe in their travels. And I am glad to accommodate them now, that We have a spot for them during nighttime. Thank you, Sir.
Joseph Citro 1:40:15PM
Do other council members have any questions? Agenda item number 16. Mr. Bhide.
Vik Bhide 1:40:21PM
Thank you, chair and Council. Vik Bhide, director of Mobility department. Item 16 also motion by Councilman Gudes relates to the fort brooke garage, the wait list associated with it and the potential to accommodate staff that work downtown in city parking facilities. A memo to that effect has been submitted. Really that highlights our current wait list is over 800 for fort brooke garage. Its a very high demand. But theres some, as the memo shows, challenges associated with it as well, specifically the location of the high demand location, of course, the limited barriers, to remain on the wait list, and finally, particularly in fort brooke garage, some of the larger businesses take up a lot of spaces, which is, you know, what We are suggesting, We will be bringing to Council for review a significant change to chapter 15, one of which will include better management of the wait list process itself. So one will be a cost associated for remaining on the wait list on a periodic basis. The other will be that the wait list will time out after a certain time, so that they get on the wait list and they are there for years. This does require code change and that will be forthcoming. Finally, as far as accommodating our team members, and of course We have so many team members in the downtown area, city employees, that use parking facilities, of course. So We are committed to accommodating them in city parking facilities. However, We cannot prioritize them. This is also included in the language as part of -- which is negotiated. I would like to highlight that as part of the recent contract negotiation, We did provide, or The City did provide some assistance for the cost of parking which is over and above as compared to other employees at other facilities but parking is free. At this time I will be happy to take any questions.
Joseph Citro 1:43:04PM
Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 1:43:07PM
Thank you for the reported. I was surprised when I saw that memo was greater than what was first indicated. I guess for r for me its making sure that Employees are late to work because they cant find a parking space. I didnt see the report. I should have asked yesterday. Do we lease out spaces in our parking garage to other entities? Is that part of this problem as well?
Vik Bhide 1:43:31PM
We dont lease out as much as whether you are a Person or an organization, for spaces within the garage. They are not treated differently. But the issue is there are limited spaces.
Orlando Gudes 1:43:51PM
Could possibly once a year, possibly bring a change in code to US that We look at the number of Employees who are actually utilizing our garages and so forth, that way We make sure that We have adequate spaces, or that We look at that list, and so We block off so many, or give them a time frame, parking or what have you, give them a way to make sure they can have a space closer to their workplace versus somebody that might be parking in ybor and they are parking still in downtown here. If you can look at that as well as a possibility. How many Employees utilize the parking spaces here, and that We put on a number saying We have this cap this year, what We have provided spaces for our Employees, our team members.
Vik Bhide 1:44:39PM
Absolutely, yes, sir. The Management will be a part of our recommendation, and that will be the goal.
Orlando Gudes 1:44:47PM
Thank you. I appreciate your report.
Joseph Citro 1:44:49PM
Any other comments or questions? Thank you, Mr. Bhide. Lets go to -- im sorry, Councilman Carlson.
Bill Carlson 1:44:56PM
I just want to ask Vik, when we talk about land use a lot, we talk about how people dont need parking anymore, and people who are predicting a future a few years ago thought by now we would have autonomous vehicles that would be operating like Uber and nobody would need carriages and not need our parking garage and talking about converting parking garages to apartments and condos. That seems to be 10 or 20 years off now, and you said we have a listing list of 800 people. He know in the past, because my company was in the building across the street for almost 30 years, that parking garage is seen as an economic engine, that whole Quadplex was built as an economic driver in downtown, and it seems to be me that there must be a case for more parking and also adjusting the pricing. I notice we adjusted the pricing a couple of years ago. But isnt there a case for more parking in some way, and would it make sense -- I am not suggesting this but would it make sense at some point to look at selling that parking garage to the owners of the building and then building a parking garage somewhere else? I notice years ago, maybe 20 years ago now, that parking garage, the City took that parking garage from 6 floors to 10 so that increased the capacity dramatically, but its still full all the time. Anyway, lets talk about how we dont have a parking problem, we have a walking problem. I dont agree with that because we live in Florida, and we have thunderstorms every day, and getting somebody to walk all the way to skypoint or to pam iorio garage is not reasonable, I think, in the hot sun or rain. And so we should be able to provide parking for Businesses downtown, and we need to try to figure out, encourage Businesses to come back to downtown, and provide parking for them. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 1:47:00PM
Other comments or questions? Vik, go ahead.
Vik Bhide 1:47:03PM
Those are good points, Councilman. A couple of things. Downtown Partnership, as you are aware, invested a very comprehensive study, parking in the downtown. So along with the walking problem, which is certainly debatable home blocks is it reasonable to walk, no doubt about that. But we also, that study found, adequate spaces for today and near future needs with transportation to multi-mod ale. The challenge is that public parking spaces are only one third of downtowns inventory. But two-thirds of the inventory. So when we look at the overall capacity of parking available, from a land management standpoint, rather than investing in assets for parking, there are opportunities to park -- and conversations with the Downtown Partnership. The first part of the land management, of course, was what we did a couple of years back, which was adjust rates and get them a little closer to where we can operate the enterprise adequately, and we are. We are doing very well, especially as compared to three years ago, then the other aspect of it is to fix the on-street versus off-street inequities that have existed. That has also helped. But those efforts are underway. We have already seen a couple of late adjustments, and a third point to come up in a year, and then well look at land management aspect as well. As far as conversion of garages to use for apartments or something else, its a little bit harder for parking garages because their load requirements are actually lesser than those of a residential or office building. So those conversions arent easy unless a facility is built to be something more than a garage and transition to it over time. So I just wanted to add that. And we are looking at all options.
Joseph Citro 1:49:24PM
Councilwoman Hurtak, do you have anything?
Lynn Hurtak 1:49:29PM
Yes. Thank you for that. And I echo what you say, because when I get off the interstate at Tampa street, theres that city parking lot right there and its never full. So there certainly is parking. But one of the things that we are going to have to discuss, and I know one of the ideas with possibly like a downtown Leaper, and I would love to see US talk about that, but now going to have to be a city thing because we dont have the all for transportation money. But since that would be solely focused in downtown, maybe thats something that we need to bring up again.
Vik Bhide 1:50:06PM
Thats a great point. Or a streetcar extension is something We have worked on. Right from the get-go, as We are getting existing parking inventories around the streetcar extension, I will be able to foster existing space for multimodal. So thats a great point, thank you.
Lynn Hurtak 1:50:34PM
Because I would love to -- I mean, new parking structures should be further on the edges of downtown and bringing people in using the transit. Even, again, if We have to do it ourselves, or through the CRA, because it sound like We are going to have to.
Joseph Citro 1:50:49PM
Anyone else? I couldnt agree with you more, Councilwoman Hurtak. We dont have a parking problem, we May have a covered parking problem, and we May not have a parking space close to where somebody wants to do business. And a Circulator would solve all those issues, in my opinion somebody could park four, five blocks from where they need to go to and then take the Circulator to and from. Any other questions for Mr. Bhide? Mr. Bhide, thank you very much.
Vik Bhide 1:51:23PM
Thank you.
Joseph Citro 1:51:27PM
We are now onto our consent. 17. Vik, did you leave? Im sorry, I let you go too soon. Mr. Bhide? I let you go too soon. Number 17.
