The most prominent decision was the approval of Resolution 24-20, which authorizes the issuance of a letter of intent to withdraw from the Public Risk Management (PRM) Florida Group Health Trust Insurance Pool. This move came after the city manager and an insurance broker presented a case for transitioning to a standalone Florida Blue policy for employee health insurance. The rationale behind this shift is the anticipated cost savings and the increased control over the insurance program. The city manager emphasized that while the current renewal rate from PRM would spell a 10.9% increase in costs, the Florida Blue proposal only projected a 3.2% rise. This strategic move is expected to reduce overall insurance expenses by approximately 12.64%, providing financial relief across various insurance lines.

The financial benefits were further detailed, with property liability insurance premiums expected to decrease by around 5% and workers’ compensation insurance by approximately 32%. The broker highlighted that this transition would enable the city to better track claims and incentivize healthier behaviors among employees. The council members sought clarity on how these changes would affect employee contributions and coverage options, with assurances given that employees on the middle plan would continue to receive full coverage at no cost. The transition also aims to simplify the number of plans available, reducing confusion for employees.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) were discussed as part of the new insurance structure. While HSAs may have higher upfront costs for certain services, such as doctor visits, preventive care remains free across all options. The importance of educating employees about the differences in plans was underscored to prevent inadvertent selections that might not suit their needs. The council’s unanimous approval of the resolution marked a step towards more efficient and cost-effective health insurance management.

In addition to health insurance, the council approved Resolution 2421, concerning the use of the city seal for promotional purposes related to the upcoming Centennial celebration. The city manager clarified that the resolution specifies a limited time period for the seal’s use, expiring on May 18, 2025, with any proposed use requiring approval by the city manager or a designated representative. The resolution passed without opposition, paving the way for the Centennial Committee to incorporate the city seal into various promotional materials, fostering unity and official endorsement.

The meeting also saw discussions about the benefits of community policing and the potential for officers to engage more with residents by walking through neighborhoods. The council acknowledged the current heat but expressed hope that such interactions might resume in the fall, providing opportunities to connect with more residents.

Public comments highlighted various community concerns and initiatives. Danny Fields and Pat Rogers discussed the success of a recent backpack giveaway event held at Waterfront Park, emphasizing the positive community engagement and collaboration with local churches, businesses, and city representatives. Ronald McDonald, president of the Chamber of Commerce, announced a new partnership with a professional event planning firm to enhance community events, including an artist and farmers market and a scallop festival planned for next year.

Concerns about water quality in local canals were raised, with Wayne Guido mentioning an oily substance observed in the water. The council acknowledged the issue but noted the lack of definitive answers regarding the oil’s presence. Additionally, Tom Row raised concerns about the long-delayed dredging of the canals and the viability of a proposed 469-unit condominium development on waterfront property. The council responded by mentioning the newly formed Coastal Restoration Resiliency Committee, which would address these issues and report back with recommendations.

The council also discussed the need for a public information program regarding flood hazard outreach, collaborating with Pasco County to help reduce flood insurance costs for residents. The implementation of new floodplain management software, Forerunner, is expected to enhance residents’ access to flood risk information and compliance assistance.

Infrastructure improvements were another key topic, with updates on the Grand Boulevard and US19 intersection improvements. Preliminary plans had been received, but concerns regarding potential conflicts with signal poles were raised. The engineering firm was advised to investigate these conflicts before proceeding with cost estimates for the project.

The meeting concluded with discussions on various topics, including the proposed amendment to local ordinances affecting outdoor storage within C3 zoning properties. The council deliberated on the implications of the proposed changes, emphasizing the need for clarity and proper definitions to guide future decisions. A motion was made to table the discussion for further review.