James Chambers

The strategic plan for the City of Temple Terrace focuses on community-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors. Key areas of focus include developing marketing and outreach plans, improving communication, enhancing leisure services, providing sustainable infrastructure, promoting orderly growth through annexation, ensuring public safety, and delivering comprehensive code enforcement. The plan aims to promote the city as an attractive place to live, work, play, and learn, while preserving its heritage and natural resources.

The meeting included recognizing Jerome Sullivan with a citizen award of valor for his bravery in intervening in a violent attack. Santa Claus made a special presentation to promote the Winter Wonderland event, which includes a golf cart parade, snow slide, train rides, food trucks, and a firework celebration. The council discussed and approved the appointment of Grant Parra to the Hillsboro County Maritime Law Enforcement Advisory Committee. The council also discussed a resolution approving an engagement letter with Gray Robinson for Government Affairs Consulting Services.

The town hall meeting was convened to discuss the water quality, focusing on the presence of PFAS in the water supply. The primary objectives included providing current information on PFAS, particularly PFOS and PFOA, and soliciting public comments and feedback. Key discussion points covered the history of PFAS, their presence in various products, and their potential health risks. The city's compliance with current Florida drinking water regulations was emphasized, while also addressing the EPA's evolving regulations and health advisories. Potential treatment solutions and interim measures were also discussed.

The meeting included the swearing in of the new city attorney and recognition of the June employee of the month, a fire inspector. A library employee was also recognized for 40 years of service.

The primary discussion focused on the public safety complex, including a potential bond issue regarding what and how to build a new facility. Key context involved the Temple Terrace Police Department, which has operated from the same 11,000 square foot space since the late 1970s despite significant growth in sworn officers and population served. The five-acre parcel acquired in 2024 on Harney Road could accommodate both a police and fire station, which is favored for cost savings and operational efficiency. Data indicated that the response time for the area requiring a new fire station (Station 3) currently exceeds the class one benchmark, and projected response times without a new station will continue to worsen due to east side growth, including commercial entities. Conceptual designs were presented for a standalone police station (approximately 33,000 square feet with an indoor firing range) and a joint police and fire station (Fire Station 3 projected at 10,000 square feet with two bays). Cost estimates for the police station facility, including site development, ranged up to $31 million, and the fire station up to $9.7 million. Financing through a General Obligation (GO) Bond, requiring voter approval via a separate millage rate, was recommended to avoid impacting operational funds. The projected millage impact for a 30-year bond was estimated between 0.90 to 0.98 mills for a home assessed at $250,000.