North Port residents will see some city costs and rules change after commissioners unanimously approved updates to parks and recreation fees, solid waste service rules, and impact fee collection. In plain terms, that means the city has now formally adopted new parks fee schedules, updated parts of its trash-service code, and removed its impact fee deferral program.

The meeting’s biggest policy discussion was about the Spring Haven corridor, a 9.3-acre stretch of 30 lots linking Little Salt Spring and Myakkahatchee Creek. The commission did not authorize eminent domain. Instead, it chose a slower path: try to negotiate a purchase, talk with the Sarasota County School Board about nearby land, build a conservation coalition, and contact state and federal agencies about possible environmental recognition. The first step — negotiations — passed 4-1, with Pete Emrich voting no because he said he was not willing to spend taxpayer money on it. The other three motions passed 5-0. Barbara Langdon and David Duval both said they preferred talks first rather than jumping straight to condemnation.

Commissioners also approved, 5-0, a master plan amendment for Tuscola Commons that allows a four-story self-storage building at 5632 Tuscola Boulevard. Several commissioners said they would have preferred a use that creates more jobs, but they also noted the proposal fits current land-use rules and would bring far less traffic than the previously approved gas station plan.

Other actions included starting talks with Sarasota County on service boundary agreements, accepting Fire Station No. 87, and appointing Ann Lane and Richard Vance to the Environmental Advisory Board. Several first-reading ordinances, including code enforcement, street addressing, and a $55,000 forfeiture-funds budget amendment, now move to second reading on June 23, 2026.

Key takeaways: - The North Port City Commission approved the consent agenda except for one pulled item, then voted 5-0 to continue the appointment of Cheryl L. Cook to the Debt Management Committee Advisory Board until the city knows whether it can borrow money. (0:09:38) (0:12:25)

• The commission approved the Tuscola Commons Development Master Plan amendment for a self-storage facility at 5632 Tuscola Boulevard on a 5-0 vote. (0:13:20) (0:42:38)

• The commission adopted Ordinance 2026-13 on parks and recreation fees, Ordinance 2026-16 on solid waste services, and Ordinance 2026-10 on impact fee collection and removal of the deferral program, all by 5-0 votes. (0:55:05) (0:56:43) (0:58:08)

• On the Spring Haven corridor item, the commission did not direct staff to pursue eminent domain. Instead, it approved motions to pursue negotiations for acquisition, contact the Sarasota County School Board, build a coalition supporting conservation, and reach out to state and federal parties; the first motion passed 4-1 with Emmerich stating Emmerich voted no because he was “not willing to spend taxpayer dollars on this,” and the other motions passed 5-0. (2:37:36) (2:39:00) (2:39:08) (2:40:32) (2:42:14)

Call to order and roll call

Mayor Emmerich called the regular meeting to order at 10 a.m. Commissioners present were David Deval, Phil Stokes, Emmerich, Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon, and Demetrius Petro. Staff introduced on the record included City Manager Fletcher, City Attorney Fueno, Deputy Clerk Powell, Board Specialist Linder, Police Chief Garrison, and Deputy Chief Herlihy. (0:02:52)

Public comment at the start of the meeting

The clerk read e-comments including comments about adopting a city flag, preserving the connection between Little Salt Spring and the Myakkahatchee Greenway, creating a wildlife corridor instead of extending Spring Haven Drive, and comments about conduct at commission meetings and city decision-making. (0:04:49)

A resident, Robin San Vicente, said she would speak later on Spring Haven and thanked the Natural Resources Department and Building and Planning staff for their work on the recommendations and presentation. She said eminent domain was “not a pretty thing to go through” but said the city should make a decision on the 30 parcels and secure the connector between Little Salt Spring and the Myakkahatchee. (0:07:09)

Announcements of board and committee vacancies

The clerk announced vacancies on multiple boards and committees, including the Art Advisory Board, Auditor Selection Committee, Charter Review Advisory Board, Citizen Tax Oversight Committee, Community Economic Development Advisory Board, Debt Management Committee, Environmental Advisory Board, Historic and Cultural Advisory Board, Joint Management Advisory Board, Police Officers Pension Trust Fund Board of Trustees, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Planning and Zoning Advisory Board, and two regional citizen committees. (0:08:54)

Consent agenda

The commission approved the consent agenda 5-0 after pulling Item A. The approved items included contracts, interlocal agreements, board appointments, minutes, utility and public works items, special event assistance awards, and other listed consent items. (0:09:38) (0:10:26)

