The Laker/Lutz News

Ron Oakley

Pasco County extends multifamily moratorium

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Pasco County has extended its temporary moratorium on new multifamily applications — which applies to a specific area of the county — until April 1, 2022.

This shot, taken in the spring of 2018, shows construction crews building apartments at Brightwork Crossing, a mixed-use project at Wesley Chapel Boulevard and State Road 54. This view is from Old Cypress Creek Road. (File)

The approved 185-day extension occurred after Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick called for receiving a report back on the issue within 90 days, but that request received no support from her board colleagues.

The county board initially approved the moratorium on May 4 — retroactive to April 1, 2021 — at the urging of Commissioner Mike Moore, who expressed concerns that his district was becoming oversaturated by multifamily development.

The temporary ban on new applications applies to an area contained in Moore’s District 2, essentially made up of Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes.

The area is generally defined as between State Road 52, on the north; U.S. 41, on the west; State Road 54 on the south; and, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, on the east. The boundary zigzags between Moore’s District 2 and Commission Chairman Ron Oakley’s District 1.

Initially, the temporary ban was set to expire on Sept. 28.

The area shaded in pink represents the area where a temporary moratorium on applications relating to new entitlements for multifamily developments has been extended until April 1, 2022. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The temporary ban’s intent “is to study the potential oversaturation due to the existing and all possible future multifamily developments within the moratorium area and to determine whether additional regulations are necessary,” according to a resolution the board approved at its Sept. 28 meeting, to extend the moratorium.

The 185-day extension was recommended by county staff, to provide time that’s needed to complete the study, and to draft and adopt any needed regulations to implement the study’s results, says the resolution, included in the board’s agenda packet.

A housing market research firm is preparing the report and will present it to the board.

That report will cover the current quantity of multifamily dwelling unit entitlements and the current acreage of land zoned for multifamily dwelling units, including the acreage having potential for multifamily units upon approval of a conditional use.

It also will include the potential number of multifamily dwelling units available through existing land use equivalency matrices to accurately calculate and determine the true potential for the oversaturation of multifamily dwelling units within the moratorium area.

More time is needed to complete the report because of procedural delays, staff shortages, and complexities associated with accurate data collection, according to the resolution.

When Fitzpatrick called for a report back to the board within 90 days, Moore said achieving that would require pulling county staff off of other work that needs to be completed.

In granting the extension, the board agreed with the resolution’s finding that the action “is in the best interest of the public health, safety, and welfare, and that it advances a valid and important public purpose.”

No additional extensions will be granted, the resolution says.

Objections were raised to the moratorium when it was initially approved, but there was no public opposition before the board’s recent vote.

Published October 06, 2021

Pasco County is breaking growth records

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Pasco County’s growth has been so rapid that its staff can’t keep up with it — prompting the county to budget for additional positions to address the increasing development.

The county plans to add 10 staff members to its planning and development department, two positions in code enforcement and 14 positions in building construction services during the next fiscal year.

This is an apartment development off State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes, that was under construction last year. It’s just one sign of a flourishing building market in Pasco County. (File)

“The county is experiencing unprecedented growth at this time. And, a lot of that growth impacts our branch, directly,” Sally Sherman, assistant county administrator for development services said, during a presentation at the Pasco County Commission’s Sept. 15 meeting.

“As we strive to meet the demands of the customers for which we serve, we are also looking to — ‘How are we doing, and can we do it better?’— all of the time.

Along those lines, the branch’s staff put together a survey to gauge its performance, and to identify its strengths and weaknesses.

“The survey went out to over 6,000 customers and those individuals who have literally had interactions with the branch.

It received 644 responses, and of those 517 came from individuals who’d had interactions with the branch within the past year.

“This is the first-ever survey that has been conducted to try and gauge where we are as a branch and the services,” Sherman said.

“What we see this is — an opportunity to set a benchmark, as to where we are, and as we continue to make improvements, how we’re doing. This is anticipated to be conducted annually,” Sherman added.

All of the new people moving into Pasco County are generating a demand for retail and restaurant uses.

“The survey captured percentage ratings of various processes that our department offers.

“It rated everything from very satisfied to not satisfied.

Satisfaction ratings, out of a possible 100%:

  • Planning and development department: 64%
  • Building Construction Services: 72%
  • Code Enforcement: 67%
  • Office of Economic Growth: 73%

Those taking the survey also were able to submit comments, which yielded additional information for the department, Sherman said. She added: “We’re going to be looking at those in detail and following up with individuals.