Vik Bhide 1:51:49PM
17 is a motion made by Councilman Maniscalco related to Trader Joe's and the traffic around that. A memo to that effect has been submitted. Some are saying that Trader Joe's, when it was approved in 2014, it used to be a fitness center, and it wasnt rezoned because the use did not change, it was commercial general, and so the same number of parking spaces were grandfathered in, if you will. Of course, Trader Joe's is much more popular in terms of use and did create a traffic challenge that we see. We worked with Fdot at Swann and Dale Mabry, and we continue to work with Trader Joe's management to see if they will consider either off-site parking options, or perhaps more multimodal parking as well to where folks that are at least in the neighborhood can access it with something other than a car, if that is their wish. Beyond that we are looking at some traffic engineering solution, but there will be limited right-of-way, so for example we are looking at a left turn restriction off of Swann into the Trader Joe's but that only brings more traffic into the neighborhood. So one might lead to something else. But we continue to work on these type of challenges, but to say one of the reasons would be more multimodal.
Guido Maniscalco 1:53:29PM
I appreciate you looking into this and looking at possible solutions because again we have been receiving lots of e-mails and complaints, and its not recent. Its been going on for a long time. You did explain, it wasnt a rezoning, it was -- it didnt need it because of the previous use, but again Trader Joe's is very, very busy. Anytime that I have gone there, I go first thing in the morning, because its a nightmare, it really is. I cant imagine what its like for people that live there. Of course they are complaining. My biggest concern is what about emergency vehicles trying to get through? Sometimes its so backed up to Dale Mabry, you know, you have got to get an ambulance, a police car, fire truck, whatever it is, but I appreciate you looking into this and looking for solutions and working with them to see what we can do. Its a very, very poorly positioned place. For example, down the street you have Sprouts, but Sprouts has Dale Mabry access, has side street access, and I think its connected in the back. And that is equally as busy. And its a grocery store, similar size. Fresh Market is not too far away, but they have various access points. So this is just one of the -- I have never been to another Trader Joe's, only the Tampa one. I dont know how others are. If they are squeezed into places they shouldnt be. And of course its no help that the front facing part of Dale Mabry thats adjacent at Trader Joe's is a separate business with no access points. So its not like they can ask Fdot for another access point. So again, thank you very much for looking into possible solutions. I know people are watching. I know there was a recent news story about it. And we go from there. Well see if we can find some relief because homeowners are very, very frustrated. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 1:55:23PM
Anyone else?
Martin Shelby 1:55:26PM
I want to echo what Councilman Maniscalco said. They up in when They took over the place that They had that parking spot. And I would imagine They knew what They do in other Trader Joe's as far as people coming there now. So when you go by there, you cant make a right hand turn if you are heading south, and you cant make a left-hand turn if you are heading north, cant get in at certain hours of the day. And it backs up all the way to, what is it, clark, up and down? And one of the areas. And I think the burden is on them, not on US. They are the ones that knew, They are the ones that created because They had the zoning already for it. So if anybody, if somebody gets hurt there, and more than likely there will be an accident, I hope not, but They ought to look at themselves for the liability that They are creating on their own business. Its a great outfit, its a beautiful store, the products are very good, everything is fine. But you dont have the parking that you need for the attendance of people that come in. For their own success, its up to them. This council had nothing -- anything to do at all with the rezoning at Trader Joe's. It was already there in place. They took it and They knew what They had, and They new how much traffic, if not They wouldnt open one. So They are a wonderful store. They have a lot of business. But They are creating a problem for themselves, for our citizens. Thats where we come in. And sooner or later, something, I hope doesnt happen, but They are the ones. This City Council or this city did not approve that. It was on their own with what They thought was necessary from them to in business. Thats it. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 1:57:19PM
Can I have a representative from Legal? Maybe answer a question? That I May have? I am looking for -- if this is a problem by the business and its interfering with our traffic pattern, is there anything that we can do to have them place a Tpd Officer out there to direct traffic so that there is not a backup in case of either emergency or people that need to get through or keep the backup going all the way to clark or up dale mabry?
Vik Bhide 1:57:53PM
Councilman, while we wait -- Chair, while we wait for Legal, in our conversations with Trader Joe's, they do have staff positioned at certain times but not all the time to manage traffic and to direct traffic. I think the real challenge is demand versus supply of available parking.
Joseph Citro 1:58:22PM
Thank you, Vik, for that. But in the times that I have driven by here, when it is backed up, its always somebody trying to make a turn into their parking lot, whether it is blocking the traffic thats eastbound, blocking the traffic thats going westbound, or even coming southbound on dale mabry. In my opinion, if there was an Officer sitting there saying, no, the lot is full, go around the block, come around and come back in, that would stop the blockage. That is just a question I am asking for you and for Legal if we can go to the store and say, this May help alleviate our traffic problem.
Susan Johnson-velez 1:58:59PM
Legal Department. That is not a question that we have looked at for purposes of this report today, but we certainly can look into that and come back to council with a follow-up.
Joseph Citro 1:59:13PM
Would you mind?
Susan Johnson-velez 1:59:14PM
Not at all.
Martin Shelby 1:59:17PM
Second.
Joseph Citro 1:59:18PM
Say two weeks? Or even something written.
Susan Johnson-velez 1:59:21PM
If we have to do something written I would ask for 30 days.
Joseph Citro 1:59:25PM
30 days, please and thank you.
Guido Maniscalco 1:59:28PM
We have a motion from Chairman Citro, second from Councilman Miranda, the closest 30 days is going to be February 2nd, not exactly 30 days but give or take. If not, we have February 16.
Charlie Miranda 1:59:39PM
The 16th.
Guido Maniscalco 1:59:44PM
Motion from Chairman Citro for this to come back even as a written report for February 16th. Second from Councilman Miranda. All in favor? Any opposed?
Joseph Citro 1:59:54PM
Thank you. And if I could, Ms. Johnson-velez, I dont want to make this seem like we are forcing or anything of that nature, but if we can persuade, give them a gentle persuasion, or if we have any type of authority to ask them to do it.
Susan Johnson-velez 2:00:11PM
Well look into all of those.
Joseph Citro 2:00:14PM
Thank you. Mr. Bhide, thank you. Anything further on 17? Thank you, Mr. Bhide.
Vik Bhide 2:00:19PM
Thank you. Demand Viera, Public Safety.
Luis Viera 2:00:26PM
I move items 18 through 21.
Charlie Miranda 2:00:33PM
Second.
Joseph Citro 2:00:34PM
Second by Councilman Miranda. All in favor? Councilman Gudes, Parks and Recreation.
Orlando Gudes 2:00:40PM
20 through 25.
Joseph Citro 2:00:42PM
Seconded by demand Maniscalco. All in favor? Councilwoman Hurtak, Public Works.
Lynn Hurtak 2:00:48PM
I move items 26 through 41.
Joseph Citro 2:00:52PM
Motion made by Councilwoman Hurtak, seconded by Councilman Miranda. All in favor? Councilman Miranda, you have finance.
Charlie Miranda 2:00:59PM
Move 42 through 46.
Joseph Citro 2:01:03PM
Seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor? Councilman Carlson, Building And Zoning.
Bill Carlson 2:01:10PM
[Off microphone] 47 through 65 -- Maniscalco. All in favor? Councilman Maniscalco, transaction.
Guido Maniscalco 2:01:26PM
I would like to move items 66 through 72.
Charlie Miranda 2:01:31PM
Second.