Pulled consent item: Debt Management Committee appointment

Item A, the appointment of Cheryl L. Cook to the Debt Management Committee Advisory Board, was pulled by Phil Stokes. Phil Stokes said he believed the appointment was premature until the city knows whether it has the ability to borrow money and said he wanted a pool of candidates to review credentials. Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon said the timing felt premature and said the debt management policy has clear membership requirements regarding background and experience. The commission voted 5-0 to continue the item until such time as the city is able to borrow money and is looking to add membership to the debt advisory committee. (0:10:35) (0:12:25)

Tuscola Commons Development Master Plan amendment

The commission held a quasi-judicial hearing on Petition No. DMA-23-249 / PMCPA-23-00000249, the Tuscola Commons Development Master Plan Amendment. The applicant’s representative, Linda Stewart, said the request was to amend the existing plan for a parcel at 5632 Tuscola Boulevard to allow a four-story self-storage facility with a 29,209-square-foot footprint on a 1.29-acre parcel within a 14-acre commercial subdivision. She said the parcel is zoned PCD and no rezoning was requested. She said the previously approved use was a 6,000-square-foot convenience store with 16 fueling stations, and the proposed self-storage use would reduce daily trips from more than 2,600 to 146. She also said a neighborhood workshop was held and had no attendees. (0:15:00)

Planner Adriana Silva said staff reviewed the request under the 2017 Comprehensive Plan and the 2010 Unified Land Development Code because those were in effect at the time of submittal. She said the site is the final remaining vacant parcel in the development master plan area and that staff found the amendment consistent with the comprehensive plan and code. She also said the Planning and Zoning Advisory Board recommended approval. (0:19:03)

Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon asked what market analysis was performed to assess demand for another storage facility, and Linda Stewart said the applicant performs that analysis, not her. Demetrius Petro asked how many jobs the project would bring compared with the previous design. Linda Stewart said there would probably be two full-time on-site office employees, plus maintenance and contractor work. Applicant Dan Oberski said the prior use would have had a build cost of about $2.5 million to $4.5 million, while the self-storage project baseline cost is over $10 million. He said the parcel had been on the market for the past 10 years. (0:28:50) (0:29:21) (0:30:55)

Demetrius Petro said he was not convinced by the project and said residents ask for more economic development rather than storage facilities. Phil Stokes said he appreciated that the proposal complied with the comprehensive plan and ULDC and was a better use than a gas station, but said he was disappointed that a prime piece on U.S. 41 was not something else. David Deval said he also would have preferred something that provides more jobs, but said the use would generate less traffic and he did not see how the building would be to the detriment of the city. Staff said the city estimated ad valorem revenue of $62,658.20 over the first five years post-construction, not including non-ad valorem assessments. (0:32:10) (0:36:40) (0:37:28) (0:39:35)

Mayor Emmerich reminded the board it was in a quasi-judicial hearing and had to follow the law and competent substantial evidence. The commission then approved the petition 5-0, incorporating the four conditions in the staff report and finding that the development master plan complies with the Unified Land Development Code. (0:41:17) (0:42:38)

Ordinance 2026-09: Code enforcement hearing nonappearance

The commission heard first reading of Ordinance 2026-09, which City Manager Fletcher said was intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the city’s code enforcement hearing process when an alleged violator fails to appear at a properly noticed hearing. (0:43:23) (0:44:08)

Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon asked how violators are notified. Development Services Director Elena Ray said notices are posted on the property and delivered by U.S. mail, with return receipts required, and that those are current practices, not new ones. She also said if someone misses a hearing because of an emergency, the city will re-hear the case if notified. (0:45:38) (0:46:25)

David Deval said if a law is not enforced, it should not exist, and said he supported the proposal. The commission voted 5-0 to continue Ordinance 2026-09 to second reading on June 23, 2026. (0:47:31) (0:48:16)

Ordinance 2026-17: Street naming and property numbering

The commission heard first reading of Ordinance 2026-17. City Manager Fletcher said the city’s street naming and property numbering regulations do not align with current practices and interagency emergency response systems and contain outdated provisions. He said the amendments would align current practices with technology, address government facilities with multiple buildings, allow limited administrative departures when aligned with emergency response system requirements, and provide due process for people aggrieved by addressing decisions. (0:48:44) (0:49:31)

Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon said her concern was whether existing properties would be affected by numbering changes and said she had been assured no existing buildings would change as a result of the ordinance. The commission voted 5-0 to continue Ordinance 2026-17 to second reading on June 23, 2026. (0:50:27) (0:51:03)