Volume is up in everything, from calls coming into the department, to site plans under review, to proactive code enforcement actions, to permits being pulled, Sherman said.

The county has 422 active site plan reviews currently under consideration, she said.

“With our site plan review process, we have pre-application meetings for those. And, right now, those are slated out to January with the number of requests we are receiving for reviews.”

Sherman also addressed the volume being handled by the building construction services department.

“New single-family home permits, as you know, have taken off in Pasco County.

“In 2020, there were 5,741 new homes issued,” she said, adding at that time it was taking nearly 23 days to process a new single-family residential permit.

So much residential growth happened in the Bexley subdivision, off of State Road 54, in Central Pasco, that an additional classroom wing was needed at the elementary school soon after the school opened.

Over the last eight months, the department has issued 6,317 new single-family home permits, processing them in an average of 8.5 days.

“This is due in part to a great team, working extremely hard, looking for innovative ways to improve service,” Sherman said.

In working with the Tampa Bay Builders Association, the county was aiming for a 10-day turn-around for single-family permits, Sherman said.

“As you can see, we have met that goal and we’ve exceeded that goal. I’m hoping with the changes that we are continuing to make that we will continue to exceed that goal.”

In the arena of commercial permitting, the county is currently embarking on a major effort to streamline its processes, Sherman said.

“We have a team that’s very innovative and ready to seek change to make things better for our customers,” she said.

The county’s inspectors also have been very busy, Sherman said.

“Over the last eight months of this year, they have conducted over 202,000 inspections,” she said.

Ultimately, the county’s new development is expected to result in a $2 billion expansion to the county’s tax roll, Sherman said.

Continually seeking ways to improve
Sherman thanked her staff for its dedication and hard work.

“I see them in the mornings, when I walk in at 6:30, going into the office to start work. They’re not going in early to leave early, but are going in early to meet customer needs.

Santander is one of the businesses that has taken advantage of Pasco County’s economic development efforts, which entices employers to provide good jobs.

“We see them on the weekends, coming into work, to meet the needs of our customers.

“They are extremely, extremely dedicated team members.

“And, as we continue to serve the community, in keeping with our strategic plan to create a better community, a better future for all of those involved, we want to continue to do that with integrity, respect, service innovation and service excellence.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano praised Sherman for demonstrating her initiative in conducting a survey about the branch’s work.

“You’ve got a baseline to work with now,” Mariano said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey zeroed in on the amount of time it takes to get a pre-application meeting.

“What can we do in the short term to shorten that time. I think we’re up to four months to get a pre-app meeting. Is there anything we can do to help that?”

Sherman said efforts are being made to improve that part of the county’s process.

Starkey followed up: “Is it more planners that we need?”

“We are getting more planners,” Sherman said. “But we are taking a look at how we can streamline the process. We’re looking at it in detail right now.”

Nectarios Pittos, director of planning and development, told Starkey:  “It’s a logistical issue, not just with the planning and development department, but also with all of the other departments that participate in the process with us.

“So, yes, you could add, theoretically, more planners to address the pre-application, but you’d also have to double up the other positions in the departments that participate in the process, just to get more than eight or nine pre-apps that we can do per week.”

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley told Sherman: “I appreciate everything you are doing Sally, you’ve made the department stronger and better, and moving forward.

“We want to do it the right way, but we want to continue to streamline, and get it faster and quicker through the system.

“If we were not having so many projects, it would be different, but we’ve got them piled up,” Oakley said.

Published September 29, 2021

Pasco County gives a sweet send-off to long-time attorney

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During her 19 years in the Pasco County Attorney’s office, attorney Jane Fagan was involved in legal work on thousands of county actions and shared her wealth of knowledge on complex issues.

She had a hand in issues, great and small.

Her contributions were described in a resolution adopted by the county board on Aug. 24.

Fagan joined the county on July 29, 2002, as an assistant county attorney, specializing in the area of procurement, according the resolution, which was unanimously adopted in her honor.

She later was promoted to senior assistant county attorney, and while continuing her work in procurement issues, also served as an academic resource for other attorneys in the office on issues ranging from ethics to emergency management, and more.

Senior Assistant County Attorney Jane Fagan was lauded by the Pasco County Commission and the county attorney’s office, as she ended her 19-year tenure in the County Attorney’s Office. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

Certified by the Florida Bar, in city, county and local government law, Fagan is a highly experienced, well-regarded attorney, the resolution says.

