City Commission (as Road & Drainage District) approves $23,000 Shorewood Street purchase for drainage access

The City Commission, acting as the governing body of the North Port Road and Drainage District, voted 5-0 on May 19, 2026, to adopt Resolution 2026-R-18 authorizing the purchase of a parcel on Shorewood Street for permanent access to drainage infrastructure.

Deputy City Clerk Powell read the resolution by title; City Manager Jerome Fletcher told commissioners the Department of Public Works seeks the property — described as Lot 67, Block 666 of the 17th edition Port Charlotte Subdivision, Parcel ID 0958066667 — to ensure future inspection, maintenance and rehabilitation access for the city’s drainage and water-conveyance systems. Fletcher said the parcel was appraised in December 2025 at $21,000 and the seller has agreed to a sale price of $23,000.

A motion to adopt the resolution was recorded by the chair as made by Commissioner Duvall and seconded by Vice Mayor Langdon. The chair called for a voice vote and recorded the motion as passing 5-0.

Tim Doyle spoke during the public hearing in support of acquiring property for drainage where necessary but asked whether the stated $23,000 purchase price included closing costs, tax stamps or other fees. Doyle urged the commission to be careful about spending and noted the parcel’s neighborhood has flooded in the past. City staff did not state closing-cost responsibility or list additional fees on the record; those details were not specified in the hearing record.

The resolution authorizes staff to proceed with the acquisition as presented. City Manager Fletcher framed the purchase as a measure to secure permanent access for maintenance of water-conveyance systems; the meeting record does not state an anticipated closing date or identify the funding source for the purchase beyond standard departmental authority.

The commission adjourned at 4:13 p.m.