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

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, 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 Varnadore moved, Commissioner Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the October 21, 2019 Commission Agenda.

 

 

2. PUBLIC COMMENT

The following members of the public spoke regarding their opinions on the recent accusations that involve the Manatee County School Board, the City of Palmetto, and Lincoln Memorial Academy:

 

·         Michelle Williams

·         Ed Hundley

·         Margie Woodson

·         Rev. David Mazon

·         Rodney Jones

·         Junior Salazar

·         Betty Rhodes

 

Commissioner Smith expressed his thoughts and opinions regarding what was said by the members of the public tonight as well as the recent articles surrounding the School Board and City of Palmetto.

 

 

3. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL

A.    Veterans Day Parade Special Function Permit 11/11/2019

B.     DeSoto Permit for Alcohol Sales at River Regatta Event 2/8/2020

C.     Resolution 2019-41 FY 2020 Capital Improvement Plan

Motion:           Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the October 21, 2019 Consent Agenda.

 

 

4. FIRST READ ORDINANCE 2019-22 TRAILER MEASUREMENT

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY O F PALMETTO, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE PALMETTO CITY CODE, APPENDIX "B", ZONING; AMENDING ARTICLE III, DEFINITIONS; AMENDING SECTION 3.2 DEFINITION OF "COMMERCIAL VEHICLE" TO INCLUDE MEASUREMENTS; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Motion:           Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2019-22, and authorize staff to advertise same for appropriate public hearings.

 

 

5. SEPTEMBER CHECK REGISTER (Informational Only)

 

 

6. TRAFFIC UPDATE

 

 

7. PALMETTO POOL UPDATE

Mayor Bryant informed the Commission that she wrote a letter to the County regarding the discussion and motion made at the October 7^th meeting. A copy of the letter will be distributed to the Commission. She stated that the next step is for the County Attorney to draft/review an agreement with the City Attorney and then present to the Commission for approval.

 

Charles Smith, citizen, spoke regarding the Lincoln Park Pool and is hopeful that quick action will be taken to get it built.

 

 

8. POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING UPDATE

Chief Tyler informed the Commission that the Review Committee will be meeting next week to review one more thing and then bring the recommendation to the Commission for their approval.

 

 

9. DEPARTMENT HEADS COMMENTS

Mr. Rayan—informed the Commission that the gateway sign that is north of the DeSoto Bridge has been damaged. He is seeking the direction of the Commission on how to replace the sign. Would they like a sign that is identical/similar to one that was there or would they prefer something similar to the sign on the Green Bridge. The Commission would like to know if there is fiber ring there for an electronic board. Commissioner Varnadore would prefer staff to prepare information on options for replacement.

 

Mr. Rayan updated the Commission on the projects throughout the City to include the outfall dredge, the EQ Basin, meeting with Florida Power and Light, and the 4^th Street reclaim water project.

 

Commissioner Davis would like to have information on the Palmetto Mobile Home Park having new lights along 12^th, 13^th and 16^th Streets.

 

 

10. MAYORS REPORT

Mayor Bryant handed out a copy of an email and pictures she received regarding parking along 4^th Street between 9^th and 10^th Avenues. A copy of the email and pictures are made a part of the minutes. She asked staff to add this to the next agenda for discussion.

 

Mayor discussed the Suncoast Aquaventures letter that she received, acknowledging the community teams that helped clean up the shoreline.

 

 

11. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS

Commissioner Varnadore—confirmed the date of November 13^th Town Hall meeting at 6:30 p.m.

 

Commissioner Cornwell—discussed the events coming up in the City along with the Manatee County Fair that comes in January.

 

Commissioner Davis—thanked Public Works for their work at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

 

Commissioner Williams—announced that the Palmetto Historical Park Halloween Social was moved to November 2^nd.

 

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m.