The Laker/Lutz News

Dade City Commission

Dade City Commission renews administrative contracts, other business items

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The Dade City Commission tackled a number of business items during a Sept. 27 regular meeting at City Hall.

This included finalizing administration-level employment contracts for its city attorney and finance officer, among other actions, respectively.

Commissioners approved a one-year agreement with Thomas Thanas, through the Bradenton-based firm of Dye, Harrison, Kirkland, Petruff, Pratt & St. Paul, PLLC to provide legal services for Dade City.

Dade City Attorney Thomas Thanas (Courtesy of Dye, Harrison, Kirkland, Petruff, Pratt & St. Paul, PLLC)

The action extends an agreement with Thanas, who has served as interim city attorney May 2019.

The annual contract for Thanas’ services will increase from $84,000 to $92,400, with the designated interim tag also removed.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez described Thanas as “a beacon of light” and “always helpful and always there,” while discussing the action item with commissioners.

Thanas has been an attorney since the 1980s.

He spent much of his career serving as a city attorney and a private practitioner representing municipalities primarily in the Chicago, Illinois area.

He also once served as city manager of Joliet — the third-largest city in Illinois — from 2008 to 2013.

The veteran lawyer shared positive words about working for the East Pasco County small town, addressing the commission.

“I really enjoy working with the (commission) and with the city staff,” Thanas said. “You have a lot of good things going on with this community, it’s a great community, and I enjoy being part of the time,” he said.

“…I’ve learned a lot by being around all of you, so I do enjoy it. We’ll continue on. I really do enjoy working here, and I’d like to continue it.”

Commissioners also approved an agreement with Tampa-based Aclarian LLC to provide accounting and financial services.

Dade City Finance Officer Andrew Laflin (File)

The move makes the Aclarian’s president, Andrew Laflin, the city’s contracted finance officer and removes the designated interim tag.

Laflin has served as the city’s interim finance officer since July 2020. His annual contracted rate with the city will now increase from $78,000 to 84,000.

Laflin’s duties have entailed assisting with the budgeting process, preparing for year-end audits, reviewing and approving payroll and non-payroll transactions, leading various projects such as fee studies, and providing leadership and guidance of the city’s finance and utility billing divisions.

Laflin’s firm provides similar consulting services to the City of Madeira Beach and City of Starke.

He expressed gratitude to city leadership for showing confidence in him to continue to provide financial consulting services, mostly in an off-site or virtual capacity.

“I think we’ve done some good, positive things in the finance group,” he said. “Faced some adversities and challenges, not only with COVID, but the cybersecurity incident and having limited access to our network and files and system, but we’ve persevered and look forward to seeing improvements in the future. And hopefully, being able to use technology and innovation in order to streamline business processes further and just make this a more efficient operation.”

In other action, commissioners:

  • Approved a two-year collective bargaining agreement with the police sergeants of the Dade City Police Department through the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association. Among the notable changes include new starting salaries for a sergeant being $50,000; and a pay step plan that creates a 2% increase for every year of service between years one and 14, along with a 5% increase at year 15 and another 5% increase at year 20.
  • Approved changes to the city’s personnel leave policy, including the addition of Juneteenth to holiday observances; increased notice for reporting out sick from 30 minutes to an hour before the shift; and incorporated some updates to the Family and Medical Leave Act provisions, showing inclusion of qualified exigency leave and military caregiver leave.

Dade City Human Resources Director Patty Coram summarized the various personnel leave policy alterations to the commission.

“It’s kind of streamlining what everyone else is doing out there,” Coram said. “It seemed like a lot of entities were moving forward to celebrate Juneteenth; they jumped on that federal holiday, so we’d kind of like to move forward to enact that for our employees, also.”

Published October 06, 2021

Dade City’s budget approaches $25 million

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The City of Dade City has finalized and adopted its fiscal year 2021-2022 budget — with the price tag coming in at nearly $25 million.

The figure represents an increase of about $7.25 million — or nearly 41% — from this past year’s budget.

The Dade City Commission unanimously approved the second, and final, reading of the new budget, during its Sept. 27 meeting at City Hall.

No residents spoke about the budget during the public hearing.

The fiscal year commences Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2022.

Slightly more than $1.74 million of the budgetary increase is due to a change in budgeting special revenue and impact fee funds, according to the city’s final operating budget book and other documents.

In prior years, impact fee revenues were minor, due to limited growth in the city; beginning with fiscal year 2022, all impact fees funds will be included in the budget.

Also, in prior years, the local option gas tax was treated as a special revenue fund; now, this activity will be included in the general fund.

Capital outlay and debt service represent the largest chunk of the 2021-2022 budget, anticipated to total $13.74 million (55% of the total budget) and up about $5.92 million from this past fiscal year.

Major capital projects include construction of the Dade Oaks retention pond, Howard Avenue stormwater improvements, Tank Hill well and booster station, Morningside Drive extension, wastewater force main and lift station projects, and sidewalk/road improvements.

Personnel costs are expected to be roughly $6.43 million, or nearly 26% of the total budget, and an increase of $626,446 from the last budget.

The increase in personnel costs is a result of:

  • Funding new positions
  • Increased health care premiums
  • The adoption of a new pay scale and associated increases
  • A 3% salary adjustment for individuals not affected by the new pay scale
  • Increased wages and benefits through the negotiation of the police union contracts, and associated retirement costs.

