Tarpon Springs Board of Commissioners Regular Session – October 13, 2026

The Board of Commissioners of Tarpon Springs, Florida, met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Auditorium. The meeting lasted approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, concluding at 8:15 p.m. The agenda included a proclamation, public comments, a consent agenda (with one item pulled for discussion), multiple business items, and a quasi-judicial resolution for a mixed-use development. Key topics included a risk assessment and internal audit plan, appointments to boards, designation of an acting city manager, and approval of a boutique hotel and retail project.

Proclamation

• Mayor John Koulianos proclaimed October 2026 as National Community Planning Month, recognizing the Planning & Zoning Department staff (Allie Keen, Pat McNeese, Caroline Langford, Jackie Sallas, and Chloe Ziegfield) for their contributions to responsible growth and community well-being.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2–10, 13, and 14 were approved unanimously by roll call vote (5-0). These included: special event permits (Christmas Parade, The Longest Table, Snow Place Like Tarpon Springs, Holiday Boat Parade, Lambatha-Light Up the Bayou, St. Nicholas Jingle Jog 5k), attorney fee invoice for Unice Salzman P.A., amendment to EMS ALS First Responder Agreement, lien releases, renewals for facilities maintenance supplies and liquid carbon dioxide, awards for YSI instrumentation, community engagement platform, Hach equipment, purchase of a 2027 Ford Transit 150 cargo van, and amended salary and classification plan. Item 11 (purchase of Ford Maverick) was withdrawn.
• Item 12 (purchase of eight police vehicles, $777,000) was pulled from consent by Vice Mayor Pullias for discussion (see Discussion Items). It was later approved 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nita Protest (901 Bay Shore Drive) urged the city to address dangerous erosion along the bayou near Chesapeake and the church, noting recent heavy rainfall and high tides. She requested county assistance to prevent a potential road collapse.
• David Ballard Geddes Jr. (Palm Harbor) posed a series of cryptic questions about “20-minute cities,” “sanctuary cities,” reclaim water zones, and alleged constitutional violations related to Article 1, Section 8, Clause 17 and the Patriot Act.
• An unnamed speaker (opposed to the K–8 fundamental school expansion) warned that adding approximately 500 cars without public transit would worsen traffic in the area. The mayor clarified the city has no authority over school decisions.
• Peter Lakis (514 Ashland Avenue) criticized the $777,000 price tag for eight Chevy Tahoes for the police department (nearly $100,000 per unit), questioning the necessity given the number of vehicles in the city’s parking lot. He also read from Jeremiah 9:3-6 and expressed concern over the president’s foreign policy.
• A second speaker (name not stated) thanked the board and encouraged passage of the 144 E. Tarpon Avenue project, calling it a beautiful addition to the historic downtown and Greek community.

Discussion Items

• Item 12 – Purchase of Police Vehicles (8 Chevy Tahoes): Assistant Chief and Sergeants Miller and Schaff explained the department’s vehicle rotation cycle (every 5–6 years) and the need to maintain a 20% spare fleet (10 vehicles). They detailed cost-saving measures: switching from the Sourcewell contract to the Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA) cooperative, using a local upfitter, reusing radios and equipment, and purchasing leftover 2026 models saved $2,000 per vehicle. Total cost $777,000 from Penny funds. Commissioner Eisner noted a $104,000 reduction in the maintenance budget compared to the prior year due to younger fleet under warranty. The item was approved 5-0.
• Item 15 – Quintennial Risk Assessment (#2_2026) and FY2027 Internal Audit Plan: Internal Auditor Billy Poulos presented a heat map of departmental risk scores (based on operational, compliance, financial, assurance, and reputational risk). Scores ranged from 44 (lowest, Parks/Rec) to 67 (highest, Public Works Marina). Audited departments had a 5-point deduction. He proposed audits for FY2027: Public Works Marina, Fire Department, Purchasing Cards, and a review of the $19 million loan. He removed IT and Finance from the list due to existing audit coverage. Commissioners discussed the definition of risk and requested a follow-up on insurance coverage for high-risk areas. Commissioner Weaver moved to direct Mr. Poulos to assess insurance coverage; motion passed 5-0. No formal vote on the risk assessment itself was needed (charter requirement).
• Item 16 – Appointment to Forward Pinellas: Commissioner Eisner had resigned from the board. After discussion about the impending restructuring (from 19 to 8 seats) and the possibility of losing the seat, the board voted 5-0 to table the matter.
• Item 17 – Appointment to School Transportation Safety Committee (STSC): Vice Mayor Pullias moved to appoint himself; motion passed 5-0. Some commissioners debated the effectiveness of the board, but the appointment was approved.
• Item 18 – Appointments to Sustainability Committee: Two regular member vacancies (terms expiring 2029 and 2027) were filled: Denise Menino (term 2027) and Teresa de Durek Batteric (term 2029). Motion passed 5-0.
• Item 19 – Designation of Acting City Manager: City Manager Mark Lecouris recommended Jeff Young (Public Services), Suzanne Linton (IT Director), and Chris Cotta (Public Works) as acting city managers in his absence. Approved 5-0.

Resolution 2026-28 – Site Plan Approval for 144 E. Tarpon Avenue (Quasi-Judicial)

• Planning Director Allie Keen presented the project: a two-story, 11,731 sq. ft. mixed-use building on a former city-owned vacant lot (the Forbes lot). Ground floor: retail and event space with an open courtyard; second floor: 15-room boutique hotel. The project met all comprehensive plan and Smart Code criteria, including floor area ratio, impervious surface ratio, lodging density, and historic preservation board approval. The Planning & Zoning Board voted 6-0 to recommend approval with amended conditions (extending site plan expiration from 6 to 12 months). The applicant expressed gratitude. Public comment was supportive. The resolution was approved unanimously 5-0.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda (except item 12) approved 5-0.
• Item 12 (police vehicle purchase) approved 5-0 after discussion.
• Item 16 (Forward Pinellas appointment) tabled 5-0.
• Item 17 (STSC appointment) approved 5-0.
• Item 18 (Sustainability Committee appointments) approved 5-0.
• Item 19 (Acting City Manager designation) approved 5-0.
• Resolution 2026-28 (site plan for 144 E. Tarpon Ave) approved 5-0.
• Commissioner Weaver’s motion to have Internal Auditor assess insurance coverage for high-risk areas passed 5-0 (future agenda item).
• Motion to censure Vice Mayor Pullias (for calling Commissioner Eisner a liar) failed for lack of a second.
• Board and staff comments focused on civility, legacy, and upcoming events (honor flight, sister city invitation, school board advocacy).

The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.