Joseph Citro 2:01:32PM
Seconded by Councilman Miranda. All in favor? Thank you.
Guido Maniscalco 2:01:38PM
I would like to make a motion to set the public hearings for items 73 to 76.
Orlando Gudes 2:01:45PM
Second.
Guido Maniscalco 2:01:46PM
They are listed as 9:30 or 1:30. But its clear in the agenda.
Joseph Citro 2:02:06PM
I believe seconded by Councilman Gudes. All in favor? Thank you very much.
Guido Maniscalco 2:02:11PM
Move to open all public hearings starting with 77 all the way through until this includes the 10:30 hearings, all the way through 96.
Joseph Citro 2:02:22PM
In that case, I know that the first set is nonquasi-judicial, but if we can just get anybody that is in Council Chambers to please stand to be sworn in if you are going to be giving any type of testimony. Or comment on any of the future cases that we have. (Oath administered by Clerk).
Joseph Citro 2:02:49PM
Thank you very much. Let me go to agenda item number 77, file e-20-228 chapter 2.
Susan Johnson-velez 2:03:03PM
Item number 77 is the second reading on your community benefits agreement ordinance. You previously had items 53 and 54 that were just approved on your consent agenda which were the two related resolutions that mentioned at the first reading, that the first one established the Community Benefit Advisory Council, and the second approved for the community benefit information sheet that will be a part of this process. Happy to answer any questions that You have.
Joseph Citro 2:03:30PM
Any comments or any questions? Seeing none, is there anyone in the public that would like to give comments to agenda item number 77?
Guido Maniscalco 2:03:42PM
Move to close.
Charlie Miranda 2:03:46PM
Second.
Joseph Citro 2:03:47PM
Motion to close from Councilman Maniscalco, seconded by Councilman Gudes. All in favor? Thank you very much. Councilman Miranda, would you mind reading agenda item 77?
Charlie Miranda 2:03:58PM
File number e-2022-8, ordinance being presented for second reading and adoption, an ordinance of the City of Tampa, Florida relating to community benefit program making revisions to Tampa code of ordinances chapter 2 administration creating article xi, section 2-850 through section 2-856, providing for severability, providing an effective date.
Joseph Citro 2:04:26PM
Seconded by Councilman Gudes. Roll call vote.
Orlando Gudes 2:04:30PM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 2:04:34PM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 2:04:35PM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 2:04:36PM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 2:04:37PM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 2:04:39PM
Yes.
The Clerk 2:04:39PM
Motion carried unanimously with Viera being absent at vote.
Joseph Citro 2:04:42PM
Thank you very much.
Orlando Gudes 2:04:44PM
Let me again give another shoutout to Mr. Drumgo. He took over this project and got it in record time because of the delay on it. I want to thank him.
Joseph Citro 2:05:02PM
Agenda item number 78. File tpcpa 22-24. This is tacpa 22-24, a map amendment located at 6112 south Westshore boulevard, and 4733 west bay avenue. The request is to change the future land use from r-10 to ymu 35. When this amendment was approved at the December 8, 2022 hearing, and it is today for second reading.
Joseph Citro 2:05:37PM
Any comments or questions? Seeing none is there anybody in the audience that wishes to speak to agenda item number 78? Motion to close by Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor? Thank you very much. Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 2:05:58PM
File tacpa 22-24, ordinance presented for second reading and adoption, an ordinance amending the imagine 2040 Tampa Comprehensive Plan, future land use element, future land use map, for the property located at 6112 south Westshore boulevard, and 4733 west bay avenue from residential 10 r-10 to community mixed use 345, cmu-35, providing for repeal of all ordinances in conflict, providing for severability, providing an effective date.
Joseph Citro 2:06:27PM
Motion by Councilman Gudes, seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. Roll call vote.
Guido Maniscalco 2:06:33PM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 2:06:36PM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 2:06:37PM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 2:06:38PM
Yes.
Orlando Gudes 2:06:38PM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 2:06:39PM
Yes.
The Clerk 2:06:40PM
Motion carried unanimously with Viera being absent at vote.
Joseph Citro 2:06:43PM
Thank you. Now we are entering into a Quasi-judicial. My apologies. Yes, you are correct. Agenda item number 79, file e-2022-8 chapter 2.
Andrea Zelman 2:07:11PM
City Attorney. This is second reading of the ordinance amending the code with regard to bringing settlements over $100,000 to City Council for approval. You have already approved this on first reading. This is second reading and adoption today. But I am happy to answer any questions.
Joseph Citro 2:07:36PM
Any questions? Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 2:07:39PM
I just want to say thank you again for getting this done so quickly and exactly what we are asking for.
Joseph Citro 2:07:45PM
Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to speak to this agenda item?
Guido Maniscalco 2:07:53PM
Move to close.
Joseph Citro 2:07:54PM
Motion to close by Councilman Maniscalco, seconded by Councilman Gudes. All in favor? Thank you very much. Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 2:08:00PM
An ordinance being presented for second reading and adoption, an ordinance of the City Of Tampa, Florida amending section 2-233 of the City Of Tampa code to revise the authority of the City Attorney andor their designee, and the Risk Manager And/or Their Designee, to dispose of claims and lawsuits against the city, providing for severability, repealing all ordinances or other documents in conflict herewith, providing an effective date.
Charlie Miranda 2:08:29PM
Second. All in favor? Excuse me, roll call vote.
Guido Maniscalco 2:08:39PM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 2:08:41PM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 2:08:41PM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 2:08:42PM
Yes.
Orlando Gudes 2:08:43PM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 2:08:45PM
Yes.
The Clerk 2:08:46PM
Motion carried unanimously with Viera being absent at vote.
Bill Carlson 2:08:50PM
Mr. Chair, can I make one statement? I just want to echo what Councilwoman Hurtak said. I want to thank City Attorney Zelman and all of her colleagues for doing this exactly the way we requested it, and collaborating on it. This is an important issue that we saw without much fanfare, and Ms. Zelman May disagree but I will tell you based on the outside attorneys I find, this is something that we discovered by accident, there was a misinterpretation by a prior city attorney, and it could have potentially created a lot of liability for the city, it could still, but we have now passed a loophole that was put in by a two paragraph misinterpretation, and I dont think that two paragraph misinterpretation was brought before City Council at the time, and so for all the discussion about City Council taking away the powers of the Mayor, there are so many instances where powers of City Council by charter have been taken away by city attorneys or prior mayors and others, and this is restoring what the charter says, and delegating that authority. But its a shame that somehow that went on for four years. And its not Ms. Zelman's fault. Shes fixing But we need to make sure that we ask questions. Its not about taking away powers from the Mayor, its about making sure we keep the powers of City Council. This was a huge mistake that should have never happened. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 2:10:18PM
Agenda item 85. File rez 22-33. For the next four agenda items, I was absent at the time of the first voting. I have reviewed the tapes and I am confident that I can make a decision without bias.
Martin Shelby 2:10:41PM
These quasi-judicial matters, Mr. Chairman, if I can, two things. Number one is if theres anybody who is not prepared or if you were absent and are prepared yourself to vote, please state that. The other thing, Mr. Chairman, just because these are quasi-judicial matters, I would like that Council be able to receive and file all the ex parte communications, if any has been received since first reading.
Joseph Citro 2:11:14PM
Seconded by Councilman Maniscalco, motion by Viera.
Martin Shelby 2:11:21PM
And if theres any ex parte communications please disclose at the start of the hearing if there are any. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 2:11:27PM
Mr. Hussein.