Lastly, operating costs came in at $4.73 million — up about $706,000 from this past year’s budget. They represent about 19% of the latest budget.

Changes in operating costs include:

  • Funding for a comprehensive plan update
  • Development of a disaster recovery plan
  • Additional IT security costs
  • Election year costs
  • Increases in solid waste collections and utilities
  • Additional funding of the city’s utility renewal and replacement fund, as per recommendations from a rate study

The 2021-2022 fiscal year budget is based, in part, on a 7.14 millage rate, assessed on taxable value of property within the city.

The city’s certified taxable value is about $340 million.

At the rate of 7.14 mills, ad valorem tax revenues in the city’s general fund are anticipated to levy an estimated $2.3 million, an increase of slightly more than $262,000 from the prior year’s $2 million for general fund expenses.

The breakdown of ad valorem revenues comes from the assessed value of the city’s 1,857 single-family homes, of which 1,231 have at least one exemption, according to city records.

Commissioners held eight budget workshops between June, July, August and September to hammer out myriad details and considerations.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez thanked city administration and staff for “lots of hard work” during the budgetary planning process.

“A lot of things on the table,” Hernandez said of the latest budget. “Hopefully, we are bringing Dade City forward with some additions we’ve made, and certainly some adjustments we’ve made with salaries and staff, and all that…and hopefully only great things ahead.”

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter summarized the city’s financial picture in the finalized 87-page budget book.

Her statement in the budget book reads, “This budget will enable Dade City to begin the path to grow with the demands for services while protecting our thriving and safe community that cherishes its location, unites in its diversity and evolves to meet the continuous challenges that success brings.”

City of Dade City fiscal year 2021-2022 budget: Total: $24,961,790

Expenses by category

  • Capital outlay and debt service ($13,744, 893)
  • Personnel costs ($6,433,788)
  • Operating costs ($4,783,109)

Published October 06, 2021

Dade City Commission solidifies legislative priorities

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The City of Dade City has identified four legislative priorities to present to the Pasco County legislative delegation at its upcoming annual meeting.

The session is for Sept. 1 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 Eighth St.

The public and representatives of various interest groups are invited to present their requests to the delegation before the 2022 Legislative Session begins.

Pasco’s delegation includes State Reps. Amber Mariano, Ardian Zika and Randy Maggard; and State Sens. Wilton Simpson, Ed Hooper and Danny Burgess, respectively.

The Dade City Commission is seeking state funding for these key priorities:

  • Morningside Drive Extension: $8 million
  • Meridian Avenue/21st Street/St. Joe Road-Suwanee Way Intersection: $4.2 million
  • Wastewater Transmission Forcemain: $4.7 million
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Relocation — design and permitting: $1.75 million

The four projects are described, in a staff memo, as elements that would foster “an overall favorable effect on our local and regional economic development efforts.”

The extension of Morningside Drive to connect U.S. 301 to Fort King Road is undergoing a route study, design and engineering of the project, following a $5 million state appropriation in 2019. Another $8 million is needed to complete the project, with rising construction and right of way acquisition costs. The preferred 1.19-mile route is shown in the rendering. (File)

The city document explains how the municipality’s economy has been “greatly enhanced” through redevelopment efforts during the past several years.

But it also underscores the town’s “many challenges” that are related to its aging infrastructure systems and its large percentage of nontaxable properties.

The memo also mentions “the need to attract more business, industry and residential rooftops to help improve its local economic situation.”

Dade City, incorporated in 1889, has a population of about 7,400. It is the county seat of Pasco County.

Here’s a more detailed look at the priority projects:

Morningside Drive Extension
The primary aim of extending Morningside Drive is to relieve Clinton and Meridian avenues by providing additional eastbound and westbound travel options for residents and visitors. But the extension also would provide direct east-west access for AdventHealth Dade City.

The proposed roadway also would accommodate new development, improve emergency response times and serve as a corridor for the extension of utility services.

City leaders, however, were surprised when they learned the project’s expected cost.

The city received $5 million in state appropriations in 2019 and is now asking for an additional $8 million. That money, if awarded, would go toward securing necessary right of way and constructing the road.

The initial $5 million is paying for a route study, design and engineering of the project.

Meridian Avenue/21st Street/St. Joe Road-Suwanee Way Intersection
Officials say a roundabout would greatly improve efficiency and safety at this five-point intersection on State Road 52.

The project is promoted as a gateway to assist the town’s central business district and surrounding neighborhoods. It also is expected to provide a better traffic pattern for city and county residential subdivisions that are approved to be built west of the intersection.

City Manager Leslie Porter told commissioners that state legislators in the district have encouraged the city to submit the project for funding.

This comes after the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) narrowed the original project’s scope and pushed it back on their priorities list, she said.

The intersection request will call for a full roundabout to best leverage safety factors, Porter said, and therefore would most likely require the acquisition of right of way, hence the $4.2 million price tag.

Mayor Camille Hernandez labeled this asking price as “much more realistic” compared to some lower estimated costs thrown around in prior meetings and discussions surrounding the project.

Wastewater Transmission Forcemain
In simple terms, construction of a new wastewater transmission forcemain will direct wastewater to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

The $4.7 million project is designed to foster growth in a financially disadvantaged community, too, officials say, with a secondary benefit being the reduced need for septic systems to serve commercial and residential growth.

