CITY OF PALMETTO

CITY COMMISSION MEETING

AND CRA BOARD MEETING

July 17, 2017

7:00 PM

 

Elected Officials Present:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Brian Williams, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 3

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Jonathan Davis, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

 

Elected Officials Absent:

Tambra Varnadore, Commissioner, Ward 2

 

Staff Present:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Jeff Burton, CRA Director

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Allen Tusing, Director Public Works

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Amber LaRowe, Assistant City Clerk

 

 

Mayor Bryant called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., followed by a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

All persons intending to address the City Commissioner were duly sworn.

 

 

PROCLAMATION:    Commissioner Cornwell presented the Breastfeeding Awareness Month proclamation to Arielle Ball, founder and owner of Lactation Love.

 

Mayor Bryant recognized Boy Scout Troop 10 that were in attendance.  The Troop was here to listen to a Commission meeting and earn a badge.

 

 

1. CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL

Mayor Bryant moved item 8, the pool update, to item 4.A.

 

Motion:            Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to approve the July 17, 2017 Agenda with the modification to the agenda as requested by the Mayor.

 

 

2.  PUBLIC COMMENT

Deborah Pennington and Kristina Turley, City of Palmetto residents, presented the Commission with a 192 signature petition for the development of a dog park in the City limits.  A copy of the petition was also given to Charlie Hunsicker, Director of Manatee County Parks.

 

 

3.  CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL

            A. Mayor’s Office

                        1. Library Trustee Appointee                                                                 

B. Clerk’s Office

                        1. Minutes: June 19, 2017                                                                                

                        2. Blalock Walters Legal Bills                                                                            

                        3. Special Function Permits:

                                    a. Bridging the Gap Fishing Tournament July 21, 2017                            

                                    b. Health Fair October 20, 2017                                                             

                        4. Alltrust Agreement Renewal                                                                           

                        5. Suntrust Banking Agreement                                                             

            C. Police Department   

                        1. School Resource Officer Agreement                                                              

 

Motion:      Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to approve the July 17, 2017 Consent Agenda with the removal of item 3.B.3.b. Special Function Permit.

 

3.B.3.b. Health Fair Special Function Permit Discussion:

It was clarified that the Permit is for a Health Fair that is open to the employees of Davita Medical Group as well as the public. 

 

Motion:            Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to approve the Special Function Permit for the Health Fair on October 20, 2017.

 

 

4. PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 2017-07 TERRA CEIA TOWNHOMES GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO, FLORIDA, PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS OF FACT; APPROVING A CONCEPTUAL/GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR A 22-UNIT, ONE-STORY RESIDENTIAL VILLAS PROJECT ON A 3.42-ACRE SITE ZONED PD-H AND GENERALLY LOCATED WEST OF 14TH AVENUE WEST AND SOUTH OF TERRA CEIA BAY CLUBHOUSE & GOLF; SAID PARCEL IS PID#2416820005, PALMETTO, FLORIDA, AND AS MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Mayor Bryant opened the public hearing continued from June 19, 2017. 

 

 Karla Owens, City Planner, indicated that the developer met with Terra Ceia Community Development District (CDD) and is continuing to work with them on any legal issues. The CDD is scheduled to meet August 8th, so staff is requesting a continuance of the Public Hearing until after that meeting.

 

Motion:      Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to continue the public hearing on Ordinance 2017-07 to August 28, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter in these Chambers.

 

 

4.A. (Item 8 of the agenda) Pool Discussion:

Charlie Hunsicker, Manatee County Parks Director, gave a handout to the Commission regarding the County’s proposal for the development of the Lincoln Park Aquatic Facility.  He has a budget of $3M from the County that includes the City’s $850,000 that will be paid by the CRA over 15 years.  The County is proposing to develop two pools, one that is a competition size 25 yard pool that will accommodate competitive swim lanes for high school and youth competitive swimming. The second pool will be a support pool with zero-depth, beach entry for learn to swim, drown prevention, and therapy programs.  There will be locker and restroom facilities, shaded pool decking, an expansion on the existing splash park with shade structure and new water features. 

 

The current basketball courts will be relocated to the Sylvan Oaks Park approximately a half mile from Lincoln Park. An expansion of the parking lot will occur as well as overflow parking at Sylvan Oaks.  The football fields will be fitted with artificial turf that will be not be paid for out of the $3M for the pool and other features, the cost of the turf will come from impact fees.

 

The motion that was made at the April 24, 2017 CRA Board meeting was for an Olympic size, competition pool with diving.  Discussion ensued regarding the proposed size of the pool and the diving.  Daniel Hopkins, Manatee County, explained that the proposed size of the competition pool at 25 yard lanes is what high school team’s use for competitions.  A 50 meter pool was discussed and it was explained that those are very expensive and not very useful as the 25 yard pool is widely used for competitions and is less money.  Commissioner Cornwell expressed her opinions about a diving facility with Manatee County staff explaining they do not have the funds for adding a diving well to the pool at this time. 

