Tarpon Springs City Commission Regular Session – July 28, 2026

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Tarpon Springs held a regular session on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting opened with roll call (Vice Mayor Kuyas absent with excuse), a reflection by Bishop Matthew Duesing, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The agenda included a consent calendar, one business item, and lengthy board/staff comments covering budget, tourism, infrastructure projects, and regulatory concerns.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved by unanimous vote (Commissioners Weaver, Banther, and Eisner all voted yes). Items included: attorney fees (Johnson Jackson PLLC), satisfaction/release of liens, termination of a task work order for planning support services with Halff Associates, single-source purchase of food and supplies, a high-visibility enforcement program contract, security and fire protection services and equipment, and rejection of all bids for electrical upgrades at the advanced wastewater treatment facility. No items were pulled for discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lacus (514 Ashland Avenue) spoke against U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, criticizing the cancellation of the JCPOA nuclear deal and the current conflict in Iran. He called for justice and an end to what he termed an unnecessary war.
• An unnamed home health aide reported being chased by a coyote near St. Michael's Shrine around 8 PM. She expressed concern for elderly and disabled neighbors who are now afraid to walk their dogs in the urban area; she asked the city to address the coyote issue. Police Chief acknowledged her comments.
• Sylvia Mandaloo (103 West Park Street) complained about her $125 monthly water bill despite living alone, having no garden, dishwasher, or clothes washer. She noted that neighbors in her 10-unit building also pay over $100 for water, which she believes is too high for the city’s rates.
• Juliana Day (413 East Oakland Street) criticized the city’s tree-trimming practices, stating that oak trees are being “slotting” (damaged) and left looking like “creatures,” which she finds unattractive for the streets.

Discussion Items

• PSTA Board Appointment: City Manager Mark Lecouris recommended reappointing Commissioner Lori Weaver to the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority board, effective at the end of September. A motion was made and seconded; the appointment was approved unanimously (Commissioners Weaver, Banther, and Eisner voting yes). No public comment was offered.
• Budget Workshop Announcement: The City Manager reminded that a public budget workshop for commissioners will be held August 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM to discuss big-ticket items. He stated the budget is balanced but noted potential uncertainties after November elections.
• Tourism Director Proposal: Commissioner Weaver advocated creating a Director of Tourism position, arguing it would increase visitor spending (current day-tripper average stay is 1.5 hours), create a city-specific website with business links, and pay for itself through revenue generation. She emphasized the need to promote the city without degrading its historic charm. Commissioner Banther expressed interest but concern about budget constraints, agreeing to explore if the position is self-funding.
• Craig Park Seawall Concerns: Commissioner Eisner requested an agenda item or workshop to address issues with the completed Craig Park seawall, which he said was promised to be raised by two feet but is now lower than the old wall, with water breaking over the top. He noted the project included a grassy berm and sidewalk elevation that have not been delivered. City Manager Lecouris reported that Paul Smith has been retained to research the project and will provide a report by the end of the week. No opposition was raised; the item will be scheduled for discussion.
• Clerk's Office Relocation Delays: Commissioner Eisner listed missed deadlines for the new clerk’s office building: solar panel installation (due June 22), move-in (due July 10, then July 13), and asbestos abatement (due July 20). He expressed frustration that the contractor installed sheetrock before the roof was sealed and that leaks persist. He requested an agenda item to address the delays. After debate about which item to prioritize, the board agreed to hold a workshop focusing on both the seawall and the clerk’s office, to be scheduled by the City Manager.
• Historical Board Quasi-Judicial Conduct: Commissioner Eisner criticized the Historical Board for injecting personal evidence (e.g., driving to a block to count trees) instead of relying on staff and applicant testimony. He cited examples: the Safford House roof choice (asphalt vs. wood), a hotel design already approved by the commission, and a requirement for a non-functional chimney. He reminded board members they are judges, not evidence-producers, and warned that improper decisions lead to appeals.
• Dunedin Jet Ski Controversy & Other Updates: Mayor (returning from vacation) reported attending a contentious Dunedin meeting where 300–400 people protested jet skis on the causeway; Sunset Beach in Tarpon Springs may become a target. He also updated on his trip to Hydra, Greece, to arrange a twinning ceremony with that island’s mayor, and mentioned a potential future surprise for the community.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved (unanimous vote).
• Commissioner Weaver reappointed to PSTA board (unanimous vote).
• Craig Park seawall and clerk’s office relocation to be addressed in a future workshop (date to be set by City Manager).
• City Manager instructed to place these items on a workshop agenda; staff report on seawall expected by end of the week.
• Tourism director proposal taken under advisement; no vote taken.
• No action on public comments (coyotes, water bills, tree trimming); police chief acknowledged coyote report.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:45 PM.