Tavares council adopts NFPA code update, approves gateway signs, skatepark demolition and RFQ for government relations firm

Tavares — During its March 19 meeting the Tavares City Council took several formal actions, including adopting a language amendment to the city’s fire code to reference the 2024 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) editions, approving two civic gateway signs, authorizing the demolition of a closed skate park, and issuing a request for qualifications for a governmental relations firm.

The council adopted Ordinance 2025‑01 on second reading, updating Chapter 6 (Fire Protection and Prevention) of the city code to adopt the current NFPA documents, including NFPA 1 and NFPA 101. Captain Wheeler of the Tavares Fire Department presented the change, noting state law requires regular updates to the NFPA edition in the municipal code. The ordinance was adopted by voice vote.

The council also approved a civic gateway sign program to recognize community service clubs. Staff presented three design and cost options; the council voted to proceed with two signs under the first (highest‑spec) option, with final logo selection and any fee structure to be returned to council. Staff said the cost would be paid from city reserves; staff reported an excess reserve balance of $695,937 above the GFOA recommended level and provided several sign price options ranging roughly from $21,660 to $25,060.

A motion to purchase the two signs under option one carried after discussion over locations and whether to draw funds from reserves or the upcoming budget process. One council member objected to using general reserves outside the budget cycle; other members said the signs restore small‑town gateway character and that there are practical timelines for installing signs on city versus state roads.

On a separate item the council authorized demolition of the Woodley Complex skate park and approved a transfer of funds from the utilities enterprise reserves to cover demolition costs. Public Works staff described the facility as closed since 2023, structurally compromised and repeatedly trespassed upon; staff requested $93,000 from utilities reserves, including a $20,000 contingency. The council approved the demolition by voice vote; staff said the site may be reclaimed for future wastewater treatment expansion.

The council also approved issuing RFQ 2025‑0003 for a governmental relations firm and recommended a budget amendment of $75,000 to pay for consultant services; staff said the cost would be split evenly between the general fund and the wastewater operating fund (about $37,500 each). Staff and some council members argued a governmental relations firm would help the city pursue federal and state grants and navigate permit and agency processes; others said the expenditure should be budgeted rather than drawn from reserves.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 2025‑01 (second reading): language update to adopt 2024 NFPA editions (NFPA 1, NFPA 101). Outcome: adopted by voice vote. - Civic group gateway signs (two signs, option 1): authorize purchase and begin sign manufacturing; logo selection and fee criteria to return to council. Outcome: approved by voice vote (one councilmember opposed to using reserves at this time). - Skate park demolition (Woodley Complex): authorize demolition and appropriate $93,000 from utilities enterprise fund reserves (includes $20,000 contingency). Outcome: approved by voice vote. - RFQ 2025‑0003: issue RFQ for governmental relations firm; approve $75,000 budget amendment split between general fund and wastewater operating fund reserves. Outcome: approved by voice vote.

What the council said: Councilmembers and staff discussed location choices for the gateway signs (both proposed sites are on the east side of the city, staff said), potential cost‑sharing with participating clubs, and technical permitting requirements for signs on state highways. Public Works staff and others warned that installing signs on State Road 19 could require up to a year or more of permitting, while signs on city roads (for example David Walker Drive) could be completed sooner.

Who presented items on the record: Captain Wheeler presented the NFPA ordinance change; Public Works staff presented the gateway sign options and the skate park demolition estimate; city staff presented the RFQ proposal and recommended proceeding to obtain grant‑seeking assistance.

The council completed its meeting after approving the items listed above; several items will return to council for final design decisions, logo selection, budget amendments and contract awards.