Zain Husain 2:11:31PM
Development Coordination. Agenda item number 85, case rez 22-33, being presented for second reading and adoption at a location 3812 pinewood street. Proposed rezoning from Ig Industrial General to pd planned development, hotel. Site plans have been turned into the City Clerk's Office. Here for any questions.
Joseph Citro 2:11:55PM
Any questions? Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to make a comment to agenda item number 85? We have the applicants that are online. Would you like to say anything further?
Truett Gardner 2:12:22PM
First of all, happy new year to You.
Joseph Citro 2:12:24PM
Mr. Gardner, I need all of you to raise your hands to be sworn in. Thank you. Is there anyone else in the audience that hasnt been sworn in? Yes, maam, I saw you walk in. And this Gentleman that just walked in. You were here earlier, sir. Please stand up so you can all be sworn in. (Oath administered by Clerk).
Joseph Citro 2:12:49PM
You Guys didnt have to stand up.
Truett Gardner 2:12:55PM
Wanted to make it official. [ laughter
Joseph Citro 2:12:58PM
Please proceed.
Truett Gardner 2:13:03PM
400 north ashley drive. Happy new year to each of you. And happy to answer any questions on this. We were unanimously approved on December 1st, and as Zain said We resubmitted site plans.
Joseph Citro 2:13:18PM
Any comments or questions? Again, is there anyone present that wishes to speak to agenda item number 85? Seeing none, is there anyone else online? Mr. Wilson, are you there? I was simply here to observe.
Joseph Citro 2:13:39PM
Are you with the Applicant or are you --
Joseph Citro 2:13:45PM
Okay. I cannot see you. Is your camera on?
Joseph Citro 2:13:53PM
Still cannot see You. There You are. Are You going to be giving testimony? I am simply here with the Architects. I was simply here if needed to answer questions.
Joseph Citro 2:14:08PM
Thank you. Is there any questions? Because if there is, he has to be sworn in. Thank you very much. Again, is there anybody in chambers that wishes to speak to agenda 85? Seeing none, we have a motion to close by Councilman Maniscalco, seconded by Councilwoman Hurtak. All in favor? Thank you. Councilman Maniscalco.
Guido Maniscalco 2:14:30PM
Thank you very much. Ordinance being presented for second reading and adoption, rez 22-33, an ordinance rezoning property in the general vicinity of 3812 pinewood street in the City of Tampa, Florida and more particularly described in section 1 from zoning district classification Ig Industrial General to pd planned development, hotel, providing an effective date.
Joseph Citro 2:14:48PM
Motion made by Councilman Maniscalco, seconded by Councilman Miranda. All in favor? Roll call.
Guido Maniscalco 2:14:55PM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 2:14:57PM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 2:14:58PM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 2:14:59PM
Yes.
Orlando Gudes 2:15:00PM
Yes.
Luis Viera 2:15:01PM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 2:15:02PM
Yes.
The Clerk 2:15:03PM
Motion carried unanimously.
Joseph Citro 2:15:05PM
Thank you. Agenda item number 86. File rez 22-80.
Zain Husain 2:15:12PM
Development Coordination. This is presented for second reading and adoption, at the location 2213 north 65th street. Proposed rezoning from rs-50 residential single-family to Ig Industrial General. This being euclidean, no new site plan was required. Here for any questions if needed.
Joseph Citro 2:15:35PM
Petitioner? No rebuttal, no nothing?
Joseph Citro 2:15:44PM
Anybody in Chambers who wishes to speak to number 86? Do you have anybody online? Motion to close by Councilman Miranda. Seconded by Councilman Gudes. All in favor? Thank you very much. Councilman Viera.
Luis Viera 2:15:59PM
Yes, sir. Move an ordinance being presented for second reading and adoption, an ordinance rezoning property in the jess general vicinity of 2213 north 65th street in the City of Tampa, Florida more particularly described in section 1 from zoning district classification rs-50 residential single-family to Ig Industrial General providing an effective date.
Charlie Miranda 2:16:21PM
Second.
Joseph Citro 2:16:24PM
Motion made by Councilman Viera, seconded by Councilwoman Hurtak. Roll call vote.
Charlie Miranda 2:16:29PM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 2:16:31PM
Yes.
Orlando Gudes 2:16:33PM
Yes.
Luis Viera 2:16:34PM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 2:16:35PM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 2:16:35PM
Yes.
The Clerk 2:16:36PM
Motion carried unanimously.
Joseph Citro 2:16:37PM
Thank you. Agenda item number 87, file rez 22-96.
Zain Husain 2:16:48PM
Development Coordination. This is being presented for second reading and adoption at a lose 18202 east meadows road. This is proposed rezoning from pd planned development to pd, planned development, vehicle repair, minor, and car wash. Site plans were turned in to City Clerk's Office. Here for any questions if needed.
Joseph Citro 2:17:13PM
Any questions? Mr. Bricklemyer. You havent been sworn in yet, have you? Let me swear you in.
The Clerk 2:17:28PM
(Oath administered by Clerk).
Joseph Citro 2:17:39PM
Go ahead. I am just here to answer any questions. We submitted a package and I appreciate their advice.
Joseph Citro 2:17:53PM
Any questions for the petitioner? Seeing none, is there anyone in the audience who wishes to be speak to agenda item number 87? Motion to close by Councilman Gudes, seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor? Thank you. Councilman Carlson.
Bill Carlson 2:18:10PM
I would like to move file rez 22-96, ordinance being presented for second reading and adoption, an ordinance rezoning property in the general vicinity of 18202 east meadows road in the City of Tampa, Florida and more particularly described in section 1 from zoning district classification pd planned development, to pd, planned development, vehicle repair minorcar wash providing an effective date.
Joseph Citro 2:18:33PM
Seconded by Councilman Miranda. Roll call vote.
Lynn Hurtak 2:18:38PM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 2:18:39PM
Yes.
Orlando Gudes 2:18:40PM
Yes.
Luis Viera 2:18:41PM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 2:18:43PM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 2:18:43PM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 2:18:45PM
Yes.
The Clerk 2:18:46PM
Motion carried unanimously.
Joseph Citro 2:18:47PM
Agenda 88, file rez 22-117.
Zain Husain 2:18:53PM
Development Coordination. This is being presented for second reading and adoption at the location 825 west linebaugh avenue and folio number 95,031.0010 Proposed rezoning from pd planned development to pd planned development, medical office and residential multifamily. Site plans were turned in to City Clerk's Office. Here for any questions.
Joseph Citro 2:19:20PM
Any questions? Petitioners.
Truett Gardner 2:19:27PM
400 north ashley drive, similar to item 85, this was also heard on December 1st, unanimously approved, and second plan site plan revisions have been made. Happy to answer any questions.
Joseph Citro 2:19:39PM
Any questions? Seeing none is there anyone in the audience though ho wishes to speak to agenda item 88? Seeing none, do we have anybody online? Move to close by Councilman Gudes, seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor? Thank you very much. Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 2:19:55PM
88, file rez 22-117, ordinance being presented for second reading and adoption, an ordinance rezoning property in the general vicinity of 825 west linebaugh avenue folio number 95031.0010 In the City of Tampa, Florida and more particularly described in section 1 from zoning district classification pd planned development to pd planned development, medical office and residential multifamily, providing an effective date.
Guido Maniscalco 2:20:22PM
Second.
