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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