As Florida begins to slowly reopen in the midst of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), the City of Dade City is likewise looking to bring City Hall operations up to full speed, in multiple stages.
City administration and department heads are in the process of developing an action plan “to recall the full complement of our field staff very soon,” Dade City Manager Leslie Porter said, at an April 28 virtual city commission meeting.
She added: “We know we need to be mindful for the need for sustainability and follow the guidelines from the president and our governor.”
The city has been utilizing split-shifts and having many staff work remotely the last several weeks, at both City Hall and in the maintenance field yard.
Porter also told commissioners the impact on the city’s budget from COVID-19 is unknown to this point, but anticipates there will be some hit from sales tax and Penny for Pasco monies.
“At this time, staff is looking to see if there’s any discretionary spending that can be put on hold. We’ll be entering our new budget cycle soon and also keeping an eye as to where we might be able to save money there,” Porter said.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Jim Shive advised that the city’s public works department take additional measures to clean up the downtown, noting it’s an opportune time with less business and leisure activity in the area because of the coronavirus.
Shive suggested mulching parking lot landscapes and pressure washing sidewalks, among other measures “to get the downtown looking good.”
“As we’re phasing in the workforce, we need to look at getting some things done downtown while there’s very little traffic down there,” he said.
In other action, the commission:
- Approved a zoning amendment ordinance recategorizing 64.18 acres of land at the Dade City Business Center on U.S. 301, from Pasco County IH (Industrial Heavy) to Dade City PD-EC (Planned Development-Employment Center). The new PD-EC zoning allows design flexibility and a mix of office, research, light industrial, limited commercial and residential uses.
- Approved a change order to the Hardy Trail Extension construction project, calling for an additional 120.59 tons of asphalt in the amount of $21,103.25. Contractor Cone & Graham Inc. had to use more asphalt than designer CPH Engineers Inc. originally estimated for certain locations and settings, according to a city memo.
The next virtual commission meeting is set for May 12 at 5:30 p.m. Persons wishing to attend meetings may do so by calling (571) 317-3122 with Access Code 342-617-085.
For additional information, residents or interested parties may contact the City Clerk by email at , or call (352) 523-5052.
Published May 06, 2020