Joseph Citro 2:20:24PM
Motion made by Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. Roll call vote.
Bill Carlson 2:20:29PM
Yes.
Orlando Gudes 2:20:31PM
Yes.
Luis Viera 2:20:32PM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 2:20:34PM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 2:20:35PM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 2:20:36PM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 2:20:37PM
Yes.
The Clerk 2:20:38PM
Motion carried unanimously.
Guido Maniscalco 2:20:40PM
Thank you. Agenda item.
Joseph Citro 2:20:43PM
Agenda number 89. Rez 22-99.
Zain Husain 2:20:49PM
This is presented for second reading at a location 4621 east lake avenue, proposed rezoning from rm-16 residential multifamily to rm-24 residential multifamily. This being euclidean, no site plan was required. Im here for any questions.
Joseph Citro 2:21:08PM
Any questions or comments? Seeing none, Petitioner? Do we have a Petitioner? Agenda item number 89, file rez 22-99. One last time. Okay. Is there anyone here wishing to make public comments to agenda item number 89?
Guido Maniscalco 2:21:37PM
Move to close.
Joseph Citro 2:21:39PM
Motion to close by Councilman Maniscalco. Seconded by Councilman Gudes. All in favor? Thank you. Councilman Gudes, you voted no. Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 2:21:49PM
I move file rez 22-99, ordinance being presented for second reading and adoption, an ordinance rezoning property in the general vicinity of 4621 east lake avenue in the City of Tampa, Florida and more particularly described in section 1 from zoning district classification rm-16 residential multifamily to rm-24 residential multifamily providing an effective date.
Joseph Citro 2:22:19PM
Seconded by Councilman Miranda. Roll call vote.
Orlando Gudes 2:22:22PM
Yes, I said no before.
Luis Viera 2:22:26PM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 2:22:28PM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 2:22:30PM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 2:22:30PM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 2:22:31PM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 2:22:33PM
Yes.
The Clerk 2:22:34PM
Motion carried with Gudes voting no.
Joseph Citro 2:22:36PM
Agenda item 90. Rez 22-101.
Zain Husain 2:22:45PM
Development Coordination. This being presented for second reading and adoption. At the location 4523 west chestnut street. Proposed rezoning from pd planned development to pd planned development residential multifamily. Site plans have been turned into the City Clerk's Office. Here for any questions.
Joseph Citro 2:23:03PM
Any questions? Thank you. Petitioner? Do we have a Petitioner here? For agenda item number 90. Anyone online? Is there anyone wishing to make public comment to agenda item number 90, file rez 22-101?
Guido Maniscalco 2:23:25PM
Move to close.
Joseph Citro 2:23:27PM
Motion to close by demand Maniscalco, seconded by Councilman Miranda. All in favor? Thank you very much. Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 2:23:35PM
File rez the 2-101, ordinance being presented for second reading and adoption, an ordinance rezoning property in the general vicinity of 4523 west chestnut street in the City of Tampa, Florida and more particularly described in section 1 from zoning district classification pd planned development to pd, planned development, residential, multifamily, providing an effective date.
Joseph Citro 2:23:59PM
Motion made by Councilman Gudes. Seconded by Councilwoman Hurtak. Roll call vote.
Luis Viera 2:24:04PM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 2:24:06PM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 2:24:07PM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 2:24:08PM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 2:24:09PM
Yes.
Orlando Gudes 2:24:10PM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 2:24:11PM
Yes.
The Clerk 2:24:11PM
Motion carried unanimously.
Joseph Citro 2:24:13PM
Thank you. Agenda item number 91, file rez 22-115.
Zain Husain 2:24:18PM
Development Coordination. This being presented for second reading and adoption at the locations 6112 south Westshore boulevard and 4733 west bay avenue. Proposed rezoning from rs-60 residential single-family and cn commercial neighborhood to pd planned development, restaurant, drive-in and retail sales shoppers goods. Site plans were turned into the city clerks office. Here for any questions.
Joseph Citro 2:24:49PM
Seeing none, Petitioner? This was approved on December 8th and we made all the site plan revisions and here to answer any questions you May have.
Joseph Citro 2:25:06PM
Any questions? Is there anyone in Chambers who wishes to speak to agenda item number 91? Anyone online? Motion to close by Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor? Thank you. Councilman Maniscalco.
Guido Maniscalco 2:25:20PM
I have an ordinance being presented for second reading and adoption, Orphans rezoning property in the general vicinity of 6112 south Westshore boulevard and 4733 west bay avenue in the City of Tampa, Florida and more particularly described in section 1 from zoning district classification rs 630 residential single-family and cn commercial neighborhood to pd planned development restaurant drive in and retail shoppers goods, providing an effective date.
Joseph Citro 2:25:45PM
Seconded by Councilman Miranda. Roll call vote.
Charlie Miranda 2:25:47PM
Yes map.
Guido Maniscalco 2:25:49PM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 2:25:50PM
Yes.
Bill Carlson 2:25:51PM
Yes.
Orlando Gudes 2:25:52PM
Yes.
Luis Viera 2:25:52PM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 2:25:53PM
Yes.
The Clerk 2:25:55PM
Motion carried unanimously.
Joseph Citro 2:25:56PM
Thank you. Agenda item number 29, file e-2022-8 chapter 27, hpc 2021-04.
Camaria Pettis-mackle 2:26:14PM
Legal Department. Mr. Chair, did you mean item number 92?
Joseph Citro 2:26:22PM
Did I mean that? Yes, I more than likely did. Let me rephrase this then. Next up is agenda item number 92, file number e-20228 chapter 27 hpc 2021-04. Thank you for correcting me. Dyslexia taking over again.
Camaria Pettis-mackle 2:26:41PM
Legal Department. Item number 92 is regarding the e-hpc 2021-04 for second reading and adoption for City Council to consider regarding the expansion of the boundaries of the Hyde Park historic district as a local historic district. On December 8, 2022 City Council modified the Historic Preservation Commission's recommendation and approved on first reading consideration the applicants amended application to reduce the proposed boundaries of the Hyde Park historic districts to remove the area north of platt street and south of the crosstown expressway. I prepared a memorandum and the attachments, and I am here to answer any questions you May have.
Joseph Citro 2:27:32PM
Just for my knowledge, this was again the substitute ordinance to the agreed-upon barriers that were discussed at the time of the first hearing.
Camaria Pettis-mackle 2:27:49PM
Correct. Based upon City Council's motion, the legal descriptions changed, and the changed legal description is attached which makes this a substitute ordinance.
Joseph Citro 2:28:02PM
Thank you very much. Petitioner or -- Petitioner? Everybody is doing musical chairs. I represent the petitioners in this case. The historic Hyde Park neighborhood association and the Hyde Park span usual Town Creek Civic Association. They did request an expansion of the Hyde Park historic district, and the record shows of course that the expanded district boundaries do meet or exceed the citys criteria for designation as a historic district. I am here, my clients are here, and for any questions you might have of US. Otherwise, we ask council to adopt the expanded boundaries on second reading.