Ordinance 2026-18: Contraband forfeiture funds budget amendment

The commission heard first reading of Ordinance 2026-18, amending the non-district budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 for use of State of Florida contraband forfeiture funds in the amount of $55,000. City Manager Fletcher said expenditures above $15,000 involve a critical obligation and at least 25% of the funds must support programs related to drug treatment, drug abuse education, drug prevention, crime prevention, safe neighborhoods, or school resource officer programs. (0:51:35) (0:52:23)

David Deval said he understood the restrictions on the funds but said he noticed $26,000 for T-shirts in the background material and said that seemed like a lot. The commission voted 5-0 to continue Ordinance 2026-18 to second reading on June 23, 2026. (0:53:08) (0:54:27)

Ordinance 2026-13: Parks and recreation fees

On second reading, the commission adopted Ordinance 2026-13, amending Appendix A of the city fee schedule for parks and recreation general fees and facility rental fees. The vote was 5-0. (0:55:05) (0:56:17)

Ordinance 2026-16: Solid waste services

On second reading, the commission adopted Ordinance 2026-16, related to the city’s solid waste services and amending Chapters 62 and 66 of the city code. The vote was 5-0. (0:56:43) (0:57:42)

Ordinance 2026-10: Impact fee collection and deferral program

On third reading, the commission adopted Ordinance 2026-10. City Manager Fletcher said the ordinance had previously been adopted as amended to eliminate Article 2 in its entirety, and because of that substantive change it had to be re-advertised and returned for a third reading. He said staff also removed language associated with the impact fee deferral program to reflect commission direction to remove the deferral program in its entirety. The vote was 5-0. (0:58:08) (0:59:00) (1:00:00)

Resolution 2026-R-32: Manasota Beach Ranchlands Plat No. 1 utilities infrastructure

The commission adopted Resolution 2026-R-32, accepting the transfer of water and wastewater infrastructure, improvements, and associated warranties in Manasota Beach Ranchlands Plat No. 1. City Manager Fletcher said the developer had constructed the required infrastructure, dedicated easements, and provided warranties, and the Utilities Department had inspected and approved the improvements. The vote was 5-0. (1:00:20) (1:01:50) (1:02:14)

Resolution 2026-R-38: Interlocal service boundary agreement process with Sarasota County

The commission adopted Resolution 2026-R-38, initiating the process for negotiating an interlocal service boundary agreement with Sarasota County. City Manager Fletcher said North Port does not currently have such an agreement with the county and that annexation and service delivery decisions are often uncertain and inefficient without one. Phil Stokes said the city often provides first responder services in unincorporated county areas without financial benefit to North Port taxpayers and said the process could eventually lead to proper compensation. Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon said the city has had areas targeted in its comprehensive plan for annexation for years and said the agreement would make annexation easier and more efficient when appropriate. The vote was 5-0. (1:02:37) (1:03:11) (1:04:51) (1:05:52) (1:06:56)

Resolution 2026-R-41: Winchester Ranch interlocal service boundary agreement process

The commission adopted Resolution 2026-R-41, initiating the process for negotiating an interlocal service boundary agreement with Sarasota County related to Winchester Ranch. City Manager Fletcher said the city had received an annexation request from Winchester Florida Ranch LLP for about 3,146 acres in unincorporated Sarasota County and said portions lie outside the Sarasota County urban service area shown on the county future land use map dated November 2006. (1:07:20) (1:07:56)

Demetrius Petro said his concern was that the resolution did not explain how infrastructure would be built or who would pay for roads and services, and said residents continue to raise those concerns. Elena Ray said the resolution does not bind the city to anything and only starts a discussion with Sarasota County about responsibilities if the area is annexed. She said the property is intended to be developed in the same manner as Wellen Park, with WVID funding, maintaining, and constructing infrastructure within the development, and said the city has no intention of spending money for infrastructure within the Winchester development if annexed. Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon said the matter had already been discussed at a public workshop. The commission adopted the resolution 5-0. (1:09:04) (1:12:41) (1:14:23) (1:15:25)

Resolution 2026-R-40: Easement for utilities admin and warehouse facility power service

The commission adopted Resolution 2026-R-40, granting a non-exclusive permanent easement on city-owned land for extension of power service to the utilities administration and warehouse facility. City Manager Fletcher said Florida Power and Light’s existing primary power service currently terminates at a dead end on Children’s Way and needs to be extended to the project site. The vote was 5-0. (1:15:56) (1:16:35) (1:17:43)

