One focus of the meeting was the discussion on Forerunner’s software updates, particularly the Substantial Damage Estimate (SDE) tool used for assessing property damage. A representative from Forerunner introduced enhancements designed to improve user experience, including a streamlined summary presentation of damage costs, replacement costs, and market values. The integration of a new widget within the SDE form now allows assessors to input property market values directly. Despite these improvements, concerns were raised about discrepancies in displayed percentages and actual evaluations during assessments. There was a call for clearer market value adjustments to prevent confusion over improvements versus total assessed values.

The conversation extended to the transparency of the Forerunner portal. Council members expressed the need for public access to detailed backup documentation of damage estimates, including specifics of inspectors’ calculations. While the public website currently provides a general overview of damages and improvements, there is a strong interest in making detailed calculations available to enhance accountability and trust. The council discussed potential configurations to display necessary data and documents, although limitations were noted in the current system’s capacity to expose detailed inspection reports on the public platform.

The council also addressed the need for a comprehensive audit trail to show how damage estimates are derived. Suggestions included housing supporting documents, like elevation and flood-proofing certificates, under a “files” tab on the portal, contingent on the Port Richey team’s willingness to upload and make these documents public.

The meeting then shifted to charter revisions, focusing on the process for filling council vacancies and election procedures. The council debated the duration of appointments following a vacancy, emphasizing that appointments should only last until the next scheduled election. This approach ensures public involvement in deciding who occupies council seats, thereby maintaining electoral integrity. Concerns were raised about the cost and logistics of holding special elections, with suggestions to align special elections with regular election cycles to minimize expenses.

Discussion also covered the procedural aspects of council member absences, considering a system to excuse members for valid reasons like vacations or illnesses. The council debated whether to adjust the current limit on absences. There was agreement on the necessity of a clear definition of what constitutes an excused absence to prevent ambiguity.

Further, the council explored changes to the city charter’s voting process, proposing an affirmative vote from a majority of members present. Simplifying the voting process for mayor and council candidates was suggested.

The council also reviewed potential updates to council salaries, with discussions about implementing a cost-of-living adjustment to ensure compensation keeps pace with inflation. The impact of salary adjustments on candidate willingness to serve was considered, with emphasis on attracting qualified individuals to council positions. Procedural aspects of enacting salary changes were clarified, with any adjustments subject to a public vote.

In addition to charter and salary discussions, the council examined the allocation of $450,000 for street paving under a piggyback bid agreement with Ajax Paving. This agreement, reviewed by the city attorney, covers various municipal services, allowing the city to prioritize projects through 2026. The council also approved sealing the City Hall parking lot, with a contractor chosen for offering a warranty on the sealant.