The council also presented the need for a comprehensive approach to restoration and resiliency, which would include various options for mitigation such as backflow preventers, building and development codes, barrier islands, and oyster beds. The proposed 90-day timeline for the initial planning process highlighted the urgency of the matter, and there was a call for community engagement in determining solutions. Furthermore, the potential role of the Port Authority Board was discussed, with an emphasis on collaboration between the council, city manager, and staff to develop and implement initiatives aimed at improving water quality and fostering community support for the adaptive planning project.

During the meeting, there was support for the proposal, and the council discussed the creation of a steering committee for the Adaptive plan, acknowledging its importance. Discussions about the practicality and benefits of making Port Richey a designated port and the purchase of Forerunner software by the building department to manage flood plain programs were also on the agenda. The software system, designed to improve efficiency and compliance in floodplain management, was presented by a representative from Forerunner, and the council debated the terms of the Master Service Agreement with the company. A motion was made to approve the software system for $14,400 for the first two years, with funding expected to come from the building department reserves and general fund revenues.

The council addressed the issue of open storage uses in commercial and industrial zoning districts, focusing on the need for clear definitions to eliminate subjective interpretation and inconsistent treatment of businesses. The discussion centered on the specific conditions for outdoor storage, such as fencing and buffering requirements, and the need for amendments to zoning regulations to accommodate proposed changes. There was a consensus to table the discussion for a workshop to address the issue of clarity and definition in the city code.

Furthermore, the council discussed the installation of speed humps as a measure to address traffic safety concerns, particularly speeding. The estimated costs for installation ranged from $22,000 to $30,000, and the council emphasized the need for current data to inform their decision. The possibility of using an Incognito unit to collect updated information on traffic speeds was suggested. Additionally, the council touched on the “Safe Streets for All” project, a federal grant aimed at addressing road safety, and discussed the timeline for delayed pavement work, which was scheduled to start in June or July.

Other topics discussed during the meeting included a request for the council to reconsider a previous decision regarding an application that had been tabled, a proposal to amend the building code to allow for the reinstatement of expired permits, and potential revisions to the city’s permit process and fee structure. Proposed changes to the city sign ordinance to ensure compliance with a Supreme Court ruling were also presented, as well as a presentation on hurricane preparedness and updates on various city projects and initiatives.

A public hearing on the second reading of an ordinance amending the maximum number of historical preservation commission members and the definition of a quorum took place, with no public comments. The ordinance was approved by the council. Additionally, the council addressed a presentation on coastal resiliency and restoration by the Port Authority board, focusing on dredging processes and the need for a unified strategy to leverage Pasco County’s coastal and estuary resources.