North Port City Commission Considers Infrastructure Funding Proposal

News Summary

The North Port City Commission will discuss a public-private partnership proposal from Florida Development Solutions, aiming to fund essential infrastructure projects. This proposal encompasses enhancements for the North Port Police Department, an expanded wastewater treatment facility, and a new solid waste transfer station, all previously rejected by voters. The financing options presented do not require voter approval, making them appealing amid existing restrictions. Community feedback on revitalizing Warm Mineral Springs Park is also under consideration as public sentiment leans towards preservation.

North Port City Commission to Explore New Funding Avenues for Infrastructure Projects

The North Port City Commission is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday to discuss a public-private partnership proposal aimed at financing essential infrastructure projects initially rejected by voters. This proposal comes from Florida Development Solutions, LLC, a newly established company based in Tampa, which was formed in July 2022.

The main goal of this partnership is to provide funding for three key projects that received a thumbs down during a referendum on May 13. Voters rejected the bond funding necessary for these projects, but city officials are now exploring alternative financing methods that do not require voter approval. Tom Iarosssi, executive director of Florida Development Solutions and president of Nest Construction Company, leads this initiative.

Proposed Projects despite Voter Rejection

The three infrastructure projects that the city is determined to move forward with include:

• Improvements to the North Port Police Department
• Expansion of the wastewater treatment facility
• Construction of a solid waste transfer station

To finance these projects, the proposal offers two options: a 501c3 lease-back or certificates of participation. While these options may provide an immediate pathway to funding, they are generally more costly than traditional bond issuance, which voters previously rejected.

Collaborative Construction Plans

Iarosssi plans to work alongside a team of pre-selected contractors for the various facets of these projects:

• For the North Port Police Department, Schenkel Schultz will handle design, and Ajax Construction will take care of the building.
• The wastewater treatment facility will involve Stantec and Ajax Construction, with guidance from city oversight.
• Geosyntec will manage design and preconstruction for the solid waste transfer station, while Kokolakis Contracting will handle the actual construction work.

Interestingly, North Port faces unique limitations compared to other municipalities in Florida. Currently, it cannot borrow funds for emergency or financially-backed projects without obtaining voter consent, a restriction put in place 65 years ago during the city’s incorporation process. In contrast, many other Florida cities easily obtain funding through bonds without seeking public approval, as evidenced by Venice City Council recently authorizing up to $17.5 million for emergency facilities.

Feedback on Warm Mineral Springs Park Development

Warm Mineral Springs Park, which recently reopened. The city had previously reduced a partnership proposal with WMS Development Group, a decision taken due to concerns over operational and insurance costs.

The partnership ended amicably, although WMS Development initially intended to manage the springs and develop nearby parkland. After reevaluating their engagement, they chose to withdraw from the agreement. The historic buildings on-site, which are part of the National Register of Historic Places, suffered damage from Hurricane Ian and require significant attention.

The 83-acre property contains structures dating back to the Florida Quadricentennial Celebration and has generated approximately $1 million annually. However, the city had allocated $9.4 million for restoring these historic buildings but faced challenges due to rising bid costs.

Community Concerns on Future Development

Local Indigenous representatives also voiced their opposition to any development that could encroach on the sacred territory, raising alarms about the potential ecological impact on the springs and local water flow rates. Although some commissioners support plans to allow up to six dwelling units per acre or significant commercial space, these proposals face considerable public resistance.

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Additional Resources

• Herald Tribune: North Port Commissioners to Hear Pitch for Construction Partnership
• Wikipedia: North Port, Florida
• Herald Tribune: North Port Commission to Try New Strategy to Fund Capital Projects
• Google Search: North Port Florida capital projects
• Herald Tribune: North Port City Commissioners Seek Plan Change for More Warm Mineral Springs Development
• Encyclopedia Britannica: North Port
• Herald Tribune: North Port Residents Hope City Will Not Develop Warm Mineral Springs
• Google News: North Port development updates