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the

Community Newsletter

Citizen Survey Announcement As part of the City's on-going effort to respond to the needs and concerns of residents, randomly selected community members will receive a survey measuring opinions about City services and quality of life. The results will assist City Council in determining priorities and making budget decisions.

John Daly, survey consultant at Creative Insights, will review the results, compile data and report findings to City Council in late February or early March. If you have questions, contact him at 813-817-3974.

A Spanish version will be available upon request. Please look for the survey in your mailbox in the next few days.

W I N T E R / S P R I N G 2 0 1 2

Note from your City Manager

Greetings residents and visitors! My name is John Schneiger, and I’m the City Manager for the City of New Port Richey. Here’s a brief list of what’s happening.

Several Economic Recovery projects are in progress. We’re being creative, finding ways that will bring needed income to the City. We completed the 2011-2012 City Annual Budget and are getting started on improving New Port Richey’s financial status.

And, "Coffee with the City Manager" meetings at the end of each month so that the City can hear your thoughts, concerns, and input. Check our office for dates and times, 853-1016. We’re moving forward together!

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Your City Council

Ginny Miller millerv@cityofnewportrichey.org 727-853-1016 ext. 2033

Deputy Mayor, Rob Marlowe

Judy DeBella Thomas

Bob Langford

Mayor Bob Consalvo

langfordb@cityofnewportrichey.org 727-853-1016 ext. 2032

consalvor@cityofnewportrichey.org 727-853-1290

marlower@cityofnewportrichey.org 727-853-1016 ext. 2030

debellathomasj@cityofnewportrichey.org 727-853-1016 ext. 2031

NEW PORT RICHEY CITY COUNCIL WINTER/SPRING 2012

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Winter Safety Reminders The Fire Administration office is open Mon – Fri, 8-5PM

727-853-1032 or email lauerk@cityofnewportrichey.org. For emergencies, please dial 9-1-1

Use care when operating portable gas and electric heaters indoors. Read and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for care and use. Never place anything on top of the heater, and ensure that any extension cord used is the proper size rating for your equipment.

Never use any cooking appliances as an alternative heat source.

Do not leave open flames (candles, fireplaces, etc) unattended.

Make sure you have proper ventilation for fireplaces and heating appliances.

If using any type of fuel powered heating source, please have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home.

If you did not change the batteries in your smoke detector(s) and carbon monoxide detector(s) when you changed your clocks in the fall, do so now. If you do not have detectors, please get them now - they could save your life!

Fire Department News District Chief Chris Combs and Firefighter Tom Sirois have retired after 25 years of service. Thank you for your dedication and much luck to you in your well deserved retirement! Tammy Ledford has joined the administrative division of the Fire Department. Tammy is a welcome addition; we look forward to working with her for many years to come!

NEW PORT RICHEY FIRE DEPARTMENT WINTER/SPRING 2012

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Welcome New Chief of Police!

Police Chief James Steffens (727) 841-4553 Ext. 116

steffensj@cityofnewportrichey.org

Lock it or Lose It The New Port Richey Police Department encourages vehicle owners to secure their vehicles when they are left unoccupied for any length of time. Many New Port Richey vehicle thefts could have been prevented simply by the owner locking his/her vehicle.

NEW PORT RICHEY POLICE DEPARTMENT WINTER/SPRING 2012

The City of New Port Richey covers 5 square miles with a population of 18,000 residents. The New Port Richey Police Department currently employs 41 sworn officers including 2 reserve officers and 3 Auxiliary Officers.

The Department has 25 civilian employees, which include dispatchers, crime scene, victim advocate, code enforcement and other personnel. We are the largest municipal agency in Pasco County. We are also a Community Oriented Policing (C.O.P.) department.

