[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6221623,"mediaKeyId","3611817-ee14f24f84b89bbe0d9cea92ef3bf572","parentId",3611817,"title","Council allows fire‑training at city station by chief’s certified training firm with conditions and staff to define process","audioSeconds",1458,"startMs",7445000,"endMs",8903000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3611817-ee14f24f84b89bbe0d9cea92ef3bf572&start=7445&end=8903","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3611817-ee14f24f84b89bbe0d9cea92ef3bf572/thumbnail_7445000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6221623/Port-Richey-City/Pasco-County/Florida/Council-allows-firetraining-at-city-station-by-chiefs-certified-training-firm-with-conditions-and-staff-to-define-process","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6221623-99fa69dbccd1e7e13068d7c3ddc1bb96/orig.mp4?Expires=1770838863&Signature=e2vNuGYrXLHwBoCllj9Gwg1Rq0Lj50ilqAQo344-K25Lg-AkUEs4pQExitBlgrm23H4O5xzUhrgloXYFnzAvZk9FHST-m3MeGd~rYOVD~Q44SXVisv0XH6zXGsooK9AMfuHHE4fTjX-FKFL1TmWhCG8euzqtTk84iUixy71NRwopDVY6cxGh7CJ2dqsk1D5Yo9JSFZXgS7mx-ahAzlGdu1IrIW8t5fbXto2Sr-0iFZ6G-GG318--b9IgIRZ~UFDqa5qlqcXNVjzFjDj-O~WRnGKJ2RFEcP-iH7G7eyv6Ic~2dCk9C5QJGu-y9oOpeTeVpuhiueDlOR-G~R5wCORztA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Port Richey, FL","date","2025-05-30T17:27:14.84Z","article","Port Richey City Council voted to allow fire training courses to be held at the city fire station by an instructor-owned training company — including free slots for city firefighters — while directing staff to formalize agreements, fees and safeguards to avoid conflicts or appearance issues.

Fire Chief Gary (first name only in the record) explained he operates as a state‑certified instructor and set up a training company so municipal staff can receive required certifications locally rather than travel at city expense. The model proposed: Port Richey firefighters attend free; outside agencies or private attendees pay training fees that cover instructor compensation, insurance and classroom costs. Chief Gary said the arrangement reduces travel, overtime and lodging costs the city previously shouldered and keeps training local.

City Attorney Nancy Meyer and City Manager Matthew W. Cobbler expressed concern about perception and recommended a written framework. Meyer said there was no clear legal prohibition but stressed the importance of transparency because the chief would financially benefit when the course included paying outside attendees and would be using city property. Council members raised the need to record all transactions, avoid unrecorded in‑kind exchanges and set an arm’s-length fee or room‑rental charge when non‑city participants use the facility.

Council agreed to allow the training but asked staff to draft a standard operating procedure and form of agreement that: documents fees (instructor fees and facility rental), confirms liability insurance, records attendees and payments in the city accounting system, and ensures city employees receive the training slots that were pledged. The council also instructed staff to make the process auditable and publicly transparent to avoid complaints or ethics questions. The motion to allow the program carried.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 05.27.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council discussed and approved allowing the fire chief’s private training company to use city facilities to teach courses for Port Richey staff free of charge; council asked staff to develop written procedures to record fees, room usage and liability protections to avoid appearance-of-impropriety concerns.","taxTitle","Port Richey City, Pasco County, Florida","taxId",54783,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6221628,"Council approves first reading to allow golf carts on Port Richey streets; signage requirement to follow state law",545,5390000,5935000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3611817-ee14f24f84b89bbe0d9cea92ef3bf572&start=5390&end=5935","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3611817-ee14f24f84b89bbe0d9cea92ef3bf572/thumbnail_5390000.jpg","/articles/6221628/Port-Richey-City/Pasco-County/Florida/Council-approves-first-reading-to-allow-golf-carts-on-Port-Richey-streets-signage-requirement-to-follow-state-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6221628-79eee9626d6f407f3f7071c84eead7eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770838863&Signature=Kwr4qk3gJk2Z63OBuCdn3EjxSWtA9U10pFi1odqpaSnQm8bu3ObJ9oVLaNy2NdmZlYydbRnMwaAbwElA5goj4fqJEUEzvz8GzPkLpQwkVHF~G6QbIXOdmUbgT~A6vXte9zvZj55U9KUi09KgL44QkwSUdSe5o26wfgft5gUs4VzranoNJSCwkCUIbqQ08BjFw5auRcQEtC5P6byeYdPLILjkutNoyxyRw6U8gZpQnTiHevB0SCAnNDcBd8i33JEFAii2--rndC4rWqAGpMVdNDcaov362PCSmi1Eocag0-Li~RFfR34SJixfCO7bSiDxshYhBY9gJ20D8Cd1MDg~lg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Port Richey City Council approved first reading of an ordinance that would allow properly equipped golf carts to operate on city streets consistent with Florida statute, and directed staff to post signage to identify permitted streets.

