The most pressing topic at the meeting was the discussion on the city hospital’s operations, specifically concerns about section 33 of the charter as presented by Ryan Quattlebaum of the Charter Revision Commission. He questioned the necessity and relevance of this provision, considering the existing 70-year lease with Advent Health to run the hospital’s day-to-day operations. The committee discussed the potential impact of the provision on the Tarpon Springs Hospital Foundation and the structure of the lease agreement. The debate also covered the possibility of dissolving the foundation and the subsequent effects on the lease. Members recognized the hospital’s importance to the community but were divided on the need for the charter provision and its language.

Additionally, the committee pondered over the inclusion of a sustainability plan in the city’s charter. There were concerns about burdening the charter with plans and the difficulty in making future amendments. While some members questioned the effectiveness of the city’s sustainability committee and its role in city decisions, there was an agreement on the need for further discussion on incorporating sustainability initiatives into the charter effectively.

Another topic was the proposed increase in the approval amount for real property transactions, which was debated and ultimately set at $500,000. This change aimed to provide flexibility for the city manager and accommodate potential emergencies. The committee also voted to include “dredge and spoil sites” under eminent domain in the charter.

The committee deliberated on aligning the city’s election cycle with the November cycle, extending the qualifying time for candidates from one week to 30 days, and on public notification practices. This was in response to an email the committee received, prompting them to defer the decision to review practices of other municipalities.

A contentious discussion arose over the eligibility of appointees to run for office, with some members concerned about the potential for an unfair advantage and the need to assess performance before allowing them to run. The committee looked to recent events in Madeira Beach and St. Pete for context but did not reach a conclusion, choosing instead to gather more information before proceeding.

The topic of residency requirements for city personnel, especially for essential positions like the city manager and public safety directors, was heatedly debated. The committee weighed the importance of having key employees live within the city against the practicality and enforceability of such a requirement. The complex geography of Tarpon Springs and its unincorporated areas added to the challenge of defining residency boundaries. The discussion was tabled for the next meeting, with plans to use organizational charts to help clarify the requirements.