Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners Regular Session and CRA Meeting: December 16, 2025

The City of Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners met in Regular Session on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the City Hall Auditorium. The meeting included a special presentation for retiring Finance Director Ron Herring, the unanimous approval of consent and business items, quasi-judicial hearings, and the adoption of candidate forum rules. Following the regular session, the board convened as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to consider a downtown hotel project and a downtown shuttle service.

Special Presentation

• Retirement of Finance Director Ron Herring: Commissioners, the Mayor, former Mayor Tom Koulianos, and City Manager Charles Rudd honored Ron Herring for his 39 years of service (August 25, 1986 – January 2, 2026). Speakers praised his integrity, financial expertise in guiding the city through the Great Recession, consistent clean audits, and mentorship. Herring was presented with a sponge diver helmet and a flag, and was noted for his discipline as a marathon runner. He credited his staff for his success.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously approved Items 2 through 10. These included attorney fee invoices (Unice Salzman P.A.), approval of a novation for SCADA for lift stations, awards for manhole rehabilitation services, golf shop resale merchandise, Pierce fire apparatus OEM parts and services, HVAC services renewal, vehicle procurement (Florida Sheriffs Association contract), a public library construction grant amendment, and an extension for OnBase software maintenance.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Peter Lacus (514 Ashland Avenue): Read a passage from Isaiah 50:4-11. He expressed dissatisfaction with his treatment at the prior meeting, specifically regarding Zoom procedures and being cut off during public comment. He also criticized the Marine Commerce committee selection process, alleging that only Commissioner Banther submitted applicant names to the city manager.

Discussion Items

• Business Item 11: Job Order Contracting (JOC) Renewal (Janina Lewis, Procurement Services Director): The board approved a one-year renewal of the JOC contract. Discussion centered on past issues with a contractor on the Union Academy Breezeway project, which staff attributed to a lack of communication and site-specific challenges. Staff confirmed the problematic contractor is not included on the new contract list. Outcome: Approved.
• Business Item 12: Organizational Changes for Water/Wastewater Utilities Career Progression (Thomas Kiger, Public Services Director): The board approved a pilot program to create a career ladder for FDEP-licensed staff, allowing promotions based on licensure and experience rather than waiting for vacancies. Staff confirmed no new positions or immediate budget impacts. Public commenter Peter Lacus spoke in support. Outcome: Approved.
• Resolution 2025-67: Candidate Forum Rules (Michele Manousos, Deputy City Clerk): The board adopted rules for a candidate forum on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, hosted by the North Pinellas County League of Women Voters. Commissioner Di Donato requested the City Manager explore the possibility of a second forum in February. Commissioner Banther offered to attend forums if requested. Outcome: Approved.

Ordinances and Resolutions

• Item 13: Withdrawn by the applicant.
• Item 14: Ordinance 2025-18 (2nd Reading) - Rezoning 475 N Highland Avenue (Renea Vincent, Planning and Zoning Director): The board approved a quasi-judicial rezoning of 7.72 acres from A (Agricultural) and RPD (Residential Planned Development) to straight A (Agricultural). Staff stated the change resolves a holdover RPD designation. The applicant, I. Penza, offered no additional testimony. Public commenter Peter Lacus supported the application, praising the applicant for respecting the agricultural character and noting the plan for two homes. Outcome: Motion to approve; voted unanimously.

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Meeting

Following the regular session, the CRA Board convened.

• CRA Item 1: Downtown Hotel Project (Tarpon Registry): The board approved the development agreement. Commissioner Culias raised concerns about the city contributing equity and requested a stipulation for the city to recoup value if the property is sold shortly after completion. City Manager Rudd responded that the city would retain the property if the project fails and would benefit from long-term ad valorem taxes. Commissioner Culias also advised the developer to avoid business relationships with board members' firms. Vice Mayor Eisner clarified his firm does not manage hotels. Developer expressed commitment to the project. Outcome: Motion to approve; voted unanimously.
• CRA Item 2: Downtown Shuttle Cart Purchase: Staff recommended purchasing two 6-passenger ADA-accessible carts. Several commissioners expressed significant liability and safety concerns regarding the open design. The Police Chief clarified the 11-passenger option was not street-legal due to weight and classification issues. Vice Mayor Eisner shared a personal anecdote of a near-fall from a similar cart. A consensus emerged that the proposed carts were unsuitable. Outcome: Motion to reject the bid and direct staff to return with alternative, safer options (such as a small van or minivan). Voted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval of the consent agenda.
• Unanimous approval of the Job Order Contracting renewal.
• Unanimous approval of the Water/Wastewater career progression pilot program.
• Unanimous approval of Ordinance 2025-18 (Rezoning at 475 N Highland Ave).
• Unanimous approval of Resolution 2025-67 (Candidate Forum Rules).
• Unanimous approval of the downtown hotel (Tarpon Registry) development agreement by the CRA Board.
• Unanimous vote by the CRA Board to reject the downtown shuttle cart bid and task staff with presenting safer transportation options.
• Directive: City Manager to investigate the feasibility of a second candidate forum in February 2026.