Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners and CRA Meeting - December 16, 2025

On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners convened at 6:30 p.m. for its regular session, followed by a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting for the Downtown Tarpon Springs Redevelopment Area at about 7:30 p.m. The meeting opened with an invocation by Reverend Chris Ireland, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a Hanukkah candle lighting led by Vice Mayor Eisner. The Board recognized retiring Finance Director Ron Herring, approved consent and regular agenda items, and the CRA approved the Tarpon Registry development item before rejecting a shuttle-cart bid and directing staff to return with revised options. The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• The Board approved the following consent items unanimously by roll call (5-0): attorney fees for Eunice Salzman; approving a novation file for lift stations; awarding a contract for manhole structure rehabilitation services; awarding a single-source purchase of golf shop resale merchandise; awarding a single-source purchase of original equipment from Pierce Fire Apparatus; renewing the award for HVAC equipment installation; awarding a contract through the Florida Sheriff's Association; approving the State of Florida Department of State Public Library Construction Grant; and extending the single-source purchase of OnBase software maintenance.
• No commissioner pulled any consent item for discussion.

Presentation and Recognition

• Finance Director Ron Herring was honored for 39 years of city service, from August 25, 1986, to January 2, 2026. He received a sponge diver helmet and a commemorative flag. Mayor Cullianos and commissioners praised his integrity, clean audits, budget stewardship, and institutional knowledge. Herring credited his staff for the department's success.

Public Comments and Testimony

• During the general public comment period, Peter Lacus (514 Ashland Avenue) read Isaiah 50:4-11 and said he was upset about how he was treated at the previous meeting. He criticized the city's Zoom process, said he was cut off before speaking, and disputed a commissioner's suggestion to eliminate Zoom. He also said a records request showed only one commissioner had submitted names for the Marine Commerce appointment process.
• Speaking on the water/wastewater staffing item, Lacus supported the career-ladder change, citing the value of institutional knowledge and retention.
• Speaking on the rezoning ordinance, Lacus supported the applicant's proposal, saying it respected the agricultural area, would create two homes rather than a subdivision, and preserved wetlands and wooded surroundings.
• No public comments were made on the consent calendar, job order contracting renewal, candidate forum resolution, or on the CRA agenda items.

Discussion Items

Job Order Contracting Renewal (BOC Item 11)

• Procurement Services Director Janina Lewis presented a one-year renewal of job order contracting services for minor construction. She noted the new contract has a different contractor list. Commissioner questions about prior problems led to discussion of the Union Academy Breezeway project, where drainage, traffic, HVAC, and subcontractor communication issues delayed work; that contractor is not included in the new contract.
• The Board approved the renewal unanimously (5-0).

Water/Wastewater Career Progression Pilot (BOC Item 12)

• Public Services Director Thomas Kiger proposed a pilot career-ladder staffing program for FDEP-licensed staff in the water plant, wastewater plant, meter shop, and water distribution crews. It would allow employees to advance by experience and licensure rather than waiting for vacancies, with no new positions and no immediate budget impact. The program mirrors approaches in Dunedin, Oldsmar, and Pinellas County.
• Commissioners supported it as a motivational and retention tool. Peter Lacus spoke in favor. The Board approved it unanimously (5-0).

Withdrawn Item (BOC Item 13)

• The applicant withdrew item 13 before discussion.

Rezoning Ordinance 2025-18 (BOC Item 14)

• The Board held a second-reading quasi-judicial public hearing for Ordinance 2025-18, rezoning 7.72 acres at 475 North Highland Avenue from Agricultural District A and Residential Planned Development District to Agricultural District A.
• Staff representative Ms. Vincent recommended approval and entered the record into evidence. The applicant's representative, P. Penza, had no additional presentation. Peter Lacus spoke in support. The Board approved the ordinance unanimously (5-0).

Candidate Forum Resolution 2025-67 (BOC Item 15)

• The Board considered Resolution 2025-67 to co-sponsor a candidate forum for city office on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, hosted by the North Pinellas County League of Women Voters. The meet-and-greet is scheduled 6:00-6:30 p.m., followed by audience questions 6:30-8:00 p.m.
• Commissioner Banther asked the city manager to explore whether another debate could be held in February, possibly with the Greater Democratic Party of Tarpon Springs, and whether the city could host one. Mayor Cullianos, who is running unopposed, said he was willing to attend forums if asked.
• The Board approved the resolution unanimously (5-0).

CRA Item 1: The Tarpon Registry

• Applicants for The Tarpon Registry thanked the board after multiple workshops and meetings, and commissioners said the process was transparent. Commissioner Kullias asked how the city would capture value if the building sold after completion and requested a recapture stipulation. The city manager responded that if the project is not completed the city could repurchase the land or improvements at the sale price or appraised value or call the bond; once complete, the city would benefit from permanent ad valorem taxes and downtown revitalization. He also noted the applicants would be putting upwards of $4 million or more at risk.
• Commissioner Kullias stated he wanted any future property management relationships to avoid board members' firms to preserve a clean appearance; Vice Mayor Eisner asked for clarification, and an applicant representative said they do not manage hotels. Kullias expressed continued support for the project.
• The CRA board approved the Tarpon Registry item unanimously (5-0).

CRA Item 2: Downtown Shuttle Cart Purchase

• Staff recommended purchasing two smaller ADA-accessible shuttle carts for a downtown route that includes Pinellas Avenue, noting the larger 11-passenger carts are not roadworthy because they lack VINs and cannot be registered as low-speed vehicles, exceeding the 3,000-pound limit at 3,500 pounds.
• Several commissioners raised safety and liability concerns about open carts, seat belts, wheelchair securement, children, and riders exiting while moving. Some preferred a beefier vehicle, a trolley-styled van, or a minivan, and Commissioner Di Donato preferred the second cart option shown.
• The board voted unanimously to reject the offered bid and direct staff to research vehicles and insurance requirements used by other municipalities and return with revised options. Vice Mayor Eisner noted a 6-7 passenger minivan could cost about $22,000.

Board and Staff Comments

• City Manager wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year and noted he would be out of the office next week.
• Commissioners praised the Snow Place holiday event, estimating almost 15,000 attendees and 50-plus boats. Vice Mayor Eisner and Mayor Cullianos also commented on the Australia tragedy, free speech, and an upcoming Hanukkah candle lighting at the sponge docks. Mayor Cullianos mentioned hosting Tampa Mayor Castor for a walking tour of Tarpon Springs and a planned meeting about Epiphany.

Key Outcomes

• BOC approved consent calendar and items 11, 12, 14, and 15 unanimously; item 13 was withdrawn.
• CRA approved The Tarpon Registry unanimously.
• CRA rejected the shuttle cart bid and directed staff to bring back alternative options next month.
• The city manager was asked to investigate the possibility of an additional candidate forum in February.
• The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.