Resolution 2026-R-42: Acceptance of Fire Station No. 87

The commission adopted Resolution 2026-R-42, approving the city’s acceptance of the conveyance of Fire Station No. 87 and associated vehicles, equipment, and improvements effective upon issuance of the final certificate of occupancy. City Manager Fletcher said the station is located at 17890 Preto Boulevard and will allow North Port Fire Rescue to provide service in the area. The vote was 5-0. (1:18:03) (1:18:45) (1:19:34)

Environmental Advisory Board appointments

The commission considered one application from Richard Vance and one from Ann Lane for the Environmental Advisory Board. Mayor Emmerich noted that Mr. Vance had applied first and said the commission often uses application order when applicants are equally qualified. Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon said Ann Lane’s education and practical experience in environmental matters, including teaching environmental subjects at North Port High School, made the difference for her. The commission voted 5-0 to appoint Ann Lane as a regular member and Richard Vance as an alternate member for first terms from June 9, 2026, through June 9, 2029. (1:19:56) (1:20:30) (1:21:07)

Spring Haven corridor / Little Salt Spring to Myakkahatchee Creek parcels

Staff presented discussion and possible action regarding initiating eminent domain for 30 parcels in the natural corridor between Little Salt Spring and Myakkahatchee Creek in the Spring Haven Drive area. Natural Resources Manager Stephan Caleb gave a timeline dating back to 2014, including the original Spring Haven Drive extension project, later direction to stop clearing and terminate the roadway project, approval of $1.5 million in surtax funding for parcel acquisition in 2018, the city’s 2019 purchase of five parcels from Q Smith Homes LLC for $55,000 combined, and the 2020 nomination of 30 privately owned parcels to Sarasota County’s Environmental Sensitive Lands Protection Program. He said county staff later advised that program funds could not be used because the owner’s requested price far exceeded appraised value. (1:23:18) (1:24:18) (1:26:16) (1:27:37)

Stephan Caleb described the corridor as a continuous ecological and cultural greenway connecting Little Salt Spring and Myakkahatchee Creek. He said the site is 9.3 acres consisting of 30 vacant lots, functions as a bottleneck connecting two larger natural areas, and supports scrubby flatwoods habitat, potential Florida scrub jay habitat, gopher tortoise foraging, and other wildlife. He also described the area’s archaeological significance and said the corridor protects habitat and connectivity. Staff presented two options: direct staff to pursue eminent domain, or decline to do so. Staff did not make a recommendation between those two options. (1:28:21) (1:30:44) (1:31:49) (1:34:54) (1:38:27) (1:43:04)

Phil Stokes said he considered the area environmentally sensitive and opposed roads or development there, but said he did not agree with either staff option. He said he was not comfortable with eminent domain and suggested a resolution recognizing the importance of the connection and exploring whether the property could be rezoned or otherwise protected. Demetrius Petro said he largely agreed and asked about ownership and prior negotiations. Elena Ray said all 30 lots are currently owned by one owner, that the city has not directly negotiated because it had not been authorized to do so, and that Sarasota County had negotiated multiple times but the owner demanded more than appraised value. She said the city cannot downzone the property without owner approval and that the lots are pre-platted, with legal access from the south, so if the owner sought building permits the city would have to issue them. (1:44:15) (1:46:45) (1:48:08) (1:49:00)

City Attorney Fueno described the eminent domain process, including a commission resolution finding public purpose and necessity, good-faith negotiations, and then either a “quick take” or “slow take” lawsuit if negotiations fail. He said a quick take would require a deposit into the court registry and could not be voluntarily dismissed, while a slow take would go directly to trial and could be dismissed. He said a 12-person jury would determine value and that the city would also be responsible for the property owner’s attorney’s fees and costs under the statutory formulas he described. (1:53:35)

Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon said she does not like eminent domain in theory but said the board has to balance that against the public good. She said this property is integral to Little Salt Spring and Myakkahatchee Creek and said she was willing to consider eminent domain if necessary, but preferred a first step of a “friendly conversation” with the property owner and involvement from other interested parties. David Deval said he opposed both staff options as presented, said the city should start with conversations, and asked about the Sarasota County School Board property in the area and whether it could also affect fragmentation. (2:03:06) (2:12:56) (2:13:03)

Public comment on the item included e-comments supporting preservation of the corridor and in-person comments from Robin San Vicente, Steve Kosky, and Chuck English. Robin San Vicente urged the commission to act now and said the area could be designated a critical area of concern. Steve Kosky said the site and corridor have environmental, archaeological, and public benefit significance and said if the area is lost “there’s no going back.” Chuck English said eminent domain is a “nuclear option” and suggested mediation or negotiation first while keeping eminent domain available. (2:27:01) (2:30:43) (2:32:50) (2:36:10)

