City of Oldsmar

The meeting began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key discussions during the open forum included positive feedback on a recent museum visit and a suggestion for displaying information about its creation, as well as encouragement for participation in a library rock painting activity for teenagers. Public comments also covered a request for appointing a full-time member to the parks and recreation board and general support for community organizations like Oldsmar Cares, with details provided on their services and upcoming fundraiser. A significant announcement was made regarding a recommendation to transition Oldsmar Elementary School to a K through 8 school, with details on the phased implementation, capacity projections, and upcoming community meetings to gather input. The agenda also included the presentation of the City Council City Manager Award to John Moner, President of the Gullair Village Board of Directors, recognizing his vital role as a liaison between residents and the city, particularly concerning post-hurricane recovery, construction issues, and amenity repairs.

The key discussion points included a public comment from an individual announcing a run for Seat 3 in the upcoming August special election, sharing prior experience with the art task force and selection committee. Old business focused on the Tiko Hall painting, where the board recommended approving a $1,237 digital capture and reprint process due to the original medium's deterioration, rather than a full physical restoration, which would free up funds for a new project. The Sheffield Park mural restoration was discussed, specifically detailing the need to solidify liability insurance and confirming painting dates in February (14th through 18th). Members discussed fundraising efforts, including requests for donations to cover a $300 insurance gap, with one member immediately pledging $50. New business addressed the need to appoint a member to report on public funding opportunities following a previous member's resignation.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance led by Cub Scout Pack 413. During the open forum, a resident requested the consideration of Holly Graciato for a full-time appointment to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the reappointment of Tina Marie Richardson. The speaker also presented results from the Fall 2025 park survey, noting high participation and positive resident sentiment, while key challenges included limited parking and ongoing maintenance. Another resident spoke in recognition of National Social Work Month and highlighted community service values exemplified by local initiatives. The council welcomed back the City Clerk, Kristen Garcia. Key community announcements included the opening of the spray park, details for a patriotic photo contest, and hours for the Oldsmar Historical Collection. The consent docket covered multiple items, including the approval of previous minutes, reappointments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Firefighter Pension Board of Trustees, and the award of contracts for IT security services and lift station rehabilitation work. Items pertaining to the reappointment of Holly Graciato and Tracy Lester were pulled for separate discussion and subsequently approved. The City Council then presented a proclamation declaring March 9th through the 15th, 2026, as Flood Awareness Week, followed by a presentation from the Planning and Redevelopment Director detailing flood risk, FIRM maps, evacuation zones, and flood protection methods.

The work session began with a pledge of allegiance and an invocation led by the city attorney. Key discussion items included citizen comments, prioritizing the repaving of Douglas Road, and an update on the general fund budget and legislative impact. City staff provided an overview of fiscal year 2025 general fund program expenditures, which totaled over $18.2 million across major functions like fire protection, parks and recreation, and general government. Discussions covered revenue sources, noting that approximately $14.7 million required coverage from unrestricted revenues, with property taxes being the largest source. Furthermore, the session addressed pending legislative proposals (HJR 201, HJR 203, HJR 205, HJR 207, HJR 209, HJR 211, HJR 213, and SJR 550) concerning property tax reform and their potential material reduction of municipal revenues. An analysis tool from the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's Office was presented to help evaluate the financial implications of these bills.

The meeting commenced with roll call, noting the absence of the Chair and one Trustee, but confirming a quorum, with Trustee Power chairing the session. Following the pledge of allegiance, the open forum included a resident introducing herself, thanking the board for their work protecting firefighters' long-term security, and mentioning an upcoming special election. The primary agenda items involved the approval of the minutes from the October 7th, 2025 meeting and the presentation of the quarterly pension plan investment report for the quarter ending September 30th, 2025. The actuary detailed the annual valuation, explaining the incorporation of the latest FRS mortality tables and the decision to mirror other FRS assumptions (salary increases, termination rates, disability rates) based on the FRS 2024 experience study to satisfy audit requests, noting that the new mortality tables increased liabilities by approximately 4% to 5%. Discussions also covered the minimum required contribution rate, which, while high as a percentage of payroll (114.7%) due to the plan being frozen with a shrinking active participant pool, was estimated at a dollar amount of $662,305 for the fiscal year. The concept of 'chapter money' being rebated by the state from property insurance premiums to enhance firefighter benefits was also explained to new board members.