And, regardless of how busy Fagan was, “she would set aside her own work to listen and assist co-workers” who were seeking direction and information, the resolution notes.

She shared her knowledge on government law, edited documents and listened to her co-workers’ professional questions to help steer them on a productive path and to identify resources to help them with the issue at hand, according to the resolution.

It goes on: “She is also a talented editor, with a knack for finding mistakes and clarifying ambiguities others have overlooked.”

And, it notes: that “despite Jane juggling a heavy workload for years — working nights, weekends and on vacation, and assisting and supporting co-workers — Jane could be relied upon to get the job done.”

Indeed, the attorney assisted with legal work on a myriad of assignments, including multimillion projects and complicated county initiatives.

She was involved in work on the Ridge Road extension, the Wesley Chapel District Park, the Wiregrass Sports Campus, the software used for public access to county documents, the construction of fire stations throughout the county, and a multitude of other issues and projects.

In addition to highlighting some of her professional contributions, the resolution compliments Fagan’s personal qualities. It notes: “In addition to Jane’s intellect and legal skills, Jane’s thoughtfulness and kindness is abundant. She is always among the first to sympathize with frustrations, help to organize celebrations, and give others credit rather than engaging in self-promotion, even when it is well-deserved.”

After approving the resolution of appreciation, commissioners were quick to heap on additional praise.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley told Fagan: “We’ll let you go, but we don’t want you to go.”

Commissioner Mike Moore put it like this: “What a true professional you are.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano expressed his respect: “You were a solid, tremendous worker for the county, always protecting the county, every step of the way.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey observed: “We’re losing a leader up on the third floor. What a void we’re going to have.”

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder also expressed his gratitude for Fagan’s professionalism and her personal warmth.

“I inherited a marvelous team when I got here. Jane was one of those people that was there, and was there to help me grow into the role of county attorney.

“I can’t tell you how many emails I have gotten at 2 and 3 o’clock in the morning, with her finishing up projects that just had to be done. She’s always been there, always ready to help.

“She’s always there to help her teammates and has always thought of the good of the county for the entire time I’ve been county attorney and she will be very missed,” Steinsnyder said.

Fagan was obviously touched by the tribute.

“I’m just totally floored. This is totally unexpected,” she said, her voice choking with emotion.

“It’s been an honor to represent Pasco County and to work with all of you all, and all the staff.

“It’s been a really positive experience.

“It has always been my goal, to give the best advice,” said Fagan, who received a standing ovation from the commissioners, county staff and those attending the meeting.

Published September 08, 2021

Pasco MPO plans to launch to three planning studies

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The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization plans to embark on three studies aimed at improving opportunities for the county to attract state and federal funding.

One will focus on Pasco County’s Freight Transportation Plan, a second will zero in on d the Zephyrhills Multiuse Path and the third will focus on the U.S. 19 corridor in West Pasco.

Carl Mikyska, executive director of Pasco MPO, described the importance of the freight study this way: “We are a county that has a number of great opportunities. I want to use that freight plan to not only improve freight access and mobility, while preserving the quality of life for our residents, I want to use it as an economic attractor tool — to grow, to develop in a manner that’s careful, but increases our tax base.”

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano also seized on the potential: “That spur up in Lacoochee should be a part of that study.”

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley also reiterated comments he’d made previously about the potential for the Lacoochee area.

Mikyska also talked about the need — when conducting corridor studies — to consider a variety of perspectives.

When looking at the U.S. 19 corridor, for instance, the examination must go beyond traffic and congestion, he said.

Corridor studies define the conditions of the route, what options may be available to address safety, congestion, or other mobility needs and what limitations may be present, according to the MPO board’s Aug. 12 backup materials. Examples of limitations might include environmental conditions that should be avoided and/or the need to purchase right-of-way.

Planning studies are used to determine which transportation alternatives may be advanced and which alternatives may be eliminated from further consideration. Planning-level studies of corridors also help to more carefully define anticipated improvement project costs, the backup materials say.

Besides approving the proposed corridor studies, the transportation planning board also agreed with Mikyska’s suggestion to join MetroPlan Orlando in its efforts to extend its Transportation System Management & Operations (TSM&O) system.

MetroPlan, which is the MPO organization for Orlando, has been working on its system for years and seeks to extend it from Daytona Beach, on the Atlantic Coast over to the Tampa metro region on the Gulf Coast.