The commission then approved four separate motions: - Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon moved to direct the city manager to pursue negotiations for acquisition of the 30 privately owned parcels, subject to applicable legal requirements and the availability of funding. The motion passed 4-1. Mayor Emmerich stated he voted no because he was “not willing to spend taxpayer dollars on this.” (2:37:36) (2:39:00)

• Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon moved to instruct the city manager through staff to approach the county school board regarding its options and/or plans for its property in the area. The motion passed 5-0. (2:39:08)

• Vice Mayor Barbara Langdon moved to instruct the city manager to work with staff to build a coalition of interested parties who commit to actively supporting conservation of the property. The motion passed 5-0. (2:39:51)

• Phil Stokes moved to direct the city manager to reach out to state and federal parties to see whether the property may be designated in a way that would deem it environmentally significant. The motion passed 5-0. (2:40:34) (2:41:46)

Final public comment

A resident spoke during final public comment about the self-storage approval, saying storage units do not benefit the city in the way industrial employers would. The resident also raised concerns about traffic near Lowe’s on U.S. 41 and asked why a builder could not fix a long-vacant building at U.S. 41 and Sumter. (2:42:39)

Adjournment

Mayor Emmerich adjourned the meeting at 12:43 p.m. (2:46:15)

Watch the full meeting recording

Vote tallies in this recap were checked against the body’s official roll-call record.

How this was reported: The Public Eye uses AI tools to transcribe and draft coverage of public meetings from official recordings. Every article is reviewed and verified by a human editor before publishing. Our coverage is limited to what happened on the public record — we don’t publish opinion or investigations. The Public Eye is independent and not affiliated with any government body, developer, or other news outlet. Spot an error? Email office@thepubliceye.ai and we’ll correct it promptly.

North Port commissioners approved a long list of routine but practical items that will touch daily life: replacing the Hope Park playground, continuing school crossing guard service, maintaining traffic signals, and lining up tree and brush abatement work. They also approved an agreement tied to the local gas tax, joined the next phase of the PFAS water-system settlement, and applied for AED funding for police vehicles. All of that passed 5-0.

The biggest money item was Warm Mineral Springs. The commission voted 5-0 to move forward with the first step of a budget amendment adding $4,082,133 to the building rehabilitation project. City staff said the work plan includes renovating the administration building, partially renovating the spa building, stabilizing the cyclorama, floodproofing, utility work, and parking improvements. The city has about $12.6 million available now, but the construction price is $16.7 million, leaving a gap of about $4.1 million. Phil Stokes, Barbara Langdon, and Demetrius Petrow all spoke in support of moving ahead, and public comment on the item was strongly supportive. The next vote is the second reading on July 7, 2026.

The commission also unanimously adopted several policy and legal changes: a code enforcement rule that treats failure to appear at a hearing as admitting the violation, an updated street naming and property numbering ordinance, and measures governing police forfeiture funds and open data. It also named the new utilities building after Richard J. Newkirk.

Later, commissioners had a more open-ended discussion about whether the job is full-time or part-time and whether to trim their own budget. Members generally described the role as full-time in practice, but no action was taken. They also asked for more information before deciding on possible cuts to travel, health coverage, or cost-of-living increases. Finally, they told the City Clerk, in a 5-0 vote, to draft changes to the city’s ceremonial-items policy.

Key takeaways: - The North Port City Commission approved the consent agenda, including contracts and agreements for Hope Park playground replacement, tree and brush abatement services, traffic signal maintenance, school crossing guard services, and other items, by a 5-0 vote. (0:27:55)

• The commission advanced Ordinance 2026-19, a budget amendment adding $4,082,133 to the Warm Mineral Springs building rehabilitation project, to second reading on July 7, 2026, by a 5-0 vote. (0:59:44)

• The commission adopted ordinances on code enforcement hearing nonappearance, street naming and property numbering, and use of contraband forfeiture funds, and adopted resolutions on police forfeiture-fund spending, an open data policy, and naming the new utilities building after Richard J. Newkirk. Each vote was 5-0. (1:02:34) (1:03:58) (1:05:08) (1:06:32) (1:12:21) (1:14:15)

• In general business, the commission kept its current Florida League of Cities committee appointments, discussed whether the commission role is full-time or part-time, discussed possible commission budget reductions, and directed the City Clerk to draft a resolution amending the ceremonial items policy. (1:14:17) (1:16:03) (1:37:07) (2:26:37)