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The Rec. and Aquatic Center

Programs & Events

6630 Van Buren St. New Port Richey, FL 34653 727-841-4560 - Mon-Fri: 6AM-8PM, Sat-Sun:10-5PM

Lock it or Lose It

Senior Activities & Games: Enjoy a variety of fun

activities. No fee. Sept-May (except school holidays) Thurs: 12-3PM Movies in the Park (Sims Park): Fri, Mar. 16 & Apr. 20

Movie begins at dusk Camp for ages 7-14: Feb. 20 & Mar.19, 8-5PM. Fun activities &

Field Trips. Cost: TBA Dance & Gymnastics for ages 3 & up:

Mon & Tues: age 3-5: 5-6PM; age 6 & up: 6-8PM, $4/class Gymnastics for ages 5 & up:

Thurs: Beginners: 5PM; Intermediate: 6:20PM, $5/class

Karate for children & adults: Tues & Thurs: Beginners, 6:15PM;

Age 13 - adult: 7PM - $35/mo * $45/mo (non-members)

Tai Chi for adults: Beginning: Wed, 10-11:30AM or 5-6:30PM

Continuing: Tues, 10-11:30AM or Wed, 6:30-8PM $20/mo * $30/month (non-members) Musical Theatre Classes: Ages 6-11: Sat, 11:30-2:30PM

Ages 12-18: Sun, 2-5PM - $44/month

Creative Writing for adults: Beginners, Wed, 10-12PM - $25/mo

Jazzercise for Adults: Mon. & Wed, 6:30-7:30PM; Fri, 5-5:45PM;

Sat, 10-11AM - Various pricing packages * First class is FREE

Fit Forever Adult Exercise Program: For active older adults

Mon & Thurs: 10:30-11:30AM - $3/class Fit Forever plus Mats: Fri, 10:45-11:45AM, $3

NEW PORT RICHEY REC AND AQUATIC WINTER/SPRING 2012

Zumba for Adults Mon, 6:30-7:30PM - $5/class Senior Exercise Club Meet with other seniors in the community for an hour of low-impact exercise. Monday-Wednesday-Friday 9-10AM - $1/pass holders $2/non-members without passes Personal Fitness Training Adults and Teens, Maximize your Workout Results. By Appointment: $45/hr. (private) $30/hr. (semi-private) $20/hr. (group) Tennis Lessons for all ages All skill levels: Mon & Wed evenings * $10/lesson Group and private instruction available. Open Volleyball for all ages Friendly competition: Thursday: 5:30-8PM - $4/person

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News from the Public Works Department

Yard Debris Pick-Up

The City of New Port Richey’s Public Works Department collects residential yard debris every 4-6 weeks. Tree branches must be six foot or less, leaves cannot be bagged or boxed. Yard debris piles should be placed as close to the right of way as possible, but not blocking the sidewalk or the roadway.

If you have a lot of trimming to be performed, please call the Public Works Department at 841-4536. Public Works employees can give an approximate time of when the crew will be in your neighborhood.

If you have a small amount of yard waste and find it unsightly, you may ask your trash hauler to remove it. Residents should call their trash hauler to find out what limitations are in place.

The City of New Port Richey’s yard debris pick up service is strictly for its private residents that reside within the City’s corporate limits. This service is not made available to commercial businesses. Illegal dumping of yard debris should be reported immediately to the New Port Richey Police Department at 841-4550.

Complimentary Mulch The City of New Port Richey delivers complimentary mulch to all West Pasco citizens, residential or commercial. The size of load varies from 1-14 yards, and is based on the location. Delivery orders are available upon request and are completed when staffing is available. When placing your order, provide contact name, number and address. Please mark the section where mulch is to be placed. You may also bring your own shovel and take as much or as little from the pile during daylight hours. 841-4536

NEW PORT RICHEY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WINTER/SPRING 2012

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PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