 

Discussion continued regarding the costs of the pool as well as the size of the park for the pools to be built.  Mr. Hunsicker assured the Commission that the aquatic facility was going to be built with state of the art equipment and will be the best it can be.

 

Commissioner Davis asked that Manatee County Commissioner Smith take the Commission’s concerns back to the County for further discussion.  The Commission was pleased with the size of the pool and the other proposals for the facility at Lincoln Park; however, they strongly encouraged further discussion about the inclusion of diving.

 

Mayor Bryant informed Commission that the County is also asking the City to pay 1% interest on the $850,000.

 

 

  5. ACCEPTANCE OF LIFT STATION FROM RIVERSIDE SUBDIVISION

Mr. Tusing explained that the City provides sewer to Riverside Subdivision that is part of unincorporated Manatee County.  A lift station was installed and all fees have been paid with the homeowners maintaining the lift station.  The lift station is considered private; however, if something major occurs, the City is ultimately responsible.  The subdivision now wants to turn it over to the City to maintain and operate with the homeowners paying the City.

 

Commissioner Williams is not in favor of accepting the lift station from the subdivision at this time; he prefers to have something in writing that requires the subdivision to annex into the City as soon as they become contiguous.  The City provides services to the subdivision, but they do not pay City taxes.  Attorney Barnebey and Mayor Bryant agreed and asked that no motion be made this evening.  The attorney will work on drafting some type of agreement.

 

Action Request:            No action. This item will be brought forward to the next meeting.

 

 

6. JUNE CHECK REGISTER (INFORMATIONAL ONLY)                                            

 

 

Mayor Bryant recessed the City Commission meeting at 8:22 p.m. to open the July 17, 2017 CRA Board Meeting.

 

Mayor Bryant reconvened the City Commission meeting at 8:57 p.m.

7. TRAFFIC UPDATE

No new updates.

 

8. PALMETTO POOL UPDATE

This item was discussed as item 4.A.

 

 

9. CONVENTION CENTER HOTEL UPDATE

The City and County are continuing to have discussions with the developers and will provide updates as they are available.

 

 

10. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS

Mr. Tusing—informed Commission that the City is getting closer to obtaining permit status for the ASR well.

 

Mr. Freeman—he asked for a motion to be made regarding the tentative millage rate so that he can report that back to the Property Appraiser along with the Tentative Budget Hearing date.  He is proposing the Tentative Millage Public Hearing be held on September 11, 2017 during normal 7:00 p.m. Commission meeting. As stated at the Workshop meeting, the budget is balanced based on the same millage rate as last year, $5.9671.

 

Motion:      Commissioner Davis moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to approve a proposed aggregate millage rate of $5.9761 for FY 2018 and to schedule the tentative budget hearing for September 11, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as same can be heard in these Chambers and a final budget hearing on September 26, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as same can be heard in these Chambers.

 

Mayor Bryant left the meeting at 9:00 p.m. and returned at 9:04 p.m.

 

Mr. Freeman scheduled a budget discussion on July 31st at 6:00 p.m. in these Chambers.

 

He asked for a motion to appoint a voting delegate for the Florida League of Cities Conference in August. 

 

Motion:            Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Smith seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to appoint Commissioner Williams as the 2017 voting delegate for the Florida League of Cities.

 

Chief Tyler—thanked the Commissioner for approving the Special Function Permit for the Bridging the Gap Fishing Tournament.  He invited everyone to come help out during the event that is on Thursday at the Green Bridge Fishing Pier.  The event will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

 

Attorney Barnebey—informed Commission that some discussion will be coming forward regarding Medical Marijuana.  There is legislation that suggest that municipalities can either ban them from existing in the city or have to treat them like any other pharmacy. 

 

 

11. MAYOR’S REPORT      

No comments.

 

 

12. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS

Commissioner Cornwell—asked Mr. Tusing to look at the railroad tracks by Lincoln Middle School because it appears the asphalt needs to be repaired.

 

Commissioner Williams—asked Attorney Barnebey for an update on the Amberwynd Lawsuit.  Attorney Barnebey stated that there is nothing new to report at this time.

 

He asked Mr. Tusing about the house that was purchased for the installation of the chloramine injection system.  Mr. Tusing stated that his staff have cleaned it up and made the repairs and the documents are with the Purchasing Department for the installation and purchase of the injection system.

 

Mr. Williams attended a policy meeting in Orlando this past week and informed Commission that it appears that Home Rule is being challenged again.  He expects more discussion at the Florida League of Cities Conference in August.

 

 

 Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 9:21 p.m.

 

Minutes approved: August 28, 2017

 

James R. Freeman

 

James R. Freeman

City Clerk