Two years and 18 days after council approved a motion from Council member Hurtak asking staff to present the next steps in updating the multi-modal impact fee, council took the last step before the final public hearings to increase the fees for the first time since they were adopted in 1989. Currently for a 2,000 square foot home that fee is $955. The new fee, when fully implemented will be $5,284. To appease the developer community council has agreed to delay the implementation of the new fee an additional 90 days beyond what state statute requires. If adopted on December 18 at the second reading, the fees will phase in over 4 years starting June 1, 2026 at 25% of the new fee. In FY24 citywide $3,732,394 in impact fees were collected. Adjusted for today’s dollar it should have been over $9 million.

The administration presented proposed modifications to the city code of ordinances that put further restrictions on the use of bikes and e-bikes on multi-use paths in the city with a focus on Bayshore Blvd and The Riverwalk. When Tampa Monitor reviewed the changes, nothing jumped out as they were strictly focused on the multi-use paths (pedestrian safety) and used the same language as state statutes in regards to bikes riding no more than 2 aside. However, some media reports between the time of review and council’s meeting stated council would be addressing “gangs of bikes” on the streets of Tampa which led to discussions about “Biking While Black.” City legal made clear the ordinance changes only applied to multi-use paths in city parks. At issue is that without an ordinance change the police along with parks and recreation can’t address the avalanche of complaints from residents. And even as representatives from TPD bike patrol noted the issues they are trying to address aren’t groups of kids, council insisted on reducing the fine to $25 for the first offense and increasing there after. They would prefer no fine and to magically pass a law that has no real enforcement, just sternly worded warnings. And while the first reading passed unanimously, there was enough hesitation on the part of most of council it is possible the end result on December 4th is different.

The two items on the agenda that didn’t get council’s approval were the ones related to parks and recreation. The first was a combination of $775,000 for Gadsen Park in South Tampa and $325,000 for dock repairs at Julian B Lane. The second was $320,000 for shoreline improvements on the Hillsborough River at Lowry Park. The questions raised were what exact work in Gadsen Park and the source of the funding for all three. Which should be a surprise for a council that didn’t discuss the parks budget or the entire capital improvement plan during the most recent budget approval. The requests being light on details isn’t surprising for a department that is currently without a director and will be on its 3 director in 4 years when one is appointed.

Included in the approvals Thursday was the $800,000 Facilities Management Master Plan services agreement with a consulting firm which will include:

This effort will include the formulation of a long-term investment approach and the preparation of a five-year capital investment outlay, inclusive of projected operating funds for each fiscal year, in alignment with the FMMP objectives and budgetary requirements.

The Firm will also assist in prioritizing funding for critical infrastructure replacements and upgrades, ensuring that all recommended capital projects are consistent with the City’s strategic goals and financial constraints.

The contract was approved on consent without discussion.