The city manager told commissioners that staff also is pursuing a separate grant opportunity for the force main initiative.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Relocation — design and permitting
Dade City currently owns and operates a 1.5 million-gallons per day (MGD) wastewater treatment facility situated in the heart of the environmental justice Mickens-Harper neighborhood.

But this current facility site is built out with no room for expansion or upgrades to accommodate a higher level of treatment, officials say.

Meanwhile, the city is experiencing an increase in development that will impact future capacity.

The project also is slated to benefit the environment and impaired water bodies — Withlacoochee River Basin, Big Gant Canal — into the Hillsborough River Basin through implementation of a three-stage biological nutrient removal process.

Aside from seeking $1.75 million in state appropriations for design and permitting, Porter told commissioners the city is pursuing alternative means to see the entire project through.

“This is, you all know, a large project, so we’re looking at every possible funding source we can,” Porter said.

After the commissioners reached consensus on their priority projects, at the commission’s July 27 meeting, the mayor encouraged city stakeholders to attend and take part in the upcoming delegation meeting.

Hernandez — who plans to attend — urged that whoever speaks on behalf of the city keep talking points on the projects “very brief and to the point,” as more in-depth presentation materials can be sent to legislators’ aides ahead of time.

“We learned that brevity is a good thing, especially at those events,” said Hernandez. “There’s lots going on. It’s one after another for (the legislators), so it’s a pretty busy day.”

Porter concurred “a very brief script” is the way to go when addressing the delegation.

Hernandez went on to point out there’s no indication any or all of the projects — some carryovers from prior years — will get sponsored for state funding. “They may all go by the wayside, (or) something may get picked up,” she stated.

Commissioner Scott Black offered optimism regarding the possibility of securing state funding for the designated projects.

Published August 25, 2021

Dade City proposes big hike in public safety impact fees

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The Dade City Commission has unanimously given first-round approval to an ordinance that includes sizable increases of the city’s public safety impact fees.

The Dade City Commission gave first-round approval to an ordinance that will increase the public safety impact fees on new residential, commercial and industrial construction projects construction valued at $5,000 or more within the city limits. The fees will help pay for equipment and training for the Dade City Police Department. (Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

The higher impact fees would apply to new residential, commercial and industrial construction valued at $5,000 or more.

The proposed public safety impact fee on new single-family homes would be $449.30 — a whopping increase over the current fee of $94.49.

That’s an increase of 376%, according to the summary of a report from Stantec Consulting Services Inc., the consulting firm that prepared the fee study.

The proposed rate for retail units would be $462.78 per EDU, a 52% increase from the current rate of $304.

An EDU is a unit based on the impact of a typical single-family detached dwelling.

Different types of uses are assigned EDU multipliers.

For instance a single-family dwelling equals 1.0 EDU, while a mobile home is assigned 0.75 EDU and a retail use is assigned 1,030 EDUs.

Commissioners gave the proposed fee schedule preliminary approval during their Aug. 10 meeting. No one offered public comment during the introduction and first reading of the proposed ordinance.

The second reading and adoption of the proposed ordinance are scheduled during the 5:30 p.m., meeting on Aug. 24, at City Hall, 38020 Meridian Ave.

Proceeds of the fees are intended to provide additional funding for the Dade City Police Department, at a time of surging growth and development in the East Pasco municipality.

The proposed impact fees are based on a recent study completed by Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

A city agenda memo explains that Stantec “determined that capital costs for the expansion of the police department caused by new growth should be borne by the developers of the new projects and the residents and businesses that will occupy the new structures.”

Stantec “has recommended the municipality’s public safety impact fee schedule be increased from a flat fee schedule to a fee schedule based on $449.30 per EDU in accordance with the schedule set forth in the study,” the memo continues.

The city’s public safety impact fees haven’t increased since 2004.

Officials say the proposed increases come at a critical time in the city’s history.

This graphic, from Stantec Consulting Services Inc., compares the City of Dade City’s proposed public safety impact fee rate of $449 on new single-family homes, a whopping increase over the current rate of $94. The current rate hasn’t changed since 2004. The chart also shows comparisons of Dade City’s rate to other Florida cities and counties. (Courtesy of Stantec Consulting Service, Inc.)

About 6,500 new rooftops and several commercial properties are approved to be built over the next 10 to 20 years, Melanie Romagnoli, the city’s community and economic development director, told commissioners.

Dade City Police Chief James Walters said the department will need to hire 46 additional sworn officers, in response to the city’s growth.

Additional revenues from the public safety fees would be used to address the police department’s increased costs of service delivery, operations, capital outlay, training and new equipment, officials say.

‘Antiquated’ impact fees
In addressing the proposed fee schedule, Peter Napoli, a senior financial consultant for Stantec, characterized the city’s existing impact fee model as “antiquated.”

He told commissioners that its impact fee schedule needs to be more in line with 2021 values through the Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index (ENR-CCI).

The proposed schedule “represents an updated proportional allocation between the property classes that you charge those impact fees to,” Napoli said.

He also explained the consequences of not increasing the fees.

By keeping the same fees, the consultants believe the city would be insufficiently covering the incremental cost of growth, according to Napoli.