Meeting opening and agenda approval

Mayor Emmerich called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m. Roll call showed Commissioner Duvall, Commissioner Stokes, Mayor Emmerich, Vice Mayor Langdon, and Commissioner Petro present. Also present were City Manager Fletcher, City Attorney Ferino, City Clerk Faust, Board Specialist Linder, Police Chief Garrison, and Fire Chief Titus. Mayor Emmerich asked attendees to maintain order and decorum and cited City Policy 2021-03. The commission approved the agenda 5-0. (0:01:48) (0:03:29)

Public comment at the start of the meeting

The City Clerk read written comments and called in-person speakers. Comments included: - a written comment about whether serving as a commissioner is a full-time or part-time job, referencing a September 10, 2024 discussion about commissioner salary and duties; (0:03:53)

• a written comment supporting action on Warm Mineral Springs and saying delay would cost more; (0:05:25)

• a written comment opposing fee increases for garbage and stormwater and opposing a rezoning tied to an RV and boat storage facility and pump-out station; (0:05:51)

• a written comment asking the city to review whether electronic public comment provides equal opportunity for residents who cannot attend in person; (0:08:12)

• comments from a resident criticizing meeting security, public-comment time limits, and city budget growth; (0:09:57)

• comments from Steven Harrison, speaking as a private resident, urging the city to amend Charter section 5.2 to add language allowing inquiry or information while otherwise requiring commissioners to deal with staff through the city manager; (0:13:08)

• several comments urging action on Warm Mineral Springs. (0:16:13) (0:17:44) (0:20:17) (0:23:08)

Announcements

The City Clerk announced vacancies on multiple city advisory boards and committees, and two Sarasota County advisory vacancies for North Port residents. (0:24:58)

Consent agenda

No consent items were pulled. One resident said some agenda attachments, including materials related to tree and brush abatement services, appeared unavailable online and asked for fuller backup materials on agenda items. The commission then approved the consent agenda 5-0. The approved items included: - Hope Park playground removal and replacement for $299,943.30;

• FDOT traffic signal maintenance amendment for $79,186.00;

• tree and brush abatement services agreements not to exceed $200,000.00 annually;

• an application for $17,000 in AED funding for police patrol vehicles;

• participation in Phase 2 of the DuPont and 3M PFAS public water system settlement;

• an extension of the school crossing guard services contract;

• a revised interlocal agreement on the 6-cent local option gas tax. (0:27:55)

Warm Mineral Springs budget amendment — Ordinance 2026-19, first reading

The commission took up Ordinance 2026-19, which would amend the non-district and capital improvement budgets for fiscal year 2025-2026 to increase the Warm Mineral Springs building rehabilitation project by $4,082,133. City Manager Fletcher said the project had $12,587,596 in remaining available funding, consisting of $2.3 million from Warm Mineral Springs, $382,625 in current impact fees, and $9.8 million in surtax funds. He said the project scope included renovation of the administration building, hybrid renovation of the spa building, stabilization and mothballing of the cyclorama, wet floodproofing, utility infrastructure, and parking lot improvements. He said the guaranteed maximum price for construction was $16.7 million, creating a shortfall of about $4.1 million. (0:59:44)

Mayor Emmerich asked whether the added $4,082,133 would complete the funding and allow the project to move forward; City Manager Fletcher answered yes. (0:30:18)

Commission comments: - Commissioner Stokes said it was time to stop delaying the project and said he supported using surtax funds along with district funds, utility funds, and impact fees. (0:30:37)

• Vice Mayor Langdon said the city had already bought the property and was now its steward, and said the city was required to have all the money in-house before proceeding. (0:31:36)

• Commissioner Petro said Warm Mineral Springs was the only park generating close to $2 million and supported preserving the historic buildings under the plan adopted in May 2024. (0:33:11)

Public comment on the item included written and in-person support from residents, preservation advocates, an architect working on the project, and representatives of the Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation and Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Speakers urged the commission to fund the project and move it forward. (0:33:42) (0:37:14) (0:39:53) (0:42:23) (0:44:34) (0:45:48) (0:48:04) (0:51:12) (0:53:51) (0:55:52)

The commission voted 5-0 to continue Ordinance 2026-19 to second reading on July 7, 2026. The motion was first stated for July 21, then changed after discussion of a timing issue. (0:57:38) (0:58:33) (0:59:21)