Joseph Citro 2:28:53PM
Comments or questions? I already had my question answered. Is there anyone in chambers that wishes to speak to agenda item number 92? Active committee met for the Town Creek Civic Association, also the architectural community design with architecture and award winning called Add Miss. Someone planted my flag here in Hyde Park, and affected by this expansion. While this it was a agreement of mine to build a home here so when I made the dream a reality I planted my flag with the intention of doing good in this part of the community, a community that had previously been discarded by the city and a community that at that time was not restricted by the historic guidelines set forth by the arc. This enabled me to explore my own style of progressive urban architecture in ways that would have otherwise been shunned by the current standards of the arc. I want to step back and say I believe both historic preservation to protect our old structures, protect developers with no regard for lines. What we should be starting to talk about and think about is how do we want to build for the future? Why should buildings be deemed historically relevant just because they were built in a certain time frame? Its short sighted and current guidelines need to be updated. Mr. Citro said something at the end of the last council meeting that meant a lot to me. I am paraphrasing but it wag all building new structures based on old historic design standards how is the next generation supposed to build meaningful things and create a history of their own? I stand behind that and appreciate that comment. So it takes me back to my own home style. The year I built my house, it won major award in the Tampa Bay parade of homes by the Tampa Builders Association, best in class in architectural design, curb appeal, boast in class for price category and best project of the year that year. So based on all that info I have to ask how can we as a community sit here and stand by the current guidelines of the arc that would absolutely disallow this type of design. It doesnt make sense. The idealogies are strong, on which to build upon, but we need to readdress the design standard and embrace new and thoughtful meaningful design projects. Lets put our arms around historic preservation and put our arms around the arc, return the same amount of respect for progress as they do for history. Lets build a future with old world great and new generational fortitude. I say that we open up our mind and start a new discussion about historic appropriation, historic appropriation. So on that note, I dont have time to say the rest things, but my name is Tobin Green. You are going to hear more from me. I am working with Usf and the city to study this and see woo we can make that look like for the Overlay District. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 2:32:09PM
Mr. Green, im sorry, any comments or questions? Mr. Green, thank you very much. And I still stand behind what I say. You paraphrased it almost correctly but it was, if we keep preserving and preserving and preserving, how is the next generation going to create history? I still stand behind that. I have lived within south Tampa, Hyde Park district, for many, many, many years. There are buildings there that need to be preserved. And the fringes is where I am hoping that you come in, and your designs and your thoughts come in.
Joseph Citro 2:32:48PM
Thank you. Councilman Carlson.
Bill Carlson 2:32:50PM
I just want to say, I appreciate what you are doing. For disclosure, I dont need to disclose this, its ex parte, but two or three years ago I went to a Neighborhood Association at his house his house is beautiful, state-of-the-art, well designed, star wars and has that all over his house. But I wont be biased in my vote because of that. But I am happy to sit down and talk to you about architectural styles, just a block or two away, theres a whole bunch of stuff wilt in the 90s where they tore down historic homes, and that isnt the kind of calling you have. And I know theres a lot of well educated people behind you that are interested in this. So if theres a way to figure out how to put new architecture in places where the old buildings dont exist I am happy to sit at the table and have that discussion. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 2:33:39PM
Anyone else in Chambers that wishes to be speak to agenda item number 92? Do we have anyone online?
Joseph Citro 2:33:48PM
Ms. Hatley, do you want any rebuttal? Motion to close by Councilman Maniscalco, seconded by Councilman Gudes. All in favor? Councilman Viera. You were absent. Do you feel confident to make this motion? The substitute, please. Reading, on ordinance of the City of Tampa, Florida designating the expansion of the boundaries of the Hyde Park historic district as a local historic district repealing all ordinances in conflict therewith, providing for severability, providing an effective date.
Joseph Citro 2:34:24PM
Motion by Viera, seconded by Maniscalco. (Roll call)
The Clerk 2:34:33PM
Motion carried unanimously.
Joseph Citro 2:34:35PM
Agenda item number 93, vac 22-28.
Ross Samons 2:34:47PM
Development Coordination, vac 22-28, first reading consideration. The Applicant's name is Christopher J. Schaefer Ii, property address is 809 peninsula street, neigh north of peninsula street, south of woodlawn avenue, east of poplar avenue and west of myrtle avenue. This application was filed September 14, 2022, at the property on the south side of the alley, the place to be vacated. The Applicant's reason for application is alley is overgrown, its unused, theres a lot of illegal dumping, and its abandoned. This alley was created by subdivision plat, existing alley is approximately 6,000 square feet. The Applicant's property here is 809 west peninsula street, and proposed vacating request, the alley in yellow. Vacated the alley, block 10. Applicants property, peninsula street. An image looking west, north myrtle avenue. The alley here. The alley looking east from north poplar avenue. Staff had no objections to this vacating request. Easement reservations are needed for wastewater and frontier, and natural resources, comply with chapter 27 in regard to tree preservation and design for any improvements placed adjacent to trees in the vacated area. Thats all I have. I am here for any questions.
Joseph Citro 2:37:04PM
Comments or questions? Seeing none, Petitioner? Is the Petitioner here? Number 93.
Martin Shelby 2:37:21PM
If he can just annoyance that hes here and please put his name on the record. I appreciate the opportunity to speak in front of you guys. I just want to vacate the alley because as you can see one of the signs that I posted theres already dumping out there. I have walked through fixing stuff up, seeing kids like young kids smoking cigarettes back there and stuff. So I just think everybody should adopt it. And if you walk back there, someone already adopted half of it. Actually, I think they adopted more than half. Thats about it. If you guys have any questions.
Joseph Citro 2:38:01PM
Any questions? Seeing none, is there anyone in chambers that would like to speak to agenda item number 93? Seeing none Development Coordination we have anyone online? Motion to close by Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Gudes. All in favor? Councilman Carlson.
Bill Carlson 2:38:18PM
I would like to pass, please.
Joseph Citro 2:38:21PM
Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 2:38:27PM
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Item number 93, file vac 22-28. Ordinance being presented for first reading consideration, ordinance of the City of Tampa, Florida vacating, closing, discontinuing, abandoning that alleyway located north of peninsula street, south of woodlawn avenue, east of poplar avenue, west of myrtle avenue within the platt of buffalo heights subdivision in the City of Tampa, Florida, Hillsborough County, Florida, as more fully described in section 2 hereof as more particularly set forth herein, providing for enforcement of penalties, for violations, providing for definitions, interpretations and repealing conflicts, providing for severability, providing an effective date.
Joseph Citro 2:39:10PM
Motion made by Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Gudes. Roll call vote.
Lynn Hurtak 2:39:19PM
No.
Bill Carlson 2:39:22PM
No.
Orlando Gudes 2:39:24PM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 2:39:29PM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 2:39:30PM
Yes.
Joseph Citro 2:39:31PM
Yes.
The Clerk 2:39:32PM
Motion carried with Hurtak and Carlson voting no and Viera being absent at vote. Second reading and adoption will be held on February 2nd, 2023 at 9:30 am.
Joseph Citro 2:39:44PM
Agenda item number 94 is requested to be withdrawn.
Guido Maniscalco 2:39:51PM
Move to remove from the agenda.
Joseph Citro 2:39:53PM
Motion made by Councilman Maniscalco, seconded by Councilman Gudes. All in favor? Thank you. Agenda item number 95. File vac 22-30.
Ross Samons 2:40:06PM
Development Coordination. File vac 22-30. This is a vacating request presented for first reading. The applicants name is Keyla Gonzalez, property address north 17th street, proposed vacating request to vacate the alley north of north bay street, south of the genesee I street, east of 17th street and west of 19th street in block 150 of bonita. This application was filed September 18, 2022, property on south side of the alley requested to be vacated, the alley created by subdivision plat, the existing alley is approximately 3,500 square feet. The applicants property in reed red, and the proposed vacating request the alley in yellow. Plat dedicating the alley, block 10. The applicants property. This is the approximate location of the alley looking east from north 17th street.
