The council’s decision to select locations for the new pavement mural program was one of the meeting’s most notable discussions. This initiative, aimed at beautifying prominent intersections within the city, saw staff presenting several potential sites, including White Way and 53rd, Serena and 52nd, Serena and 53rd, and Mission Hills and 53rd. The Temple Terrace Arts Council expressed a strong preference for Serena and 52nd, citing its significance as an entrance to the city and its proximity to a park. Despite some debate over traffic levels and visibility, a consensus was reached to designate Serena and 52nd as the primary mural location, with White Way and 53rd as the secondary choice. This decision ensures that the project will proceed with clear direction, aiming to complete the murals before the fiscal year ends, leveraging both current and next year’s budgets.

Council member Chambers highlighted the importance of these art projects in promoting local culture and community engagement. He also reported on the current “practice art” exhibit at City Hall, featuring contributions from Arts Council members and city employees. This exhibit serves as a learning opportunity for how to properly display artwork, with plans to reach out to local artists for new pieces in December.

In parallel, the council addressed the outdated local business tax receipt (BTR) schedule, which currently consists of around 679 categories and subcategories. The Finance Operations Manager introduced a proposal to simplify this structure by consolidating it into four main categories with 62 specific business types underneath. This revision aims to correct existing inconsistencies and make the process more straightforward for both city staff and business owners. Council members inquired whether the finance department had benchmarked against neighboring jurisdictions and similar-sized cities to ensure reasonable business codes and fees. The finance department assured that calculations had been performed, indicating that no business would see a tax increase exceeding $1,000, with most changes being minimal.

Council members emphasized the need for a public presentation during the second reading of the ordinance to provide residents with clear insights into the modifications. This presentation will include examples of specific businesses to illustrate the impact of the changes. The new system will also allow businesses to update their information online annually, streamlining the process compared to the current physical application requirement.

In other business, the council approved the CRA annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023. Finance Director Jim Ingram corrected an error in the reported increase in taxable value, adjusting it from 3% to 8%, and highlighted that the CRA had seen a slowdown in growth rates compared to a 29% increase the previous year. The estimated fund balance for 2024 was reported at $81,900, with $400,000 allocated for the Riverside Park project. Contributions from Hillsborough County and the Port Authority were projected at $729,750, while the city’s general fund would contribute $824,900.

The meeting also delved into the status of the Enigma project, with updates provided on its resubmittal process and issues with prior approvals that had resulted in stop work orders. Concerns were raised about unauthorized construction and the installation of lighting fixtures without necessary permits. The project is nearing completion of its resubmittal process, with exterior work almost finished but interior preparations still ongoing.

Additionally, the council discussed the appointments to the Board of Adjustment (BOA). Three applications were presented: Eric Kravitz, Mark McKenna, and Stan Cope. The council approved Mr. Cope and Mr. Kravitz for three-year terms and Mr. McKenna for a two-year term. Mr. Cope expressed gratitude for his time on the board and thanked fellow members and city officials for their support.

The council also reviewed and adopted the minutes from the previous meeting, opened the floor for public comments (though none were submitted), and approved the consent agenda, which included a resolution for an easement agreement with Tampa Electric Company for storm hardening facilities on city-owned property.

Finally, a public hearing was held regarding an ordinance prohibiting camping and sleeping on public property and rights-of-way. The Deputy City Attorney outlined the ordinance, which complies with a new state law requiring municipalities to address issues related to individuals sleeping in public spaces. The ordinance was adopted without opposition.