Code enforcement hearing ordinance — Ordinance 2026-09

The commission considered second reading of Ordinance 2026-09, which provides that failure to appear at a code enforcement hearing constitutes an admission and waiver and authorizes penalties and costs. City Manager Fletcher said the item had been forwarded from June 9, 2026 with no recommended changes. There was no public comment. The commission adopted the ordinance 5-0. (1:01:01) (1:02:14)

Street naming and property numbering ordinance — Ordinance 2026-17

The commission considered second reading of Ordinance 2026-17 on street naming and property numbering. City Manager Fletcher said it had been forwarded from June 9, 2026 with no recommended changes. There was no public comment. The commission adopted the ordinance 5-0. (1:02:38) (1:03:34)

Contraband forfeiture budget amendment — Ordinance 2026-18

The commission considered second reading of Ordinance 2026-18, amending the non-district budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 for use of State of Florida contraband forfeiture funds in the amount of $55,000. City Manager Fletcher said it had been continued to second reading on June 9, 2026. There was no public comment. The commission adopted the ordinance 5-0. (1:04:00) (1:04:50)

Police forfeiture-fund spending — Resolution 2026-R-27

The commission considered Resolution 2026-R-27 approving expenditure of forfeiture funds for police crime prevention, community outreach, and youth substance-abuse prevention programs. City Manager Fletcher said the resolution supported community-based programs and crime prevention initiatives and helped meet statutory requirements. There was no public comment. The commission adopted the resolution 5-0. (1:05:11) (1:06:09)

Naming the utilities administration building — Resolution 2026-R-37

The commission considered Resolution 2026-R-37 naming the new utilities administration building the “Richard J. Newkirk Utilities Administration Complex.” City Manager Fletcher said the commission had discussed honoring Richard J. Newkirk during a March 23, 2021 meeting and that naming the facility before opening would ensure consistent use across signage, GIS, wayfinding, and communications. (1:06:34)

Comments from the dais included: - Mayor Emmerich said he believed Rick Newkirk would have said not to do it, but called it an honor and asked that a mural of “Ricky Raindrop” be included somewhere on the property. (1:07:54)

• Commissioner Duvall said Richard J. Newkirk had answered questions from anyone and was deserving of the honor. (1:08:22)

• Vice Mayor Langdon said she had toured utilities facilities with him and said he took personal pride in every asset. (1:09:20)

A resident also supported the naming. The commission adopted the resolution 5-0. (1:11:02) (1:11:43)

Open data policy — Resolution 2026-R-44

The commission considered Resolution 2026-R-44 adopting City Commission Policy 2026-01 related to an open data policy for What Works Cities certification. City Manager Fletcher said the policy was intended to make city information accessible, usable, and understandable, and to complement Florida public records law and other confidentiality requirements. There was no public comment. The commission adopted the resolution 5-0. (1:12:31) (1:13:54)

Florida League of Cities appointments

The commission discussed annual appointments to Florida League of Cities legislative policy committees and the Legislative Advocacy Committee. City Clerk Faust said the appointments were due by August 15 and that any new commissioners after the November election would fill outgoing commissioners’ appointments. The commission indicated it would keep current appointments. There was no public comment. The commission voted 5-0 to maintain all current appointments. (1:14:17) (1:15:27)

Discussion of whether serving as a city commissioner is a full-time or part-time job

City Clerk Faust said the item had been requested during the June 10 budget workshop and was paired with the next budget item. She said she did not believe there was action to be taken. (1:16:03)

Commissioners then gave their views: - Commissioner Petro said the premise was flawed because one commissioner could not define another commissioner’s work. He said his earlier statement of “10 to 15 hours a week” referred to public meetings, and he cited duties discussed at a September 10, 2024 meeting, including agenda preparation, public meetings, community events, and availability to residents. He said he did not believe the role should be classified as part-time or full-time because each commissioner chooses how much time to devote. (1:17:03)

• Vice Mayor Langdon said agenda preparation, board assignments, city events, and community interactions made the role full-time for her, even if not every week was exactly 40 hours. (1:21:21)

• Commissioner Duvall said he did not consider it a job but a service position, and said the work occupied his thoughts outside meetings. (1:26:12)

• Commissioner Stokes said he considered it a full-time job and an obligation to the people who elected him, citing meetings, preparation, and community involvement. (1:27:08)

• Mayor Emmerich said weeks vary, but commissioners also attend staff meetings, outside meetings, and Florida League of Cities events, and are approached by residents in public. He said commissioners put in more than 2,080 hours in a year. (1:28:47)

Public comment included: - a written comment stating the position is part-time and saying commissioners should not increase their salaries; (1:31:50)