When that happens, he said, “the difference between the costs and what you recover is shouldered by the existing taxpayers in the city.”

Napoli acknowledged there is at least one wrinkle in the city’s efforts to impose higher public safety impact fees.

This graphic from Stantec Consulting Services Inc., compares the City of Dade City’s proposed public safety impact fee rate on new retail properties is about $463 per 1,000 square feet, compared to its current rate of $304. The current rate hasn’t been updated since 2004. The graphic also provides a comparison with other Florida cities and counties. (Courtesy of Stantec Consulting Services Inc.)

A new Florida law, which took effect July 1, requires that new impact fees be phased in over years, rather than imposed within 90 days.

However, the consultant noted, Dade City may be exempt from the new law, if it exhibits a “demonstrated need” to accelerate the impact fee schedule.

City Attorney Thomas Thanas concurred with Napoli’s assessment, as the town will need to expand its police department, which, in turn, necessitates equipping and training new officers.

Thanas pointed out the Florida statute allows such impact fees to be applied to capital costs such as squad cars and other long-term investments. It can’t be used for salaries, however, he said.

Put another way, hiking impact fees “will help defer the cost of adding new officers to address the growth issues that we’ll be encountering over the next few years,” the city attorney said.

Additionally, Thanas outlined another finding that may work in the city’s favor to claim  extraordinary circumstances to rapidly impose public safety impact fee increases.

It comes in the form of another new Florida law (House Bill 7051) that calls for new technology and training requirements for all police departments statewide.

The technology requirements include body-worn cameras, while training requirements span use of force, de-escalation techniques, and interactions with persons suffering from substance abuse disorder or mental illness.

Because of this law, Thanas observed the city’s police department “will be incurring additional expenses, even if we don’t have growth, we still have these costs to deal with, and some of the costs are eligible for being covered by a public safety impact fee.”

The city’s proposed ordinance calls for making the new impact fees effective within 90 days of adoption.

Proposed public safety impact fee schedule for the City of Dade City:

  • Retail — $462.78 per 1,000 square-feet
  • Single-family — $449.30 per dwelling unit
  • Mobile home — $336.98 per dwelling unit
  • Multi-family — $323.50 per dwelling unit
  • Office — $220.16 per 1,000 square-feet
  • Institutional — $134.79 per 1,000 square-feet
  • Industrial — $76.38 per 1,000 square-feet
  • Warehouse — $44.93 per 1,000 square-feet

Published August 18, 2021

Dade City Council debates proposed rate, then adopts it

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Dade City property owners won’t see an increase in their ad valorem tax rate for fiscal year 2021-2022.

Despite a debate, the Dade City Commission voted 4-1 to adopt the tentative millage rate at 7.14 mills for fiscal year 2021-2022 — the same rate as it has been for several years.

Under state law, once a tentative millage rate has been set, the city cannot raise it before the start of the fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez (File)

The commission has the option, however, to reduce the rate before then.

At the rate of 7.14 mills, ad valorem tax revenues in the city’s general fund are anticipated to levy an estimated $2.3 million, an increase of slightly more than $262,000, up from this year’s $2 million budget.

The breakdown of ad valorem revenues comes from the assessed value of the city’s 1,857 single-family homes, of which 1,231 have at least one exemption, according to city records.

A mill represents $1 in tax for every $1,000 worth of a property’s taxable assessed value.

The property tax on a home assessed at $95,000 at 7.14 mills would yield $678, for example.

Public hearings on the proposed millage rate are scheduled for Sept. 15 and Sept. 27.

Debate ensues over tentative millage rate
Commissioners debated at length, during their July 27 meeting, before adopting the tentative rate.

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter offered no staff recommendation, leaving the direction up to elected leaders.

Dade City Commissioner Knute Nathe (File)

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Shive made a motion to set the tentative property tax rate at 7.14 mills, quickly seconded by Commissioner Normita Woodard.

Then, Commissioner Knute Nathe opened up discussion.

He advocated setting a higher millage, at 7.497 mills, to provide greater financial flexibility to fund various initiatives discussed during a preceding 90-minute budget workshop.

This higher rate of 7.497 mills would represent a 5% increase in ad valorem revenues compared to 7.14 mills, levying slightly more than $2.4 million. (The property tax on a home assessed at $95,000 at 7.497 mills would be $729, instead of $678 at 7.14 mills.)

During the preceding workshop, needs identified included about 15 new full-time positions to resolve staffing needs across several city departments, a need to adopt a competitive pay scale and the need to address wage compression for existing employees.

Nathe noted that workshop discussion involved a lot of talk “about a lot of wants and a lot of extra dollar signs.”

Commissioner Scott Black backed Nathe’s concerns, expressing the need to give the city some “wiggle room” to help accommodate staffing needs and wage increases.

The City of Dade City set its tentative property tax rate at 6.35 mills for fiscal year 2021-2022 — the same rate as it has been for several years.

Black moved to amend the original motion to set the tentative millage rate at 7.497.

But Black’s motion failed, on a 2-3 vote, with Shive, Woodard and Mayor Camille Hernandez dissenting.

After that, Nathe suggested setting the tentative millage rate at 7.3185 mills, but that failed to find support from his colleagues.

So, board members voted on the original motion to set the tentative millage rate at 7.14 mills, passing it on a 4-1 vote, with Nathe voting no.

