The focal point of the meeting revolved around the need for the upkeep of the city’s waterways. The topic garnered detailed debate among council attendees, touching on the necessities, strategies, and funding avenues for dredging the canals. The consideration of whether maintenance dredging could bypass the extent of permitting required for dredging unexplored areas was deliberated. The necessity of involving the Port Authority in discussions to access federal funding for these maintenance projects was underscored as a prudent step forward. Additionally, the potential for partnerships with organizations like the Coastal Conservation Association was brought up as a means to assist with the city’s waterway conservation efforts.

In tandem with waterway discussions, the council addressed the Imagine Cody River Landing initiative, which is seeking community input on potential zoning code changes to encourage development in the Cody River Landing area. With a survey live on the city’s website and an open house event scheduled, the initiative has become a focal point for future city planning. The council also introduced a new citizen service request portal on the city’s website to streamline public works-related requests and feedback.

The discussion of potential high-rise residential complexes in the Waterfront area was also a subject of contention. The results of an unofficial survey were shared, sparking debate about the sample size and the representativeness of the responses.

The council engaged in discussions on the structural integrity of the restroom building at Brasher Park, with a structural analysis revealing concerns. The options of repairing the existing structure versus constructing a new one that complies with current building codes and ADA requirements were weighed. The possibility of a modular restroom building as a cost-effective alternative was considered.

The council also moved to surplus five impounded vehicles that had been in storage for 90 days or more, considering the benefit of having keys available for the vehicles during auction for better sale prospects. Furthermore, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance to adjust the maximum number of historical preservation commission members from seven to five and modified the quorum requirement to three. Similarly, the quorum requirement for the citizens advisory committee was modified to allow the majority of appointed members to constitute a quorum.

Additionally, the council approved the purchase of a Zetron Max dispatch radio system for the police and fire department and agreed on a subrecipient agreement with Pasco County for a grant to purchase new in-car laptop computers for the police department.

The council also deliberated on the broader vision for Port Richey, predominantly favoring the city to remain primarily residential, with discussions about survey responses to allowing jet ski rentals and the permitting of RV parks within city limits. Communication with residents, especially the elderly, was addressed with suggestions for more traditional methods like flyers and email to disseminate information effectively.

Looking ahead, the council discussed the potential construction of a new pier and the status of a grant application for sun shades at Waterfront Park. The competitive nature of the grant and the limited funding available were noted, with hope expressed for a successful grant acquisition this time. Plans for the “Boom on the Bayou” event and the city’s 100th anniversary were also on the agenda, including securing sponsorships and vendors and the involvement of department heads in the anniversary committee.