The TSM&O approach involves using technology to improve the performance of the transportation system rather than through more expensive options, such as roadway widening, according to agenda backup materials.

Examples of TSM&O include dynamic message signs on the interstate warning of traffic congestion ahead, traveling in a corridor at the speed limit with consistent green signals, and cable infrastructure to assist with broadband connectivity, the agenda materials say.

The idea is to use those strategies, in a coordinated fashion, to keep traffic flowing.

The Pasco MPO board approved Mikyska’s request to participate, with the only expected cost to be the expenditure of staff time.

On another item, the MPO board approved a scope of work for a study at the intersection of State Road 52 and Adair Road.

The Pasco MPO, in cooperation with the City of Dade City and the Florida Department of Transportation has identified the need to evaluate implementation of traffic control measures at the intersection, where additional traffic is expected because of increased residential development nearby.

Federal Transportation Planning Grant Funds will be used to pay for the $29,345.01 study.

Published September 01, 2021

From a fortune teller to a fire station roof, this agenda has it all

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Often, it’s the items that aren’t discussed at all that can yield some of the most interesting details, at Pasco County Commission meetings.

On the Aug. 10 agenda, for instance, the county board voted on issues ranging from approval of a fortune teller’s application to do that type of business in the county, to awarding a contract to replace a flat roof at a fire station in Dade City.

They didn’t utter a word about those issues because the items were on the board’s “consent agenda.”

The way it works is this: During each board meeting, the board chairman reads out a “pull list” from the consent portion of the agenda. If anyone wants an item to be pulled for discussion, that item is moved to the regular portion of the agenda.

Items remaining on consent are approved in a single action.

Here’s a look of some items approved on the Aug. 10 consent agenda:

  • An application by Suanne Lynn Gould to engage in the occupation of a fortune teller, and similar occupations. To qualify, an applicant must gain approval from the board,

which requires the applicant to live in Florida and to be of good moral character. If the applicant wishes to conduct fortunetelling at home, she must acquire a Home Occupation special exception from the county.

  • A contract for $96,950 to JD Contractors LLC, to install a flat roof at Fire Station No. 24, in Dade City. Information contained in the agenda packet says the flat roof section at the fire station is more than 20 years old and has reached the end of its life span. There have been several leaks in that section of the roof during the past several years.
  • Additional purchasing authority for technology upgrades, in a not-to-exceed (NTE) total amount of $195,343.68, over a three-year period. The new cumulative total NTE will be $468,534.97 for the five-year contract term.
  • Nearly $1.2 million for future purchase of marketing, advertising and funding programs to support the county’s tourism efforts.
  • Spending $70,125 for the purchase of four-channel multimode phase selector traffic signal preemption devices for emergency vehicles, through a Florida Department of Transportation bid. Emergency vehicles that are equipped with the phase selectors can change traffic signals to a green phase, as they approach the signal. That makes it possible for them to reach their destination more quickly. Like any electrical device, the phase selectors will go bad and need periodic replacement.

In addition to the consent agenda, another part of the meeting that can be illuminating involves the reports made by individual commissioners.

During that portion of the meeting, commissioners essentially bring up whatever they want to talk about with their colleagues.

Sometimes, it involves commissioners wanting the county to deal with problems with illegal dumping, or the lack of landscaping in new developments, or the possibility of a new approach for vacation rental homes in the county.

At the Aug. 10 meeting, Commissioner Mike Moore used the platform to give his colleagues an update on how the county is faring this year on the tourism front.

Moore, who is chairman of the Pasco County Tourist Development Council, reported that the figures for May 2021 were actually up 96% from May 2020.

While indicating that’s not terribly surprising, given the impact from COVID-19 in 2020, Moore noted: “If you look at May (2021) TDT (Tourist Development Tax) collections they’re actually up from May 2019, so we’re on track to have our best year ever.”

Moore also applauded the Pasco County Public Transit department for securing three paratransit vehicles for free from the Florida Department of Transportation.

“Now, we have more paratransit vehicles out in the community for our residents and it didn’t cost our local taxpayers any additional dollars,” Moore said.

During his report, Commission Chairman Ron Oakley asked his colleagues to support the initiation of a special planning effort focusing on Lacoochee.

Decades ago, the community thrived when it was home to Cummer Sons Cypress Company, a company that employed hundreds and created a “town within a town,” according to historical accounts.

After the plant closed, about 60 years ago, the jobs disappeared and the area languished.