Hernandez pointed out that the city has some “creative funding mechanisms” it can use to resolve some staffing and salary issues.

“There are some things that we’ve had in the past that people said we couldn’t do it, and we did it,” she said.

Some of these funding options will likely be addressed in more detail at forthcoming budget workshops, she said.

“I know there’s lots of things that need to be done,” Hernandez said, “so I certainly look forward to the next workshop with some numbers and things that we can continue to have some productive conversation, as we continue to move forward.”

Shive likewise is confident with the city’s budget situation.

He suggested the municipality is “in a better position than we have in the past,” thanks to a slew of new residential developments (and thousands of new homes) coming on board over the next handful of years. “I think we’re going to be fine,” he said.

Black cautioned that items discussed during the budget workshop may not be feasible, if the city is not willing to generate the revenue that’s needed.

Published August 04, 2021

Alternative route selected for Morningside extension

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The Dade City Commission has approved an engineer’s recommendation for the Morningside Drive extension route study, but funding for the initiative remains an issue.

The extension of Morningside Drive is intended to connect U.S. 301 to Fort King Road.

Commissioners on June 8 approved an engineer’s recommendation for the Morningside Drive extension route study, pond siting analysis and report — authorizing work to proceed on subsequent phases of the project, including funding acquisition, design/permitting and right-of-way acquisition.

This 1.19-mile route with a roundabout is the preferred choice to extend Morningside Drive to connect U.S. 301/98 to Fort King Road in Dade City. The total estimated cost of the roadway project is $12,401,800. Officials have said the Morningside Drive extension project will yield numerous benefits, such as reducing traffic volume on parallel roadways and stimulating economic development. (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

The route study — completed by New Port Richey-based Coastal Design Consultants Inc. — is next slated to be presented sometime in August to the Pasco County Commission.

The civil engineering firm’s recommended 1.19-mile route includes a roundabout at the Morningside Drive/Fort King Road west segment, circling AdventHealth Dade City hospital and the Pasco County Schools bus garage.

The preferred route — somewhat resembling a Z-shape pattern — veers slightly northeast from Fort King Road, winding south through open water and upland areas within Dade City and unincorporated Pasco County, connecting parallel with the Hardy Trail, then cutting across eastward to the entrance of U.S. 301, passing between Walgreen’s, Buddy’s Home Furnishings, Winn-Dixie and other establishments.

The roadway calls for two, 12-foot-wide traffic lanes; 5-foot bicycle lanes; curbs and gutters; a sidewalk on the south side; and a multi-use path on the north side connecting with Hardy Trail.

The design speed for the Morningside Drive extension is 45 mph with a posted speed of 30 mph.

Stormwater management facilities improvements and a flood plain compensation area also are included in the roadway plans.

Coastal Design Consultants president/owner Paul Manuel shared a detailed PowerPoint presentation at last month’s in-person meeting at the Dade City Commission Chambers.

According to Manuel’s presentation, the winding route “was developed to optimally utilize the available upland area and parcels of property owners who have indicated that they support the proposed extension.”

The implementation of a roundabout, Manuel said, requires fewer right-of-way impacts and is more conducive to traffic calming compared to a signalized intersection. It’s also less costly to build and maintain, he said.

Other considerations taken into account during the route study were community long-range planning goals, safety, environmental impacts, property impacts and costs.

The estimated total capital project cost of the selected route is $12,401,800. Two other alternatives were considered and studied, as well as a no-build alternative.

This amount encompasses estimated construction, design, and construction engineering and inspection ($9.1 million), right-of-way acquisition ($1.7 million) and wetland mitigation ($1.6 million).

The route’s right-of-way impacts affect 18.44 acres, 17 parcels, two businesses and one residence, according to Manuel’s report.

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter (File)

As plans move forward, funding the entirety of the project remains a problem for the municipality, for the time being.

In 2019, Dade City was awarded a $5 million state appropriation for the Morningside project — less than half the project’s estimated total cost. This funding remains available for use through 2024, unless the city requests the state for an extension to complete the project.

The $5 million is roughly enough to just cover the project’s design, permitting and right-of-way access issues before the build portion.

City Manager Leslie Porter told commissioners that staff is “looking internally at how we’re going to bridge that gap” for monies to pay for the roadway.

Some transportation impact fees will be coming through to help cover costs, but Porter said she doesn’t “have a real hard number on that yet.”

She suggested the city ask state legislators for another round of funding for the project, and seek out opportunities with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and beneficiaries of the project, such as the hospital.

Porter pointed out she’s been in regular communication with state representatives and county partners, so decision-makers are aware of the project’s sizable price tag.

Morningside extension yields benefits, but concerns, too
Officials have said the Morningside Drive extension project will yield numerous benefits, such as reducing traffic volume on parallel roadways and stimulating economic development.

It offers direct access to the hospital, on Fort King Road, which was considered a top priority for the road’s extension, and also improves public safety access for police and fire rescue services.

“I think it’s going to benefit not only AdventHealth, but the community at large with the growth and the other things that are happening,” Mayor Camille Hernandez said.

Having the connection to Hardy Trail is an added bonus, the mayor said.

