The council’s discussions revealed earlier confusion surrounding vendor fees, particularly regarding food trucks. Initial plans required food trucks to pay a $100 participation fee, while tents were exempt. This led to potential dissatisfaction among food truck vendors, prompting the council to reconsider the fee structure. The council explored various solutions, ultimately deciding to waive the participation fee entirely. A reduced fire inspection fee of $100 was proposed specifically for vendors using generators, acknowledging the need for safety inspections without imposing excessive financial burdens on participants.

During the meeting, a resident, TJ Lombardo, suggested a flat fee structure, proposing a $25 fee for all vendors and an additional $50 for those requiring inspections. This approach resonated with council members, emphasizing fairness and simplicity. The council recognized the importance of clear communication regarding fees and regulations to maintain good relations with vendors and ensure festival success.

In addition to vendor fee discussions, the council addressed logistical preparations for the Centennial Festival, including vendor setup, volunteer participation, and parade arrangements. Concerns about volunteer shortages were raised, with the need for specific roles like managing the dunk tank and registration table highlighted. A collaborative effort among council members and volunteers was emphasized to ensure a smooth and successful event.

The meeting also touched on the intricacies of planning the mayor’s ball, another key event in the centennial celebrations. Discussions covered seating arrangements, food choices, and decoration plans, with the goal of creating an engaging and memorable experience for attendees. Ticket sales were reported to be progressing well, with around 106 tickets sold and more expected.

Beyond the festival preparations, the council engaged in discussions about property jurisdiction issues following recent hurricanes. Confusion over city boundary lines prompted the need to delineate jurisdictional responsibilities between Port Richey and Newport Richey. A map was presented to clarify which properties would fall under each city’s jurisdiction, affecting essential services such as building permits, inspections, and law enforcement.

The council further addressed the search for an interim city manager, with 26 applications received for the position. Emphasis was placed on conducting thorough interviews and ensuring a comprehensive evaluation process to select a candidate who aligns with the city’s needs and goals. The council agreed to conduct interviews with the top candidates, considering both qualifications and character in their assessments.

Discussions also explored the potential for transitioning to a strong mayor system, with opposing views expressed about the implications of such a change. Concerns were raised about the potential risks of reduced accountability and poor management under a strong mayor system. The council emphasized the importance of maintaining the current governance structure to ensure effective city management and community engagement.

The meeting concluded with a motion to limit council meetings to end by 9:00 PM, acknowledging the need for efficient meeting structures while respecting the time of council members and staff. Additionally, a motion was introduced to limit prayers at the beginning of meetings to three minutes.