MONTHLY BILLING - Your utility account is billed for service each month and you will receive a monthly statement every month regardless if you do or do not have water going through the meter. Each month your account is charged a base and billing charge due to the meter being on the property. Once your account receives a Delinquent Notice your account could be shut off for non-payment. Contact our office if you do not receive your monthly bill. OWNER STARTING SERVICES - If you are an owner signing in for service you will need to provide us with a copy of your settlement form, purchase agreement or warranty deed along with a photo ID and the required deposit. If there are any outstanding charges on the location where services will be obtained they will need to be paid in full before we can sign in a new Agent. AGENT STARTING SERVICES - If you are an agent signing in for service you will need a contract or listing agreement, photo ID and the required deposit. If there are any outstanding charges on the location where services will be obtained they will need to be paid in full before we can sign in a new Agent, Owner or Renter. RENTER STARTING SERVICES - If you are a renter signing in for service you will need a copy of your lease or a copy of a letter from the landlord stating that you are going to be responsible for the water service at the property along with a photo ID and the required deposit. SERVICE INTERUPTED - In the event that service has been interrupted for non-payment we can only accept re-payment by Cash, Credit Card or Money Order. In the event that your service has been disconnected for non-payment, and your deposit was refunded to you previously, you will be required to pay a new deposit. If you are receiving assistance from any organizations such as Saint Vincent De Paul, Salvation Army, Metropolitan Ministries, etc we can only receive vouchers and/or checks directly from the organizations themselves.

UTILITY BILLING NEWS!

Did you know that you have access to a variety of choices when it comes to paying your water bill? The following is a list of the many options we now offer you the customer to make bill paying easier: Auto Pay – Have your utility bill automatically drafted from your checking or savings account each month. This is a great way to make sure you don’t incur any late fees or penalties. Come by, call or check the City Website to take advantage of this service. Online Payments – Pay your bill via the internet, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Payments received after normal business hours will be processed the following business day. Visit the City Website, choose Online Resources, then Pay Utility Bill Online. You will set up your payment account thru Click-to-Gov, a secure website. Telephone Payments - Call (727) 853-1061 Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30PM to pay your utility bill using your Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Payments are processed the same day. In Person – We are always happy to see you. Come inside or visit the drive-thru, Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30PM. The night drop-box is also available - Please note: drop-box payments made after 4PM will be processed the following business day. Please no cash payments in drop-box E-Billing – Receive your bill via email. Just let us know. We’re happy to activate it for you.

At the current time there is no charge for the services listed above. We look forward to providing you with the most up to date conveniences as possible. Please contact the Billing & Collections Office at (727) 853-1061 to take advantage of any of these new services. Lobby: 5919 Main St., Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30PM Drive thru: Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30PM Phone: (727) 853-1061 - Fax: (727) 953-1245

NEW PORT RICHEY UTILITY BILLING WINTER/SPRING 2012

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Tuesdays Line Dance Class - 5-6:30 – Beginner Class; 6:30-7:30 - Improver Class; 7:30-8:30PM – Intermediates. Benefits the Friends of the Library. $5/class or $8 for 2 subsequent classes.

Wednesdays Cleo’s Astrology for Beginners, Wed, 1PM

Hatha Yoga Intermed. & Advanced, Wed, 5PM Mondays at Peace Hall. This class supports the Friends of the Library. For more information, contact Linda at 727-845-7119. Suggested donation: $6

Megan’s “Surf the Web” Lab Wed, 6-7:30PM – Get help with your computer questions. First come, first serve. No sign up. This is an ongoing program.

Thursdays Toddler Time Stories and songs for young children begin at 11AM. On alternating weeks, the library also features therapy pets.

Bonjour Mes Amis Practice your French in a small friendly group, every Thursday from 2-4PM. (no charge)

Fridays Friday Flix! - Every Fri. at 8PM New theme every month For details, contact Ann at 727-853-1265. No charge Saturdays Code Green 2nd Saturdays from 12-2PM – See a film or join a discussion that builds community awareness of environmental issues. (no charge)

Cotee River Flute Circle A venue for flute beginners or artists who play Native American flute. Be part of a flute family where you can learn more that you would from just CD’s and books. First Saturdays of every month: Lessons from 10:30-11:30PM AND Flute Circle from 11:30-1:30PM. (no charge).