New Port Richey-based civil engineering firm Coastal Design Consultants Inc., provided the route study recommendation for the Morningside Drive extension project. In addition to the 1.19-mile Z-shaped route, two other routes and a no-build alternatives were considered. (Courtesy of Coastal Design Consultants Inc.)

Addressing the funding shortfall, Hernandez observed, “Clearly, well, ($5 million) isn’t going to work. We do know that we have some work to do.”

She said her concerns include both funding for the project and the time frame for completion.

Commissioner Knute Nathe also expressed support for the recommended route extension for its public safety and fresh development opportunities, but emphasized the importance of considering other community concerns throughout the project’s process.

He referred to some vocal citizens — situated along 10th Street, Fairfield Lane and Willingham Avenue —  who may be affected in one way or another.

Overall, Nathe said, the project will be “very important for our residents,” particularly from the perspective of patients and doctors more easily traveling to and from the hospital, between Dade City and Zephyrhills. “There’s been a lot of public support for extending Morningside,” Nathe said.

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Shive thanked Coastal Engineering for “a phenomenal job with the assessment and the route study.”

Shive continued: “I agree with what’s being recommended. I think it’s going to be a plus for the city.”

In early May, Pasco County Engineering Services hosted an open house for the Morningside Drive extension, which drew about 40 participants at the Dade City Commission chambers.

Public input was received during and after the meeting.

Comments included general support of the chosen route, but concerns were raised about existing flooding conditions within the study area, right-of-way acquisition required for build alternatives, traffic volumes and noise, and wetland and wildlife impacts.

Manuel addressed those concerns head-on.

“There were a lot of concerns about flooding, which we will make an emphasis during the design process, but that is a process that you’re going to get into a lot more deeply when you get into understanding the design of the project,” he explained.

“There were also concerns to right-of-way acquisitions and how close it is to people’s residences and homes,” he added, noting he read through all of the comments and has a good understanding of the concerns.

As for next steps, the project’s design/permitting period will take about a year, Manuel noted.

Back-and-forth negotiations and regulatory processes on wetland and environmental impacts with state agencies takes up the bulk of that time frame, he said.

Published July 07, 2021

Hernandez to represent Dade City at state meeting

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The Dade City Commission has unanimously selected Mayor Camille Hernandez to represent Dade City at the Florida League of Cities’ 95th annual conference in August, in Orlando.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez

The meeting, set for Aug. 12 to Aug. 14, will involve the election of leadership and adoption of resolutions, which will set the direction for the organization. The Florida League of Cities represents municipalities across the state.

In accordance with the league’s by-laws, each municipality’s vote is determined by population, and the league will use the Estimates of Population from the University of Florida.

The conference also provides opportunities for Florida’s municipal officials to learn how to serve their citizens more effectively.

Hernandez thanked her fellow commissioners for allowing her to be the city’s voting delegate, adding that returning to the event in-person again, “will be kinda nice.”

In other action at the commission’s June 22 meeting, Hernandez recognized Kayla Contreras, Diego Grant and LaDanian Johnson — three graduating high school seniors who served various stints on the Dade City Youth Council.

The youth council — formed by the mayor in 2007—devotes a bulk of its time to volunteer service and community enhancement projects. Members of the youth council also have a chance to gain insight into how the municipality interacts with the Florida Legislature and sometimes are able to travel to partake in meetings in Tallahassee.
Hernandez said the youth council is “like my second family.”

She also expressed her appreciation for the group’s dedication to community service and personal growth over the years.
“Dade City should be proud, and that’s why cases like tonight to recognize these young people is really a good thing, and I’m just so proud of them,” she said.

“We’ve got some darn good young people around here, and just to watch them continue to grow and be a part of our community is really cool.”

The city also has set its budget hearing dates for fiscal year 2021-2022 for Sept. 13 and Sept. 27. If the Pasco County School Board or Pasco County Commission sets a budget hearing date on Sept. 13, then Dade City will use Sept. 15 as an alternate date.

Published July 07, 2021

Art exhibit reveal planned for Dade City

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When these artworks are unveiled — they, quite literally — will bring some heart to downtown Dade City.

The public art exhibition is being organized by the Dade City Center for the Arts (DCCA), a 501c3 nonprofit that’s working to increase public art and art events in the city.

The showcase planned for May 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature the installation of 14 large, 3D metal heart sculptures built by Pasco-Hernando State College welding students and painted by local artists.

The Dade City Center for the Arts (DCCA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the environment of Dade City through the arts and art events. The group provides opportunities for artists to showcase their talents in Dade City through community outreach and collaboration with Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University and area businesses. (File)

Funding support for the project came from local businesses and donors.

The free “Take Heart!” art, music and food event will take place at Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City.

The permanent heart sculptures will be placed throughout city-owned parks and along the Hardy Trail that runs through historic downtown.

The painted hearts measure approximately 36 inches by 36 inches by 4 inches, attached to steel posts secured to the ground, to withstand inclement weather and other conditions.

Artwork patterns differ on each heart structure, but generally include positive visual representations of joy, hope, love and beyond.

Event-goers will have the opportunity to meet several of the artists who painted the heart sculptures.

Other highlights will include arts & crafts vendors, a scavenger hunt, live music and DJ, and Saint Leo University’s new food truck, The Hungry Lion.

“It’s one of the rare opportunities the public actually gets to meet the artists who have created these masterpieces that our community gets to enjoy permanently, so it’s a chance for the family and children to meet real artists, working artists,” said DCCA vice president Lee Taylor.

