Elected Officials Present:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Tamara Cornwell, Vice Mayor, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Jonathan Davis, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

Tambra Varnadore, Commissioner, Ward 2

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3

 

Staff Present:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Jeff Burton, CRA Director

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Deputy Director

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 Commission were duly sworn.

 

1.  CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL

 

Motion:     Commissioner Davis moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the March 18, 2019 Commission Agenda with the removal of Resolution 2019-09 and placed on a subsequent Workshop for discussion.

 

 

2.  PUBLIC COMMENT

Jean Moreland, City of Palmetto resident, spoke regarding her opinions of the recent Manatee County Commission meeting where the Lincoln Park pool was discussed.

 

 

3.  CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL

            A. City Clerk’s Office           

                        1. Minutes: February 25 and March 4                                                                       

                        2. Kids Concert in the Park Special Function Permit 5/4/2019                                 

                        3. Resolution 2019-08 Attendance Council of Governments Meeting                     

                        4. Resolution 2019-09 Rescind Unnumbered 1943 Resolution Removed

            B. Police Department

                        1. WCIND Sub Agreement between County and City                                              

                       

Motion:           Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the March 18, 2019 Consent Agenda with the removal of Resolution 2019-09.

 

 

4. FIRST READ ORDINANCE 2019-02 GENERAL EMPLOYEES PENSION

An Ordinance of the City of Palmetto, amending Chapter 22, Personnel, Article IV, General Employees’ Retirement System, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Palmetto, amending Section 22-88, Disability; amending Section 22-94, Maximum Pension; amending Section 22-96 Miscellaneous Provisions; amending Section 22-108, Deferred Retirement Option Plan; amending Section 22-109, Reemployment after Retirement; providing for codification; providing for severability; repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith and providing an effective date.

 

Motion:     Commissioner Davis moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to schedule Ordinance 2019-02 for a public hearing on April 1, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as same can be heard in these Chambers and direct staff to advertise for same.

 

 

5. FIRST READ ORDINANCE 2019-03 POLICE PENSION

An Ordinance of the City of Palmetto, Florida, amending Chapter 22, Personnel, Article V, Police Officers’ Retirement Plan, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Palmetto; amending Section 22-171, Definitions; amending Section 22-178, Disability; amending Section 22-187, Miscellaneous Provisions; amending Section 22-196, Reemployment after Retirement; amending Section 22-198, Deferred Retirement Option Plan; amending Section 22-200, Supplemental Benefit Component for Special Benefits – Chapter 185 Share Accounts; providing for codification; providing for severability of provisions; repealing all ordinances in conflict herewith and providing an effective date.

 

Motion:     Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to schedule Ordinance 2019-03 for a public hearing on April 1, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as same can be heard in these Chambers and direct staff to advertise for same.

 

 

6. PUBLIC HEARING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2019-01 DNA VAPING LOUNGE

Request for a Conditional Use Permit for the business located at 839 8^th Avenue West, Palmetto, FL 34221.

 

Mayor Bryant reopened the public hearing continued from February 25, 2019.

 

Karla Owens, Development Services Director, discussed the Permit. She stated that the tenant has applied for a conditional use permit to allow on premises consumption of beer and wine. Appendix B of the City’s Code of Ordinances allows for “drinking establishments” as a permitted use in this district upon further approval of a conditional use permit if they are within 200 linear feet from a residentially zoned or used parcel as measured from property line to property line. Mrs. Owens stated that this property is located within 200 linear feet from the apartment above the Popi’s Restaurant. As required by Code, notices of this proposed use have been mailed to every property owner within 200 feet of the subject property and a notice has been advertised in the newspaper as required. To date, the Development Services Department has received no feedback. The Planning and Zoning Board held a public hearing on February 21^st and voted unanimously to recommend approval of this Permit.

 

Attorney Barnebey noted that this is an approved use with a Conditional Use Permit.

 

Mayor Bryant closed the public hearing after hearing no public comment.