• a resident saying the role is full-time; (1:32:12)

• Mark Franson saying three candidates had told him they were told the role was part-time, and saying that was unfair to candidates if the work is actually full-time; (1:32:59)

• a former commissioner saying the role is beyond full-time and depends on how much work each commissioner chooses to do. (1:35:46)

No motion was taken. (1:37:01)

Discussion of city commission budget items

City Clerk Faust said the item had been requested during the June 10 budget workshop and involved family and commission health insurance coverage, travel to Florida League of Cities legislative action days in Tallahassee, reimbursement for travel not directly related to board and committee appointments, and waiving a COLA increase for commissioners. (1:37:07)

Discussion points included: - Commissioner Stokes said foregoing a raise would be symbolic but suggested looking at benefits and travel for possible savings, including whether all five commissioners need to travel to Tallahassee. (1:37:46)

• Mayor Emmerich asked for information on what the city pays for commissioner health coverage and family coverage. (1:40:53)

• Finance staff said plan costs vary by plan and gave figures identified as employer cost: about $1,000 for employee only, about $1,700 for employee plus spouse, about $1,600 for employee plus children, and about $2,400 for employee plus family. Staff later said the annual savings from limiting coverage to commissioners only would be about $40,000, while also noting not all commissioners participate in family plans and saying more exact information would be provided later. (1:42:53) (1:48:30)

• Vice Mayor Langdon said commissioners should be treated the same as employees regarding health care and said limiting family coverage could discourage younger people with families from serving. She said she supported no COLA for 2027 and cutting travel. (1:49:34)

• Deputy City Manager Julianna Belia said Human Resources Director Christine McDade had confirmed commissioners are treated the same as employees with respect to health care benefits. (1:53:44)

• Commissioner Duvall said he had no problem giving up the COLA for a year and said some travel and event spending could be reduced. (1:54:02)

• Mayor Emmerich said he did not think all five commissioners needed to go to Tallahassee and said travel was a place to look for reductions. (1:57:44)

• City Clerk Faust said newer commissioners had higher travel costs because they attended training, and said none of the commissioners had yet spent $1,000 this year from the training and education line. She said she had already recommended reducing that line from $3,200 to $2,200. (1:59:58)

• Commissioner Stokes questioned the value of some Florida League of Cities travel and said the city should examine every expense closely. (2:03:23)

• City Attorney Ferino said there could be legal issues under the Affordable Care Act if the city tried to offer health insurance only to commissioners and not their dependents, and said he would look into it. (2:05:16)

• Commissioner Petro said he pays about $400 every paycheck for dependents and said removing dependent coverage could be discriminatory by age in his view. (2:06:14)

Public comment included: - Mark Franson urging the commission to review all budget items carefully; (2:11:26)

• a former commissioner saying commissioners should not dictate where another commissioner can travel and suggesting other possible cuts; (2:13:25)

• a resident saying cutting dependent health coverage would make it harder to attract younger commissioners and suggesting other areas to review. (2:15:46)

No action was taken, and Mayor Emmerich said the commission would wait for more information and revisit the matter during budget discussions. (2:17:32)

Ceremonial items policy

The commission discussed possible amendments to City Commission Policy 2020-02 on ceremonial items. City Clerk Faust said the proposed changes would broaden the criteria for presenting a key to the city and limit issuance to twice a year, with grouped presentations. (2:18:07)

Commissioner Stokes said the key to the city should go to someone who has gone above and beyond in service to North Port, not only to a veteran, hero, or visiting dignitary. He said he liked the broader language and did not want keys given out every other month. He also said he did not think commissioners should recommend recipients directly and suggested nominations should come from the community with supporting information. (2:19:05)

Vice Mayor Langdon said she liked the idea of nominations coming from the community and discussed having a more formal submission process. (2:21:27)

City Clerk Faust said that since 2019 the city had received seven key-to-the-city requests and only one had come from the public. She said the city already has an online request form for keys to the city and proclamations. She also said creating a review committee could create delays. (2:23:45)

The commission voted 5-0 to direct the City Clerk to draft a resolution amending Policy 2020-02 as presented. (2:26:37)

Commission communications and adjournment

During commission communications, Commissioner Duvall said he had attended a CAP meeting in Sarasota that did not have a quorum. Other commissioners and staff reported no additional communications. Mayor Emmerich adjourned the meeting at 8:56 p.m. (2:27:10) (2:27:56)

Watch the full meeting recording

Vote tallies in this recap were checked against the body’s official roll-call record.

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