Staff said the ordinance mirrors state requirements and would allow golf carts on city streets where posted and where the posted speed limit is under the threshold set by statute. City staff and Police Chief (on record) said the law requires the city to post signs on streets where golf‑cart operation is allowed; council discussed the cost of signage and city wayfinding integration.

Councilwoman Lisa Burke and other members indicated support for adopting the Planning & Zoning recommendation uniformly across city streets rather than maintaining a “have and have-not” approach where one district has different rules. The ordinance also incorporates the state equipment and safety specifications rather than repeating local equipment rules; staff said that prevents the city from conflicting with state changes.

Council approved the ordinance on first reading and directed staff to plan minimal signage placement and estimate costs for a budget line item. Police and public-works staff will coordinate signage placement and wayfinding as part of broader street-safety planning.","Council approved on first reading an ordinance aligning city rules with state law to allow golf carts on qualifying streets; the police chief and staff said roads must be posted and that signs will be installed where golf-cart operation is permitted.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6221632,"Port Richey finance director reports positive year‑to‑date revenues, $1.34M in storm cleanup costs and underused CRA grants",1059,1778000,2837000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3611817-ee14f24f84b89bbe0d9cea92ef3bf572&start=1778&end=2837","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3611817-ee14f24f84b89bbe0d9cea92ef3bf572/thumbnail_1778000.jpg","/articles/6221632/Port-Richey-City/Pasco-County/Florida/Port-Richey-finance-director-reports-positive-yeartodate-revenues-134M-in-storm-cleanup-costs-and-underused-CRA-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6221632-a2fa0a04a83fc982d71f5f0fab0b186c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770838863&Signature=DdWdPcsBSeqHLj9VDXVi289IwQcGW5oIHbZdsK64H-prE9jdm7y2asla7Abgy4ilkdPRVM00fWx6abUPhNYJb7DoPeaXABPIc9UyA8USpvhMEnerrQLBT98UH5LfZxKTZAiVHWS4BM~5dHdTzCW2G~rjjY4awlo4mqJhz787ZL9pF8mYsDFPlQXd7eh039bj1Hz8njsNVgKLGyr-wZg5-tIO4oJg-T5R6Blb8-UKPdaW4XzcQwNDbh1S~vhzVQc-ik4kH8ZNhERyhujFTc4MAKovizOZullYx1xR96etnsQH6LgxfolzTrWiu~v-eMYJIKPsgRLKkN~YCF4PIgfkCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Port Richey finance director presented a quarterly update showing year‑to‑date revenues exceeded expenditures and flagged several items for council follow-up, including FEMA storm‑cleanup reimbursements, underused CRA grant funds and lower‑than‑expected red‑light camera revenues.

Finance Director (Thompson) told council that, as of March 25, the city had recorded approximately $10,672,000 in total revenue and $7,639,000 in expenditures, leaving a positive year‑to‑date position. He said general fund revenues were $5,093,955 with general fund expenditures at $4,338,159 and an available general fund appropriation balance of about $3.7 million.