But efforts have been made to attract manufacturing to the area, and the interest is growing.

Oakley said the county needs to look ahead, so it can prepare to have workforce housing the area will need, as well as planning for the services, such as doctors and a grocery store, the residents will need.

His colleagues agreed to give direction to the county’s planning department to prepare a scope of services for a consultant to develop a “non-binding” concept plan for the area.

During that portion of the meeting, County Administrator Dan Biles typically announces achievements of county staff and updates the board on various issues.

Published August 25, 2021

Reviving opportunities, respecting a community’s rural character

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Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley is pushing for special planning efforts to “bring more interest, energy and investment” to the Lacoochee area, “while respecting the rural character of the community.”

He asked his colleague on the county board to join with him in directing the county’s staff to create a scope of work for a consultant to develop a concept plan for the area.

Pasco County Commission Ron Oakley has called for a special planning effort to encourage opportunities in Lacoochee, while also respecting the rural character of the community.

Once the scope is approved and a consultant is selected, a “non-binding concept plan” for the geographic area will be developed.

The boundaries for the study area will be recommended by the county’s planners and approved by the county board.

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein described the initiative like this: “Before we created the Villages of Pasadena Hills Plan, there was a consultant hired to create a concept plan for that area. It went to the board, the board looked at that concept plan and said, ‘Yes, this looks good. Go farther with it.’”

The Villages of Pasadena Hills is a special district, created through a special planning effort. It is next to the cities of San Antonio, St. Leo, Dade City and Zephyrhills.

Goldstein said his understanding of the board’s directive is for staff to bring back a scope of work for a consultant to create an initial concept plan.

Nectarios Pittos, director of the planning and development department, said he had the same understanding.

Oakley said the county has been talking for years about the need to create new opportunities in Lacoochee and it has helped to lay the groundwork with additional infrastructure.

Now, finally, there’s one manufacturing company in the area, and another one is coming, Oakley said. (At the Metropolitan Planning Organization Board meeting later in the week, Oakley also mentioned there are some additional companies looking into the area, too.)

As manufacturers move in, workforce housing will be needed, Oakley said. Area residents also will need services, such as doctors and a grocery store, he said.

The county wants to address those needs, Oakley said.

“There’s nothing wrong with good planning out ahead,” Oakley said. “We want to take care of them (new workers), ourselves,” he said.

Without it, workers will spend the day at their jobs in Lacoochee, then drive to Hernando or another county to live, the board chairman said.

Lacoochee once was a thriving community, home to one of the nation’s largest sawmill operations, Cummer Sons Cypress Company.

At one time, the company was the foundation of a community that functioned like a town, within a town.

“It has been over 60 years since that plant shut down,” Oakley said, and once the jobs were gone, the community fell on hard times.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles said the effort will focus on: “How do we want that area planned, going forward, based on the work we see that’s happening in that area?”

Oakley added: “We need to develop that the right way, and keep the rural nature of Lacoochee.”

Note: For a look at the history of the Cummer Sons Cypress Company, see this week’s feature story.

Published August 18, 2021

Pasco clerk fights for budget hike

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Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles has been in the news in recent weeks, as she pushes for a massive budget increase for her office.

She raised the issue again, during a July 13 talk with members of the East Pasco Networking Group at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center in Zephyrhills.

Alvarez-Sowles is requesting about $13.3 million in her fiscal 2021-2022 budget, which represents nearly $9 million more than the constitutional officer’s budget this year.

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles was the featured guest speaker during a July 13 East Pasco Networking Group meeting at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, in Zephyrhills. (File)

She claims the budget hike is needed for her office to fulfill statutory responsibilities for the coming year.

Alvarez-Sowles also mentioned a timely concern.

She noted she anticipates an increased workload for her office with an influx of court trials and eviction notices, amid the easing of pandemic-related restrictions and moratoriums.

“I am concerned that when the court starts ramping up, being able to support the customers when that happens. I want to make sure that we’re there for them, and I don’t want to kill my staff at the same time, in providing those services,” Alvarez-Sowles said.

The clerk initially presented her budget increase request in an April 30 letter to Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley and his county board colleagues.

But, the county’s administration has pushed back against the request, particularly Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles and Pasco County Budget Director Robert Goehig.

The clerk said the additional funding is needed to satisfy Florida Statute 29.008, which addresses county funding of court-related functions.

Generally, the statute details “the county’s obligation to pay on certain things, for technology and for the court-related items that I’m not allowed by law to use my fee-funded budget from courts to pay for,” Alvarez-Sowles said.

