The council meeting centered on the need for a dedicated police station and fire station as the city’s population has increased from 11,000 in the late 1970s to over 28,000 today. The police department, currently housed in a limited third-floor city hall space, has expanded its personnel from 26 officers and 11 civilians in 1982 to 57 officers and 20 civilians. This growth has exacerbated the strain on facilities, particularly concerning evidence retention and vehicle storage.

The proposed police station would consist of a three-story, 33,000-square-foot structure, with features such as secure parking, an indoor firing range, and dedicated garages for specialized vehicles. The fire station design includes a one-story, 10,000-square-foot building with two bays and a drive-thru for emergency response. An architect provided cost estimates of approximately $34.6 million for the police station and $10.7 million for the fire station. These projects are planned to be funded through a general obligation bond, which would involve additional costs for underwriting and financial advisement, estimated at 1% to 2% of the total project costs.

To ensure community engagement and transparency, the council discussed placing the bond referendum on either the primary or general election ballot. The primary election was considered potentially more favorable to ensure the bond measure receives focused attention from voters. The estimated interest rates for the bond range from 4% to 4.75%, resulting in a millage impact of 0.90 to 0.98 mills, translating to an annual cost of $225 to $245 for a home assessed at $250,000.

Public education regarding the bond issue emerged as a vital component of the council’s strategy, with plans for presentations and town halls to inform residents. Under Florida law, while the city can educate the public, it cannot advocate for the bond once it is on the ballot. The council’s marketing communications team is preparing to disseminate information through various channels.

The necessity for a new fire station was highlighted by the fire chief, who presented data showing that current response times in the area designated for the future station average 8 minutes and 29 seconds, exceeding the benchmark of 6 minutes and 40 seconds. Industrial expansions, including facilities like Amazon, have increased the demand for fire services, contributing to 9.4% of EMS calls in the area. The fire chief proposed relocating one of the existing rescue ambulances to the new station to improve response times and coverage.

The council also considered the implications of annexation on the new fire station, noting that expansion in areas adjacent to the city would benefit public safety and tax revenue. While no concrete annexation plans exist, requests from properties adjacent to the city are under review.

In addition to the public safety complex, the council addressed the need for improved city signage regulations. Discussions focused on revisiting the sign ordinance to ensure clarity and consistent enforcement, particularly in light of First Amendment rights. The council expressed a desire for signage that reflects local neighborhoods and suggested that specific sections of the ordinance be reevaluated to improve understanding and compliance.

The council also recognized Everett Meyer as the Employee of the Month for December, acknowledging his dedication and contributions as a GIS specialist. A significant donation from the Temple Terrace Rotary Club was announced, in memory of Marcela Martinez, to support renovations to the lifeguard room at the Temple Terrace Recreation Department.