 

Motion:     Based upon the staff report, the comments made at the Public Hearing and finding the request to be consistent with the City of Palmetto Comprehensive Plan, Commissioner Davis moved, Commissioner Varnadore seconded, and the motion carried 4-1 to approve Conditional Use Permit 2019-01. Commissioner Cornwell voted no.

 

 

7. FEBRUARY CHECK REGISTER (Informational Only)

 

Mayor Bryant recessed the City Commission meeting at 7:19 p.m. to open the March 18, 2019 Special CRA Board Meeting

 

Mayor Bryant reconvened the City Commission meeting at 7:56 p.m.

 

8. TRAFFIC UPDATE

No new update.

 

 

9. PALMETTO POOL UPDATE

The County Commission is going to be discussing the pool and a concurrent study of surrounding parking for the facility.

 

 

10. POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING UPDATE

11. DEPARTMENT HEADS’ COMMENTS

Mr. Rayan—discussed current project for Public Works. The grant projects for replacements to the City’s potable water and fire protection transmission systems, new sidewalks, and street paving is underway for the location of 10^th Street West and 17^th Street West from 9^th Avenue West to 13^th Avenue West; Hydrant Park will be ready to have the “grand opening” soon; and the inflow and infiltration program is continuing.

 

Mr. Freeman—discussed the State Revolving Fund loan for the equalization basin. A Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) draft contract will be presented to the Commission on April 1^st.

 

The City has reached out to a financial advisor for the possible refinancing of three loans; staff would like to consolidate the three loans into one loan. There will be no increase or extension to the loans.

 

He mentioned that the Half Cent Sales Tax Project List will be coming forward with a few amendments in April.

 

The utility rate study will be brought forward hopefully by the end of May in ordinance form.

 

Mr. Freeman informed the Commission of the new roof that is being placed on the Post Office building at the Historical Park.

 

Attorney Barnebey—informed the Commission that the City has closed on the Slick’s and Grower’s properties.

 

He has had discussions with the County on the right-of-way for 7^th Street West and the Convention Center hotel property.

 

 

12. MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Bryant will be meeting with Ms. Coryea, County Administrator, to discuss the disposal of The Accord; it may be a topic discussed at the upcoming Council of Governments meeting.

 

She discussed the blocking of sidewalks and the issues that have come to her attention. A resident who is often traversing the City in his motorized wheelchair has been having a difficult time on the sidewalks of 10^th Avenue and 11^th Street West. Chief was asked to have his officers patrol that area to reach out to those residents parking and blocking the sidewalk.

 

 

13. COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS

Commissioner Smith—informed Mr. Tusing that the sidewalks along 2^nd Avenue and 15^th to 16^th Streets do not have wide enough sidewalks for wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Mr. Tusing will see what he can do about widening them.

 

Commissioner Davis—would like to revisit the permitting fees and the process of obtaining permits; he would like to know the average time that most permits are issued if not having to go in front of the Commission.

 

There are a few street lights out on 17^th Street; Chief Tyler indicated he would have officers patrol that area at night and document issues with the lights.

 

Commissioner Cornwell—asked Commissioner Varnadore if she could attend the Historical Board meeting tomorrow at 6:00 p.m.; Mrs. Varnadore agreed.

 

She stated that the 2019 County Fair was successful. Charlie Clapsaddle, Manatee Educational Television Station Manager, was recognized as the Distinguished Citizen for the year.

 

Commissioner Williams—in regards to the CSX Property, Mr. Freeman followed up and stated that they would like to know how much property the City is seeking so they can make divisions of it [9^th Street Drive from 8^th Avenue to 10^th Avenue West].

 

He distributed notes to Mrs. Johnston from the morning legislative update call; Mrs. Johnston has emailed them out to all Commission.

 

Mr. Williams reminded everyone of the Council of Governments meeting tomorrow at 5:00 p. m. at the Civic Center.

 

Was pleased to see that two derelict boats have been removed from the River.

 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 8:21 p.m.