Because of this finding, she reasoned, “I submitted a budget to the board that was a lot higher than it had ever been in prior years, ever.”

The breakdown of Alvarez-Sowles’ budgetary increase is as follows:

  • County funding of court-related local requirements computes to about $7.4 million
  • County funding of board and court-related technology costs (hardware, software, programming) totaling nearly $1.25 milllion
  • Increases for retirement costs and group health insurance, as well as a pay adjustment of 3%, totaling about $366,000

During the speaking engagement, Alvarez-Sowles told The Laker/Lutz News “the rub” or main disconnect between her office and county leadership “is agreeing on what is and what is not a local requirement,” particularly the $7.4 million request.

She contends the county is obligated to fund full-service expenses for the West Pasco Judicial Center courthouse annex in New Port Richey — as opposed to using the clerk’s fee-funded budget for civil and criminal jury trials, and so on.

Part of the disagreement, Alvarez-Sowles said, centers around state law only requiring one courthouse in the county seat, which is the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

With that, county officials have stated they’re not responsible for funding the West Pasco courthouse annex, Alvarez-Sowles explained.

She disagrees with their stance: “(They say) like, ‘There’s no way we’re responsible to pay for the (West Pasco) courthouse,’ and I’m saying, ‘Well, you could have one (courthouse in Dade City) and I wouldn’t have this many expenses,’ but we don’t, and you duplicated services, and I am doing double the work in some situations.”

Of lesser note, county administration has since agreed to fund 40% of the clerk’s information technology (IT) costs, or just under $500,000 of the roughly $1.2 million mark.

Alvarez-Sowles said that’s inadequate.

She claimed the county is obligated to fund technology for the multi-agency criminal justice system (which includes state attorney’s, public defender, courts and clerk).

The Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Office is seeking a $13.3 million budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 — an increase of nearly $9 million this year — in order to fulfill statutory responsibilities and provide adequate services countywide, the clerk says. (Courtesy of the Office of the Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller)

Said Alvarez-Sowles, “All of these services requires IT funding to be able to bring about, so I’m going to continue discussions with the county, because I really need that money for the technologies and things we have planned to serve our community.”

Alvarez-Sowles emphasized that she wants to ensure her office is “properly funded” in order to “provide a higher level of service, better services to our community, and I also want to provide the tools to the team.”

The constitutional officer, too, underscored the need to be able to offer higher salaries, from entry-level to supervisorial roles within the clerk structure.

The entry-level wage at the clerk’s office is $13.28 per hour.

This reality makes it tough to compete with area businesses and organizations offering around $15 an hour and, in some cases, paying potential employees to interview for vacancies, she said.

“I need to have competitive salaries,” said Alvarez-Sowles. “Our office is paid very low in our community, and even in comparison to other local government agencies in the community, so there is a big discrepancy.”

The situation has caused turnover and has made it difficult to fill vacancies.

Employees stay for a year or two and then transfer to another county role or up through the court or state attorney’s office, Alvarez-Sowles said.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic the clerk’s office had about 320 employees, she said.

It’s since dropped down to 283 employees, she said.

That hampers her operations, she said.

“I feel like we are training ground (for other agencies), so I need to have longevity, and I need to be able to plan for succession, and be able to have a stellar team, so I need the funding to pay for the proper salaries,” she said.

During the breakfast talk, the clerk also touched on some ongoing initiatives in her office.

Those include:

  • Implementation of a multi-year strategic plan in regards to services and other projects
  • Partnership with Amscot, authorizing them to accept payments on behalf of the clerk’s office
  • Online payment expansion to include Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo and debit card capabilities (expected by November)
  • Development of a customer queue management system allowing residents to check wait times and make service appointments online
  • Provide affordable legal help and attorney consultations for self-represented individuals in civil matters related to divorce, residential landlord/tenant, small claims and so on
  • E-certification document capabilities for deeds, liens, closings and so on

In most jurisdictions, the clerk & comptroller is vested with a large number of administrative duties.

This includes clerk of the circuit court, as well as county auditor, ex-officio, clerk of the county commission, finance officer, recorder and treasurer.

Residents often use the clerk’s office to pay traffic and criminal fines, initiate or contest a civil case, pursue probate issues and make child support payments. The office also handles domestic violence injunctions, Baker Act and Marchman Act petitions, passport applications, marriage licenses and more.