The vibrant fixtures also feature QR codes that direct people to DCCA’s website, to learn more about the artist who painted the particular piece, and where to find more of their work.

“Those QR codes are really fun, because you can read about them and that’s fun to know why an artist was inspired to do what they did,” Taylor said.

Since forming last summer, the DCCA had ongoing discussions about ways to introduce art into the community.

Its team of seven on the board of directors settled on permanent public art sculptures, something other municipalities have introduced to their respective communities.

“Melbourne has turtles, Lakeland has swans and Chicago has bulls, and we thought, ‘What a great way for Dade City to kind of jump into the arena,” explained Taylor, a longtime public school arts teacher who also co-owns Out of Our Hands Gallery in downtown Dade City with her husband, Russ.

The group landed on heart-shaped figures, given Dade City’s official seal includes a heart shape surrounded by kumquats in its center. The city also assumes the moniker, “The Heart of Pasco County.”

Said Taylor, “We all came into instant agreement on the heart idea and thought that would be a great way to appeal to the city, the residents and also to the town council, ‘It’s in your logo, so how can you not say yes?’”

The initiative received official approval by the Dade City Commission in September.

An outdoor public art walk is planned for May 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Agnes Lamb Park, in Dade City. The ‘Take Heart’ event will showcase 14 large, 3D metal hearts built by welding students at Pasco-Hernando Community College and painted by local artists. There also will be other arts & crafts vendors, a scavenger hunt, live music, a food truck and more. (Courtesy of Dade City Center for the Arts)

Multiple commissioners at the time expressed enthusiasm about the project as a way to increase the area’s aesthetic for photo and marketing opportunities, foster community pride, and otherwise encourage residents and visitors alike to stroll throughout city limits.

Taylor underscored the importance of such community art projects: “We know the impact that art has on communities because it gives the residents of that community a sense of pride in their city, they rally around it and say, ‘Come look at us.’ It gives the town an opportunity to market itself as a place to come visit, to embrace the arts. It encourages people to be outside, and we all want that, especially to promote health and well-being.”

Since commission approval, the organization put out a call for regional artists.

Entries were received from all ages, backgrounds, amateurs and professionals alike, Taylor said. From there, the committee picked 14 artists to participate and complete the project.

Aside from heart-shaped sculptures, the DCCA has other ideas for other community art initiatives, too.

This past October, they facilitated a painted hay bale project at various park locations, which drew participation from families, teachers, students and others of various ages.

The DCCA also has discussed more professional mural projects for the city’s downtown area.

Similar to the heart sculptures, the DCCA would similarly arrange for a mural’s funding and labor, pending city approval.

If and when a mural program gets the OK, Taylor said the group will likely solicit help from more established artists, as such an undertaking is “a big deal.”

For information, visit DadeCityArts.com, call (352) 437-3204, or email .

Published May 12, 2021

Detective, investigator complete specialized firearms training

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A pair of Dade City Police Department employees have achieved the distinction of earning an advanced firearms certification.

Dade City Police Detective Amanda Chambers and Investigator Diana Surratt completed a local three-day certified firearms specialty class, organized by the International Firearm Specialist Academy.

Front row, from left: Dade City Police Detective Amanda Chambers, Dade City Police Investigator Diana Surratt, retired Tampa Police captain Bret Bartlett, Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez and Dade City Police Chief James Walters. Back row, from left: Dade City Commissioners Scott Black, Knute Nathe, Jim Shive and Normita Woodard. (Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

Chambers and Surratt were among 22 class members from various law enforcement agencies from across the Tampa Bay area. The in-classroom firearms specialist academy took place at the DCPD Training Center in November 2019. The two became the first to successfully complete the course’s 13 learning modules and tests, according to Dade City Police Chief James Walters.

Areas of focus for certification include safe handling practices; accurate identification of firearms and ammunition; competency to explain firearms rules and classifications, and nomenclature; and mechanical operation.

The two members’ certifications became official March 4.

The firearms academy originally was developed by Daniel O’ Kelly, a retired special agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. O’ Kelly recognized there was a learning gap in firearms training and specialty after he served as lead instructor of firearm technology at the ATF National Academy in Glynco, Georgia.

One of the lead instructors for the local firearms class was retired Tampa Police captain Bret Bartlett, who made a presentation during a March 9 Dade City Commission meeting to recognize the Dade City Police employees’ achievement.

The certification, Bartlett said, “is designed to let investigators and officers make better firearms cases so we put more bad guys away in jail, more efficiently.”

“It’s a difficult class,” Bartlett said. “When I took it the first time, I realized there’s a lot more that I needed to learn, a lot more than I knew, so they worked very hard, they were very diligent. There are very few in this whole country, very few certified firearms specialists.”

Chambers was hired by the local police department in December 2016. Surratt was bought on as a part-time employee in January 2017 and became full-time in October last year.

Published March 31, 2021

Dade City Commissioners seek city manager improvements

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As the City of Dade City is staged for a wave of unprecedented growth, development and other happenings, elected leaders want to ensure they have the right leadership and administration in charge to navigate the East Pasco town’s future.

Much of that starts with Dade City Manager Leslie Porter, who has officially held the position for nearly two years.

