The most pressing topic was the city’s preparation for an impending hurricane. The city manager reported that Port Richey was under both a hurricane warning and a storm surge warning, with predictions indicating a potential storm surge of six to ten feet. The fire chief added that the hurricane’s progression had slowed. This prompted the council to amend the agenda to include a resolution ratifying the state of emergency declaration, which was unanimously approved. The resolution, numbered 24-31, formalized the state of local emergency, granting the city necessary powers to respond effectively to the disaster.

Public safety departments were preparing for the storm, with measures including fueling vehicles, securing boats, and tracking expenses for potential reimbursement. The city also planned to document conditions before the storm for future reference, with the fire department and building officials tasked with capturing images of roads and facilities.

In a related discussion, the council explored the potential use of drones for pre- and post-storm documentation, highlighting their value in restoration and resiliency efforts, as well as in communicating funding needs to state and federal authorities. Preparations for the storm were further underscored by a state of emergency declaration.

Another issue was the presentation of an impact fee study by Stant Tech Consulting Services, which had not been updated since 2000. The study focused on recalculating fees for traffic, fire, police, and stormwater services to align with current costs. The proposed increases were substantial: the fire impact fee was suggested to rise by 157%, the police fee by 444%, and the roads fee by 139%. The council discussed the implications of these increases, considering state regulations that require phased implementation over several years.

Council members contemplated the necessity of these fee adjustments in light of potential new developments, including plans for 500 new units in the Waterfront District. The possibility of an “extraordinary circumstance” was raised, which could justify exceeding state-imposed limits on fee increases. The council emphasized the need for a robust capital plan and further studies to support any extraordinary claims, while also weighing the financial burden on developers and the timing of the changes.

The meeting also addressed community engagement and events, with Danny Fields expressing gratitude for the city’s observance of the 9/11 memorial event and highlighting the success of “Carfest” at Gulf VI Mall, which drew over 3,000 attendees. Fields announced an upcoming event, “Fall Fest,” scheduled for October 26 at Waterfront Park, aimed at fostering community relationships and raising awareness about human trafficking.

In terms of infrastructure improvements, the council discussed the Grand Boulevard and US 19 traffic crossing project, which aims to enhance safety at one of the city’s busiest intersections. The project includes dedicated turn lanes and resurfacing, with a representative from an engineering firm providing updates on the design and the challenges posed by space constraints on the west side of the intersection. The project, identified as number six on an unfunded project list, may receive state assistance, with an estimated construction timeline of six months.

The council also considered approving McKim and Creed as an engineering firm for the upcoming fiscal year, acknowledging their extensive experience in surveying, design, construction, and operational assistance in public utilities. A motion to approve their addition to the city’s list of approved engineers was carried forward.

A lighter moment in the meeting occurred when a humorous motion for everyone to receive chocolate milkshakes was met with laughter, providing a brief respite from the serious discussions.

The meeting concluded with a focus on ethics training requirements for board and committee members. Concerns were raised about the current setup, which may exclude working individuals due to scheduling conflicts. Suggestions included offering alternative training options, such as online resources and extending the training completion timeframe. The council emphasized the importance of ensuring all members received adequate training while accommodating diverse schedules.