Published August 04, 2021

Rezoning would allow 400 apartments

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The Pasco County Planning Commission and the county’s planners have recommended approval of a rezoning that would allow 400 apartments on approximately 43.42 acres at the southeast corner of Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Hay Road.

Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning administrator, detailed the request at the planning board’s July 22 meeting.

The proposed multifamily project would be located between the recently approved Hay Road Townhomes project to the west and Compark 75, to the east.

“Multifamily apartment uses create a transition from the industrial uses to the townhomes,” Hernandez said.

The request is consistent with the county’s land development code and its comprehensive plan, Hernandez added.

The site is currently zoned for agricultural and light industrial uses.

In addition to the rezoning, the applicants also are requesting a variance from the county land development code requirements relating to parking and park space, Hernandez said.

The planning board and county staff recommend approval of those variance requests.

The planning board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the rezoning, with the exception of Planning Commission Roberto Saez, who was absent.

No one raised objections about the request during the public hearing.

The Pasco County Commission is expected to take final action on the land use plan amendment, which is required for the rezoning, and on the rezoning itself, during its Aug. 24 meeting, according to Joel Tew, the attorney representing the applicants.

Although the request has the support of the planning board and county staff, it has faced opposition in the past.

Commissioners were divided on the land use plan amendment, voting 3-2 to transmit the request to state officials for review.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, and Commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Christina Fitzpatrick voted in favor of the transmittal, while Commissioners Mike Moore and Jack Mariano were opposed.

Moore who ultimately persuaded his colleagues to allow a six-month moratorium, which affects only his district, has urged commissioners to ease up on rezonings for multifamily developments.

If it doesn’t, Moore predicts there will be a heavy price to pay in the future, when a glut of apartment buildings leads to high vacancy rates and buildings that fall into disrepair.

Published July 28, 2021

Will planning board appointments become more political?

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Pasco County commissioners want a greater say, individually, regarding appointments to the Pasco County Planning Commission.

The issue arose at the county board’s July 6 meeting, when commissioners were set to approve two-year reappointments of planning commissioners Charles Grey, Christopher Poole, Roberto Saez and Don Anderson.

The item had been placed on the board’s consent agenda — meaning no discussion was expected and it would be approved as part of a bundle of agenda items.

But Commissioner Mike Moore pulled the item to express his desire to consider such appointments individually in the future —  instead of voting on them collectively.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, however, pushed for a bigger change.

She wants to discard the process that’s been used recently to choose the planning board.

Instead of soliciting applications and then voting on appointments as a collective county board, she called for individual commissioners to choose a planning board member to represent their district.

“I prefer to appoint someone to that (planning board),” Starkey said.

Jack Mariano supported the move.

“Commissioner Starkey, I agree 100%. I don’t have a single person from District 5 and there’s not a single person from District 1, either.”

Moore said he had no problems with what Starkey and Mariano were suggesting.

It’s similar to the process that commissioners used in the past to select members of the planning commission.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder told the board that changing the selection process would require an amendment to the land development code.

Steinsnyder added: “I’ll also remind you that the reason you moved to board appointments versus commission appointments was to move forward the way most other jurisdictions do it.”

Having the entire county board select planning commissioners reduces potential for “political appointments,” Steinsnyder said.

“It is probably your most important board,” Steinsnyder said.

“That’s why I feel that the west side should be represented,” Starkey said. “They don’t have to live in a commission district. I may not find anyone who qualifies in my district,” she said. “But at least I want someone on the (planning) board who understands my district.”

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley said he doesn’t have a problem with the current planning commission.

“I think the planning commission has been operating very well. I don’t have any feeling of not being represented on that planning commission board. They’re all our citizens,” Oakley said.

However, Oakley joined in with the rest of the commission when they approved a motion by Starkey to extend the terms of Grey, Poole, Saez and Anderson for six months.

That will allow time for new commission district lines to be drawn through redistricting.

After that, commissioners agreed they would appoint one planning commissioner each, with the full board choosing an at-large member. The school board seat on the planning board would not be affected by the change.

Planning board members who already have been reappointed to longer terms would need to be addressed separately, Moore noted.

The issue was bought up at the Pasco County Planning Commission’s meeting on July 8, by Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning administrator.

She informed the planning board about the county board’s action.

David Goldstein, the chief assistant county attorney, said the possibility remains that the planning board’s composition could remain the same — since commissioners have the option of appointing someone who lives outside of their district.