Thompson said the city had incurred about $1.34 million in storm cleanup costs (Category D-related debris and brush removal) and was pursuing FEMA reimbursement through the expedited program; a state review was underway and the first check was expected imminently. Thompson also noted $531,000 in insurance receipts and a $65,277 FEMA check that have not yet been appropriated, and recommended a budget amendment to appropriate those funds once received.

On capital spending, Thompson reported $4.8 million budgeted for capital improvements but only about $14,205 spent as of the March snapshot; he said departments had placed orders that should accelerate outlays. He told council that some capital and grant funds remain unused — notably CRA residential and commercial grant allocations (each $100,000), of which only limited sums had been disbursed — and urged more active outreach so residents and businesses use available grant dollars.

The director also reported that red‑light camera revenues were underperforming the budgeted $1.6 million: the program had realized about $665,000 through March, leaving a projected shortfall. Staff attributed part of the shortfall to aging, unprocessed violations that become uncollectible; collection efforts and process fixes were underway.

Council and staff discussed fuel, sewer billing timing issues, and the need to centralize purchasing and payroll bookkeeping. The finance director said the city plans to consolidate utility-billing staffing and create a purchasing clerk to centralize acquisitions control.

Council asked staff to prepare any needed budget amendments to appropriate incoming FEMA and insurance reimbursements and to step up CRA grant outreach so the community can access the available funds.","At the quarterly department presentation the finance director said general fund and utility revenue exceeded expenditures year‑to‑date, reported roughly $1.34 million in storm cleanup costs submitted to FEMA, and flagged underused Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) grant funds as well as red-light camera revenue running below budget.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6221637,"Council approves first steps to vacate Bridal Street right-of-way on city’s north riverbank",173,5187000,5360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3611817-ee14f24f84b89bbe0d9cea92ef3bf572&start=5187&end=5360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3611817-ee14f24f84b89bbe0d9cea92ef3bf572/thumbnail_5187000.jpg","/articles/6221637/Port-Richey-City/Pasco-County/Florida/Council-approves-first-steps-to-vacate-Bridal-Street-right-of-way-on-citys-north-riverbank","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6221637-da9d03eff6088248c2fb8f020a7e29dd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770838863&Signature=ecp9UtgKiklMFK5s3s5pUsY6kba2Gs2cC0aYETwAvODh4XKuMvar~fnd42dnsEC5FwmZzg0fP6fXjJowgxiBU3gq9aUJLIeF7bTTGgp~lmqureCPdSb-G5tHSTpvEsK6IwX7WwvpFjurH8v~fV-bF2mSyyVu3ekOLhbb2EGm7jAW1EGRanuuNkhKmsla2TN2XA-gsD0jWZiPjYZsj1mAQBZXFwJeUQ9rqu7Ri0O3beW-TUTDCCF3GsmARpt2o2pzsAO8H76LETtKUK89-JVRUzhhuma2LOqpy8Cn20JhYWxuf1lAYjbYZINaSfvWPFXoSsgZUKDU1yx1wv5bJ0YDkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Port Richey City Council voted on first-reading measures to remove a 1996 pedestrian-only designation and to vacate part of Bridal Street’s city right-of-way on the north side of the river.

At the meeting council approved first reading of Ordinance 25-732, which repeals Ordinance 96-468 that had set aside a portion of Bridal Street for pedestrian use. City staff noted a small typographical fix would be made to the ordinance language before second reading.

Council then considered Ordinance 25-733, the formal vacation of the right‑of‑way. Staff explained the applicant revised the legal description to remove any unintended reference to Bayview property; the amended legal description confined the vacation to the Bridal Street strip north of the river. The council approved the amended legal description and passed first reading of the vacation ordinance.

