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 Discuss Public-Private Partnership for Infrastructure

The North Port City Commission is set to convene at 6 p.m. Tuesday to evaluate a proposal for a public-private partnership aimed at financing vital infrastructure projects. This initiative comes after voters rejected a bond funding request during a referendum held on May 13.

The proposal has been put forward by Florida Development Solutions, LLC, a Tampa-based company founded in July 2022. The proposal includes plans to finance three essential infrastructure projects, which remain imperative for the city despite the recent electoral setback.

Infrastructure Projects to be Funded

The projects under consideration include upgrades for the North Port Police Department, as well as an expansion of the wastewater treatment facility. In addition, the proposal includes the construction of a solid waste transfer station. These developments aim to address the community’s growing needs despite the voters’ decision against bond funding options.

Financing Options without Voter Approval

The financing methods proposed by Florida Development Solutions include a 501c3 lease-back arrangement or certificates of participation. Notably, these options do not require voter approval, which makes them politically advantageous. However, it’s important to note that both financing routes are typically more costly compared to bonds that would be repaid through property taxes or user fees.

Contractors and Management

Florida Development Solutions will work alongside pre-selected contractors for different facets of the projects. For the North Port Police Department, Schenkel Schultz has been selected for the design work while Ajax Construction will handle the actual building phase. For the wastewater treatment facility, the collaboration will involve Stantec and Ajax Construction with oversight from the city. For the solid waste transfer station, Geosyntec is set to manage the design and preconstruction efforts while Kokolakis Contracting will be responsible for the construction.

Unique Borrowing Restrictions in North Port

In a unique position among Florida municipalities, North Port cannot secure funds for emergency response or financial-backed projects without the explicit consent of voters. This provision, introduced by the General Development Corp. during North Port’s incorporation in 1959, sets it apart from other cities in the state where similar borrowing can occur without voter approval. For instance, the Venice City Council has recently authorized borrowing up to $17.5 million for emergency facilities.

Community Engagement Over Warm Mineral Springs Park

In a separate development, the city is actively inviting public feedback on the future of Warm Mineral Springs Park, which has recently reopened. A proposal for a partnership with the WMS Development Group for the redevelopment of the park was previously put on hold, primarily due to concerns surrounding operational costs and insurance.

WMS Development had shown an interest in operating the springs and developing the adjacent parkland but ultimately decided to withdraw after conducting further evaluations. The 83-acre property includes three historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which were damaged during Hurricane Ian.

Restoration Plans and Community Sentiment

City staff will manage the springs temporarily while a revitalization plan is being developed alongside community input. A comprehensive real estate analysis estimated that the market rent value for the springs stands at approximately $495,000, with the overall land value around $16.4 million. Historically, the springs have generated about $1 million annually, yet they faced maintenance challenges.

While $9.4 million had been allocated for restoring historic buildings, rising bid costs have caused hesitation in moving forward. Recent discussions indicated an interest in maximizing potential development opportunities around Warm Mineral Springs Park, albeit public sentiment largely leans against development on what many consider sacred land. Concerns have been raised about the potential ecological disruption to the springs and local water flow rates with any development.

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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