World Slavery “The Haitian Revolution & the Rise of American Music” Fri, Feb. 17 at 6PM This unique lecture/concert reviews slavery changed the U.S. and how American music formed in it. No charge Get Motivated with Rico Correira! – Thurs, Feb. 23 at 6PM. Nationally recognized speaker and former Director of Human Resources for ESPN, Correira presents a book talk/signing. No charge Kinnan Rawlings Portrayal- Thurs, Mar. 15, 2PM - Karen De Vos portrays the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Yearling. No charge Carnegie Hall Classical Guitarist, Peter Fletcher Thurs, Mar. 22 at 6PM. No charge Cotee River Flue Circle Concert Thurs, Apr. 12 at 6PM, No charge Juniper!– Thurs, May 17 at 6PM Our favorite Celtic Folk Duo returns, No charge Classical Guitarist Scott Sanchez - Sat, July 15, 3PM, No charge

Mondays Writer’s Workshop Read & critique time for writers every Mon, 5PM.

Hatha Yoga Beginner and Intermed, 5PM Mondays at Peace Hall. This class supports the Friends of the Library. For more information, contact Linda at 727-845-7119. Suggested donation: $6

Books 2 Movies 3rd Mondays, 5PM- Discuss books with friends and see related films.

Socrates Café Join lively philosophical discussions. Mar. 12, and Apr. 9 at 1:30PM. For details, phone Bob Pattee, 376-1077. No charge

FIND YOURSELF @ NPR LIBRARY, 5939 MAIN ST WINTER/SPRING 2012

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* If your company has moved to a new location/address within City Limits you will need to apply for a new Business Tax for your new location and obtain the necessary inspections in order to get a Tax Receipt for your new location. * If your company has a new owner the new owner will need to complete a new Business Tax Receipt application so we have their information on file and obtain the necessary inspections in order to get a new Tax Receipt in their name. * If you have a home business or operate your business out of your home you will also need to obtain and maintain a City of New Port Richey Business Tax Receipt and special conditions may apply. * If your company has moved outside the City Limits you will also need to let us know as soon as possible so we can inactivate your file and your company will no longer be responsible for renewing your Business Tax Receipt and any fees. To obtain an application or for more information please contact the Billing and Collections Department at City Hall (727) 853-1061 or visit www.CityofNewPortRichey.org. The application consists of the Application, Use of Property Application & Emergency Contact Form.

RENTAL PERMITS AND BUSINESS TAXES WINTER/SPRING 2012

RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS & TENANTS Did you know? Back in November of 2006 a new ordinance took effect in order to protect Owners and Renters. All rental property owners with 5 units or less on one parcel are required by City Ordinance #1843 section 6-129 subsection (a) to acquire and maintain a Residential Rental Permit for each property located within the incorporated city limits of New Port Richey with an annual fee of $35.00. This ordinance was designed to protect both the owner and the renter. It protects the owner by identifying them and ensuring that the most current contact information is on file in case of an emergency. It also protects the tenant by ensuring that the residence they are renting has met the standards of the minimum housing code according to City of New Port Richey ordinance #1818 Section 6-96. To obtain an application or for more information, please contact the Billing and Collections Department at City Hall (727) 853-1061.

**PLEASE BE ADVISED

AS OF JANUARY 1ST 2007 OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE HAS

BEEN CHANGED TO A BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT**

NEW & CURRENT BUSINESSES WELCOME TO NEW PORT RICHEY! Do you have a current City of New Port Richey Business Tax Receipt? All businesses located with the incorporated City Limits of New Port Richey not only need a Pasco County Business Tax Receipt but also need to obtain and maintain a current New Port Richey Business Tax Receipt.

It’s Your City Council Meetings - 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7PM City Council Work Sessions - 2nd Tuesdays, 6PM

Make your voice heard.

City of New Port Richey

C/O NPR Public Library 5939 Main Street New Port Richey, FL 34652

CITY OF NEW PORT RICHEY WINTER/SPRING 2012