Joseph Citro 2:41:38PM
Mr. Samons, would you say it starts just left of that telephone pole and to the right of the tree?
Joseph Citro 2:41:52PM
Right where your finger is at, right there. What information I have gathered, where this telephone pole is.
Joseph Citro 2:42:02PM
Thank you.
Ross Samons 2:42:02PM
And its 13 feet wide, this alley is. And this is the southern boundary, or was.
Joseph Citro 2:42:13PM
Did you have a picture of the northern boundary? Did you already show that?
Ross Samons 2:42:17PM
This is looking at it from the east. So You are looking easterly at the alley.
Joseph Citro 2:42:24PM
I understand.
Ross Samons 2:42:24PM
So its approximately here, and 13 feet, approximately here. This is the alley. General location of the alley looking west from 19th street.
Joseph Citro 2:42:47PM
Rand if you could just approximate where the alley would have been?
Ross Samons 2:42:53PM
Again its 13 feet wide. Right in here.
Joseph Citro 2:42:58PM
I guess You are seeing my point. Where was the alley?
Ross Samons 2:43:04PM
Correct. The Staff had no objections to this vacating request. No easement reservations required. Natural Resources must comply with chapter 27, tree preservation. Thats all I have. If you have any questions.
Joseph Citro 2:43:18PM
Councilman Carlson.
Bill Carlson 2:43:19PM
Are there not Code Enforcement fines or violations filed?
Ross Samons 2:43:26PM
In most cases, the vacating request that I presented in the past, there are some, and theres not. In this case there was. The Code Enforcement case. And from what I gathered, the complaint came from the north side of the applicants property, and then later on, once they became aware that they need to get behind their building that was in the picture shown here, they needed to cut some weeds here and were unable to, because both property owners had actually fenced in the alley without knowing, pretty much. But you will not find any objections, I dont think, from the public because of that reason. They realized what they did after the complaint was made and Code Enforcement came and cited, so this is directed by that. And thats a roundabout way to put it and thats it.
Joseph Citro 2:44:30PM
Join forces.
Ross Samons 2:44:32PM
Correct.
Joseph Citro 2:44:34PM
Thank you. Any other comments or questions? Thank you. Petitioner? This is already closed off because when We purchased the home in November from 2021 it was already closed out I believe for many years, and We didnt know this was a problem or a situation until We were faced with the notice that We are in the line, and that being said, We proceed to making it right. And thats why We are here today just to keep it the way it is, because like you see in the pictures on both sides, everybody already has taken care of because Our Neighbor, The Owner on the other side of the alley, she said that already was closed. So thank you for your time. I dont know if you have any questions for me.
Joseph Citro 2:45:43PM
Any comments or any questions?
Charlie Miranda 2:45:50PM
When You bought this, it was already there, the house? November what year did You buy it? And it was like another fence, and when We -- We fenced in the inside of the lot.
Charlie Miranda 2:46:07PM
Thank you very much. Passed. Happy new year to everybody. When We purchased the home it had an existing fence so We dont cues in a problem, put a nicer fence on the inside, thinking that the neighbors would like it and it was a personal issue with the Neighbor next door. We told her We own another house in the community, Barbershop, so helping out on some personal issues.
Charlie Miranda 2:46:36PM
I got a dog run out there also. If you have any questions.
Charlie Miranda 2:46:43PM
Thank you very much.
Joseph Citro 2:46:44PM
Thank you. Is there anyone in Chambers that wishes to speak to agenda item number 96? Waiting patiently. So happy to see you, happy new years to you, hope you have a successful year. I am here because, as I said, the alley had been closed, and for many years, even when I bought my home, it was already closed. And I dont see a problem, you know. Everyone apartments in keeping it clean. And I dont see the issue where She couldnt get to her part to pull the weeds or whatever. I would have went and pulled the weeds. We try to work together as a community person. I been in that community and I have been in many communities. I have a Foundation, I assist our friends. I believe united we stand, but divided we fall. And I believe in working together. And thats the only way we can do it. It takes a village to do even raise children, to keep your community safe, and thats what we try to do. And if She needed help, we would have -- I would have paid for someone to pull the weeds and everything. But I am just sad that it couldnt have been resolved, but thats lack of communication. And I thank you for your time, and God bless you all.
Joseph Citro 2:48:34PM
Councilman Gudes.
Orlando Gudes 2:48:35PM
Mrs. Youngblood, make sure I goth got it right. You are not in opposition of it being closed, correct?
Joseph Citro 2:48:43PM
Ms. Youngblood, could you please give US your full name for the record? Word, y-o-u-n-g-b-l-o-o-d.
Joseph Citro 2:49:00PM
Thank you, maam.
Joseph Citro 2:49:07PM
Ms. Priester, you need to be sworn in before you make any comments. (Oath administered by Clerk).
Joseph Citro 2:49:23PM
Go ahead, maam. Im Mary Priester and my husband and I own the property at 1706 east north bay, which is south of the alleyway. We purchased that property in 1991, and even at that time the alleyway was already closed and the neighbors on both sides, there was a fence, so you wouldnt even know that there was an alleyway going through there. So I am in favor of vacating that alley.
Joseph Citro 2:49:57PM
I thank you very much, maam. Is that your statement for today?
Joseph Citro 2:50:03PM
Thank you very much. Petitioner, do you have any rebuttal? I just want to add to what Mrs. Youngblood was saying, if the neighbor would have talked to US and say, hey, I need to come into your property, you know, once in a while just to clean that side, we sure would say, okay, just let US notice ahead of time, and we are more than welcome to have you on the site to clean that up. That wouldnt be a problem. I just wanted to add that. As she was saying, work together as a community.
Joseph Citro 2:50:38PM
Any accurate questions or comments?
Guido Maniscalco 2:50:42PM
Move to close.
Joseph Citro 2:50:43PM
Motion to close by Councilman Maniscalco, second by Councilman Gudes. All in favor? Thank you. Councilman Carlson.
Bill Carlson 2:50:51PM
I would rather not make a motion.
Joseph Citro 2:51:00PM
Thank you very much. Councilman Miranda, please.
Charlie Miranda 2:51:03PM
File 95, file vac 22-30. Ordinance being presented for first reading consideration, an ordinance of the City Of Tampa, Florida vacating, closing, discontinuing, abandoning that alleyway north of north of north pay street south of genesee street and east of 17th street and west of 19th street within the plat of bonita subdivision in the City Of Tampa hills Florida the same fully described in section 2 hereof subject to certain covenants, conditions and restrictions as more particularly set forth herein, providing for an effective date for enforcement and penalties for violations providing for definitions interpretations and repealing conflict providing for severability providing an effective date.
Joseph Citro 2:51:43PM
Motion made by Councilman Miranda, seconded by Councilman Gudes. Roll call vote.
Bill Carlson 2:51:50PM
I am going to vote for this one, but We should note be closing this because of the citys negligence so We need to be better at enforcing these in the future. Ill vote yes.
Orlando Gudes 2:52:05PM
Yes.
Luis Viera 2:52:06PM
Yes.
Guido Maniscalco 2:52:07PM
Yes.
Charlie Miranda 2:52:08PM
Yes.
Lynn Hurtak 2:52:09PM
Yes.