City Attorney Nancy Meyer and City Manager Matthew W. Cobbler clarified that the approval is the initial step: the repeal and vacation require the second-reading public hearing and final ordinance action at a subsequent meeting. If ultimately vacated, the strip will convert from public right‑of‑way to private property and could be removed from the city tax rolls. Council members noted that buildability and site constraints will be assessed during the final process.","Council repealed a 1996 ordinance reserving a portion of Bridal Street as pedestrian-only public space and approved first-reading steps to vacate the adjacent right-of-way north of the river, clearing the way for property owners to acquire the strip subject to conditions.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6221642,"Port Richey council debates extending hurricane repair building permit fee waiver ahead of June 9 deadline",629,845000,1474000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3611817-ee14f24f84b89bbe0d9cea92ef3bf572&start=845&end=1474","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3611817-ee14f24f84b89bbe0d9cea92ef3bf572/thumbnail_845000.jpg","/articles/6221642/Port-Richey-City/Pasco-County/Florida/Port-Richey-council-debates-extending-hurricane-repair-building-permit-fee-waiver-ahead-of-June-9-deadline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6221642-03f46e0ccf6e3fdcc101ea4d81376c8c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770838863&Signature=T2RcPzl3X1cflEXS8SzvHKK-R0e3gnvcEtKMYfWrJVW6gUU~bV1o7HdRHDRJPjc4k6A3O9K3YmpKC0BMp~6rACfN23gtunu0dpoDtkpfJNyIWUlZMdCOTpw7l5sG~kJBbsEOqme2xzicEyIERqnxXENYJm-Mtoi8r4F6QBxNrDfg9bF98wypGSRTfyqtQYh9NNT697SoeqvoWFan1MJfHYsHvWKyU7vHLRzGcgj0iY2mGo21zG46uGLNYfCSgLyMjlxcR~0f8apyBrwaaisb8-hLnGgbyG0ooXQ3SBFVSqSQGW9nR~RUWAd-gcyklZEMEf5pGywXfhGie5Jq6kuADw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Port Richey City Council members discussed extending a temporary waiver of building permit fees for hurricane damage that is scheduled to expire June 9, and directed staff to bring a resolution back for a full agenda discussion.

The issue drew sustained questions from council members about who would qualify for an extension and how to treat work-in-progress such as house elevations. City Manager Matthew W. Cobbler said the last 60-day extension “is almost up again” and that council would need to direct the city attorney “to do the resolution” if members wanted the waiver continued.

Council members pressed for clearer rules on whether a permit must be fully approved or only submitted before the June 9 cutoff. Cobbler and staff explained the city treats a permit as within the waiver window if a complete application packet is submitted by the deadline, even if final approval comes later. He said elevated-house projects present separate complications because some elevation work becomes effectively new construction and may not be covered by the repair waiver.

Several council members said they were sympathetic to homeowners who have been delayed by insurance, FEMA or DEP processes and urged staff to prepare clear parameters. Councilman David Mueller and others emphasized that the city should avoid appearing arbitrary and should set objective rules (for example, submission date vs. approval date) to determine eligibility.

Councilmember discussion also raised the city’s desire to coordinate with existing programs such as Elevate Florida and to confirm where related permitting and flood‑plain paperwork stands before proposing a final extension. No formal vote to extend the waiver was taken at the meeting; instead council agreed to place a draft resolution on the next agenda after the city attorney prepares language and staff provides additional information about current permit submission numbers and any downstream effects.

Council members asked staff to prepare the resolution, including a clear definition of what constitutes a timely application (submission vs. approval), whether lifting/elevation work should be explicitly included, and whether a short retroactive window would be necessary to avoid penalizing residents by a single-day deadline.

The council did not adopt policy on the floor and instead moved to a more detailed, noticed discussion at the next regular meeting so the attorney and building officials can provide written options for a resolution.","Council members discussed whether to extend a 60-day waiver of building permit fees for hurricane damage, how to treat house elevation permits and what counts as a filed permit, and agreed to place a fuller discussion on the next agenda so staff can supply details.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council allows fire‑training at city station by chief’s certified training firm with conditions and staff to define process

Council approves first reading to allow golf carts on Port Richey streets; signage requirement to follow state law

Port Richey finance director reports positive year‑to‑date revenues, $1.34M in storm cleanup costs and underused CRA grants

Council approves first steps to vacate Bridal Street right-of-way on city’s north riverbank

Port Richey council debates extending hurricane repair building permit fee waiver ahead of June 9 deadline