Future vacancies, he said, will be filled by individual board members, except for the at-large seat, which will be selected by the entire board. The school board seat will not be affected.

Because the change requires an amendment to the county’s land development code and because it would not take effect until redistricting is done, it might not occur within six months, Goldstein said.

“My understanding is that there’s an issue with the census data. It’s not out yet. The redistricting has to be based on the census data.

“It may not occur in six months. It may roll into the next year. I suspect what will happen is that we may need to be going back to the board saying, ‘We need to extend another six months, or something to that effect,” Goldstein said.

Currently, there are no representatives on the planning commission from Oakley, Starkey or Mariano’s districts.

“There are three planning commission members from Christina Fitzpatrick’s district and three members from Commissioner Moore’s district,” Hernandez said.

The planning commission is a volunteer board, which provides recommendations on comprehensive land use, zoning, and land development code changes, as well as conditional use requests and operational permits. It is the final decision-making body for special exception applications.

Planning Commission Chairman Grey quipped that zoning administrator Hernandez was behind the planned change.

To which Goldstein responded: “It was not the recommendation by staff or the county attorney’s office.”

Planning board member Anderson asked: “Does that (the new process) make it more of a political appointment?”

Goldstein responded: “Yes, that was one of the reasons the county attorney’s office originally recommended that it be the decision of the entire board, so the entire board could pick the best fit from an expertise perspective, more so, versus, say, they happen to live in the district, perspective.”

Serving on the planning commission requires a certain amount of expertise in real estate, planning, development and so on, Goldstein said.

“I think the county attorney’s office, and probably the planning staff as well, thought the appointment should be based on knowledge and expertise, rather than where you live,” Goldstein said.

Published July 14, 2021

Clash continues over Pasco clerk’s budget

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Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles is continuing to push for a big budget increase, despite resistance by county administration.

During the Pasco County Commission’s consideration of next fiscal year’s property tax rate, the clerk sought permission to address the budget.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley allowed her to speak, but shortly after she began, Commissioner Mike Moore interjected: “We cannot have these conversations. This is the board, actually debating the budget.

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Sowles is continuing her bid to get increased funding for her office in fiscal year 2021-2022. (File)

“If we’re going to allow all constitutionals to debate their budget request, we have to bring all of them in here and have that,” Moore said.

The clerk said that anyone from the public is free to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting, but Moore said it wasn’t appropriate for remarks to be part of the board’s deliberations.

So, the clerk said she would wait until the miscellaneous business portion of the meeting during which she’s allowed to bring issues to the board.

At that point in the meeting, Alvarez-Sowles told board members she had met with County Administrator Dan Biles.

During that meeting, she said Biles acknowledged “that the commission has a legal obligation to fund IT and that they are funding it at 40%” of her IT request.

“I just wanted to state that funding it at 40% of the request is inadequate to meet the needs of my office and the requirements of the law,” Alvarez-Sowles said. “I would like to have the full funding of IT for fiscal year 2022.”

Alvarez had spelled out her request in an April 30 letter to Commission Chairman Ron Oakley and the Pasco County Commission.

In that letter, she told commissioners that her budget request was for $13,284,195, resulting in $8,992,936 in additional funding.

At the July 6 county board meeting, Alvarez-Sowles said: “I recognize that my request is more than the county administration would like, however, it is based specifically on the commission’s legal funding obligations and the reasonable needs of my office.

Her April 30 letter also noted: “Since 2010, Pasco’s population increased by 19% and the county increased staffing by 39% to provide additional services. In that same time frame, the clerk’s office cut 11 % of its positions due to funding shortages.”

At the board meeting, she reiterated those issues and told commissioners, “the funding situation in my office is just unsustainable.”

Alvarez-Sowles also noted that the emphasis during the board’s June 8 meeting was on property tax revenue, but said there also are other unrestricted revenues that go into the general revenue account, such as sales tax and state revenue sharing.

She said the county board “is responsible for determining and setting its funding priorities” and she told the board that the clerk’s office should be among its highest priorities, along the same lines as public safety — the sheriff’s office and firefighters.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder weighed in on the issue.

“Mr. Chairman, there appears to be a fundamental dispute between the administrator and the clerk with regard to whether or not what the clerk is asking for, is in fact, a local requirement.

“It boils down to — for large scale — whether or not the West Pasco Judicial Center is a local requirement.

“The clerk’s position is that it is. The county’s position is that it’s not,” Steinsnyder said.

Published July 14, 2021