The Clerk 2:52:12PM
Motion carried unanimously. Second reading and adoption will be held on February 2nd, 2023 at 9:30 am.
Joseph Citro 2:52:19PM
Thank you very much. File number -- excuse me, agenda item number 96, file vac 23-02. I understand that this is requesting a continuance until January 19th. Is this the first continuance on this?
Ron Wigginton 2:52:40PM
Legal Department. This is the first request. I dont see the Applicant in Chambers. However they sent me an e-mail yesterday consenting to the request. There are some outstanding issues with regards to mobility and Water Department, so we are hopeful those will be resolved within the next two weeks.
Guido Maniscalco 2:52:55PM
Move foe continue item it 6 to January 19 at 10:30 am. Under public hearings.
Joseph Citro 2:53:01PM
Motion made by Councilman Maniscalco, seconded by Councilman Gudes. All in favor? Is there any opposed? Thank you.
Ron Wigginton 2:53:14PM
If I May, May I provide this e-mail?
Joseph Citro 2:53:17PM
Yes, Sir. Thank you.
Ron Wigginton 2:53:26PM
Thank you.
Joseph Citro 2:53:28PM
Information and reports. Lets go with Councilman Miranda.
Charlie Miranda 2:53:34PM
Nothing.
Orlando Gudes 2:53:39PM
Mr. Chairman, I have one. That the Tampa City Council give Mr. Efrain Caban, a commendation for his bravery for quick response to save a person on December 22nd, 2022, from a Solid Waste truck. Fast, quick thinking.
Joseph Citro 2:54:01PM
Motion made by Councilman Gudes. Seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor? Councilwoman Hurtak.
Lynn Hurtak 2:54:09PM
I would like to make a motion to have Staff come to Council to outline the steps necessary to start the process of creating a safety impact fee to fund the much needed safety improvements, requesting the date of January 19th, 2023. I have already checked with Legal, I checked with everybody for the dates.
Joseph Citro 2:54:28PM
Motion made by Councilwoman Hurtak. Seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor?
Lynn Hurtak 2:54:35PM
Then I have another one. I have gotten a ton of calls and e-mails about this recently. I would like to make a motion to have Waste Management Staff come to Council and explain the difference between Monday Thursday versus tuesday-friday trash recycling and yard waste pickup. (Laughter) it sounds like you are also getting mail. There is an inequity in the number of nonservice days and what can be done to address it. I have already spoken to Mr. Washington and hes requesting March 2nd only because they are in the height of gasparilla season. [ laughter
Joseph Citro 2:55:10PM
Motion made by Councilwoman Hurtak. Seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor?
Lynn Hurtak 2:55:15PM
Thats it.
Joseph Citro 2:55:21PM
Councilman Maniscalco.
Guido Maniscalco 2:55:22PM
So this May not have to be a motion, but I have a friend, Tampa native and local architect and lately hes been writing poetry on all things Tampa, very, very interesting. And the other day He wrote a poem about Gasparilla. So I was thinking instead of invocation for January 26th, before Gasparilla weekend, invite him to read his Gasparilla poem, in the spirit of the season. I know its unusual, but I mean it doesnt need to be a motion, but does anybody have any objection? Its fun.
Joseph Citro 2:56:03PM
Along with the invocation or instead of?
Guido Maniscalco 2:56:07PM
Well, well have a moment of silence and have the invocation also. Okay, just a suggestion, not a motion. Thats all I have. Thank you.
Joseph Citro 2:56:19PM
Councilman Viera.
Luis Viera 2:56:21PM
Just really quick couple. I was going to get in contact with Nate Ross who recently turned 100, a Holocaust survivor, he was at auschwitz, just an amazing story and I just wanted to give him a Tampa City Council commendation for whatever we meat personally. Hes 100 so cant come out here and wanted to do that if I May.
Joseph Citro 2:56:46PM
Motion made by Councilman Viera. Seconded by Councilman Miranda. All in favor?
Luis Viera 2:56:53PM
Second and lastly, on Accela, the retrieval system in the City Of Tampa, getting a lot of concerns on the viability of the system, the efficiency of the system, not just for developers and for people doing business with the city, but for neighborhood leaders who want to find out whats happening. So I would request, if I May, on February 2nd of 2023 for City Staff to come to report on the challenges with Accela and how we can remedy them, as well as make it so a Company Representative can come to talk about inefficiencies in the system and what they are going to be doing to remedy those deficiencies.
Joseph Citro 2:57:35PM
Seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor?
Luis Viera 2:57:37PM
Thats it. You know, really fast, off-premises, David Rollins, the staff attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit, doing a commendation for him for over 25 years of service to the 13th Judicial Circuit. Off-premises.
Joseph Citro 2:57:54PM
Seconded by Councilman Maniscalco. All in favor? Councilman Carlson. I have two. I would like to move to have staff give an update to the apprenticeship participation on the construction at the hanna street project, especially as a request that was made by me and others to make sure that they were Florida state certified. And also for what is it, Drb -- construction firm to a company -- Dvr to accompany them with this update. And I would like to ask for February 2nd, 2023.
Guido Maniscalco 2:58:43PM
We have a motion from Chairman Citro. Do we have a second? Second by Councilman Carlson. All in favor? Any moved? Yes, sir.
Joseph Citro 2:58:51PM
I would also like to move to present a commendation to the Buccaneers quarterback Blaine Gabbert and his two brothers, Tyler and Barrett, for their role in the rescue of the Hook Family and the pilot of the helicopter crash offer the coast of david island. This commendation will be presented at a later time, hopefully after the Buccaneers have brought home the super bowl championship.
Guido Maniscalco 2:59:18PM
We have a motion from Chairman Citro. Seconded from Councilman Miranda. All in favor? Any opposed? Motion to receive and file?
Martin Shelby 2:59:30PM
Wait, wait, wait.
Orlando Gudes 2:59:31PM
I almost forgot. Today is a very special day for Myself, and My Fraternity. Today is Kappa Delta Psi. We are 112 years old today.
Guido Maniscalco 2:59:49PM
On your license plate You have nupe.
Charlie Miranda 3:00:00PM
Its a special name.
Guido Maniscalco 3:00:05PM
Very good. Move to receive and file.
Joseph Citro 3:00:06PM
One second. Excuse me. Mr. Shelby.
Martin Shelby 3:00:11PM
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a reminder, City Council members, on your calendar, and for your information, we do have a special discussion meeting that is going to take place on Tuesday morning at 8:00 am. Downstairs in the sister citys room. I had sent out the notice in December, but I want to thank Kelly Shaw for bringing this to my attention, that the auto populated city clerk staff instead of City Council staff so I am going to press the send button and resend it but I want to make sure that everybody has it on your calendar, you made the motion, that it is hopefully starting promptly at 8:00 because you do have accommodations that start at 9:00. So I thank you very much and I will send that out again.
Guido Maniscalco 3:00:53PM
Move to receive and file.
Lynn Hurtak 3:00:55PM
Second.
Joseph Citro 3:00:57PM
We have a motion to receive and file, without objection. All in favor say aye. Im going to wait till the very last person is here. Without objection, we are adjourned. [Meeting adjourned] disclaimer: this file represents an unedited version of realtime captioning which should neither be relied upon for complete accuracy nor used as a verbatim transcript. Any person who needs a verbatim transcript of the proceedings May need to hire a court reporter. © - City Of Tampa (813) 274-8211