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter’s contract is up for renewal May 14. (File)

Porter’s employment contract will renew on May 14, unless the Dade City Commission acts otherwise.

Keeping this time frame in mind, Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez has called for significant tweaks to the handling of Porter’s annual performance review — with the aim of helping the city manager carry out the city’s established vision and goals.

The topic came up during the commission’s March 9 meeting.

Hernandez said the municipality is at a “critical juncture.”

She detailed major undertakings, such as the U.S. 301 commercial corridor; the developing of major recreational and park amenities; overseeing several new residential developments and annexations; and, figuring out the way to market, brand and promote the town going forward.

“We’re dealing with growth issues and concerns that we have never dealt with before, so we need to make sure we’ve got our game in order,” Hernandez said.

Because of that, Hernandez urged fellow commissioners to put deep, and serious, thought into their observations of Porter’s job to date.

Said Hernandez: “I want to make sure that when we get through this evaluation, that we can all walk away confident that (Porter) is the person that is going to lead us on, as we move forward and have all of the skillsets that we need.

“I think Ms. Porter is an extremely talented individual, and if she’s the one that we want to keep in this position as we move forward — if that’s the one we choose — then we need to make sure we’re all on the same page in making sure that we help her to have that, by way of marking improvement that peaks her performances.

“I think more than ever, I think we need to be on the same team, ‘Team City Manager,’ so that we move forward to get the city’s best interests,” the mayor said.

Hernandez said her comments are “nothing personal” toward the sitting city manager, but rather about “having Dade City’s best interests at heart.”

Hernandez then described disappointment with the handling and execution of various city operations on the whole, specifically noting a general lack of communication and engagement and not being “in the loop” on certain matters.

Hernandez also mentioned others in the community and throughout City Hall have expressed “angst and frustration” of late, too.

“We’re in the hot seat all the time because of all the people that come to us when things are done and not done,” Hernandez said. “I know this commission wants to know what’s going on, because the last thing we want to do is walk down the shopping aisle and have somebody tell us (about a local issue) and we look like a deer in the headlights…”

Even with this direct and clear warning shot and wakeup call, the mayor did credit Porter for making “considerable changes recently in terms of communicating and engaging.’

The mayor added: “I think if we can continue to move in that direction, then we are on the right path, but if we can’t, then we’ve got some issues that we need to address.”

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez

Evaluations should be meaningful
Commissioner Normita Woodard, sworn into her first-term last July, agreed with calls for more proactive oversight and transparency in manager evaluations, as opposed to a mundane check-the-box exercise.

“I definitely don’t think we just do an evaluation and call it a day,” Woodard said. “I do think that we need to make sure that all of what we want to see and all the criteria is being met, and if not, then we need to have a plan set up of how we’re going to meet that objective or what we’re going to do, if it’s not done. But, I don’t think we can just evaluate and move forward.”

Meanwhile, Commissioner Scott Black suggested scheduling a workshop to brainstorm ways to fine-tune the manager evaluation and clarify other goal-setting measures. This exercise, he said, “would go a long way for helping address the concerns” the mayor brought up.

“We haven’t had (this type of workshop) since our new commissioners (Woodard and Knute Nathe) have joined us and that is something we once did on an annual basis, where we just go in and indicate what our priorities individually, and bring all that together to have a collective vision or at least a plan for the city manager to pursue.

“It’s been awhile since we’ve done that, and I think this would be very helpful for the commission, for management, for staff, for everyone else involved, and that keeps us all where we can have something that we can measure performance based on what our collective vision is as a commission,” Black said.

Porter’s last evaluation was presented at a meeting in June 2020.

Commissioners then rated Porter’s overall performance at a 4.1 out of 5.0 scale, graded on management in administration, adhering to governance, relationship-building, leadership, and financial acumen, among other areas.

The main focus for improvements was in the arenas of building relationships and better communication with legislators, residents, merchants, The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, and so on.

Other constructive criticism also called for Porter — who commutes from her home in Tampa — to have better familiarization with the municipality as a whole, along with various city departments and employees.

Previous city manager evaluations came in with satisfactory marks from commissioners.

After the commission meeting, The Laker/Lutz News reached out to Porter for her reaction to comments that were made pertaining to her during the meeting.

In an email response, Porter said: “I agree the city needs an evaluation tool that the commission as a body agrees upon. The city manager is in a unique position in that he/she reports equally to five elected officials. Each voice is important, and for the city manager to be most effective, he/she needs to know the expectations to which they are being held accountable and  the priorities of the commission as a whole.”

Porter was originally hired as the city’s finance director in 2014.

She was appointed interim city manager in February 2019, assuming the post long-held by Billy Poe, who took a similar position with the City of Zephyrhills.

Porter was selected, after the city was unable to reach a contract agreement with Christopher Edwards, its initial top candidate for the position, who was then a real estate associate in Tallahassee and previously had served as deputy director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economy Vitality.

Instead of selecting a list of new candidates to interview, the commission opted to proceed with Porter for the post, starting with a base salary of about $99,000, citing her performance as acting city manager over prior months while also juggling her duties as finance director.

Before coming to Dade City, Porter spent nearly a decade working as town treasurer for the Town of Chesapeake Beach, in Maryland.

She has a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University and a master’s degree from George Washington University.

Published March 24, 2021