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 person intending to address City Commission were duly sworn.

 

Mayor Bryant presented the Farm City Week Proclamation to Patty Keen-Freed, Mike Ingram and Amber LaRowe, Farm City Week Committee Members along with Palmetto High Future Farmers of America (FFA) members. Farm City Week begins November 9^th at the Bradenton Farmer’s Market. The Farm Tour is filling up quickly, Mrs. Keen encouraged members of the public to reserve their spot on the fourth and final bus if interested in touring the farm on November 15^th.

 

Mayor Bryant recognized Barbara Nielsen, North River News, for being named Newsperson of the Year by Florida Farm Bureau Federation for outstanding coverage of agriculture.

 

Mayor Bryant presented the Veterans Day Proclamation to Don Courtney, Vice Chair of the Manatee County Veterans Council. Mr. Courtney invited everyone to attend the Veterans Day Parade on November 11^th at Sutton Park. The event begins at 11:00 a.m. with the parade to begin at 11:30 a.m.

 

1. CITY COMMISSION AGENDA APPROVAL

 

Motion:     Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the November 4, 2019 Commission Agenda.

 

 

2. PUBLIC COMMENT

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

 

·         Betty Rhodes

·         Ed Hundley

·         Margie Woodson

·         Michelle Williams

·         Rev. David Mazon

 

Jerry Donley, resident, spoke regarding 17^th Street Park and the cleanup that has taken place. He was thankful to whomever was cleaning it and also expressed concerns regarding the painting that needs to be done under the gazebo, new trash cans, lights under the gazebo, several picnic tables in ill repair and the shut off valve.

 

Commissioner Smith expressed his thoughts and opinions on the comments made from the public regarding the Manatee County School Board, the City of Palmetto, and Lincoln Memorial Academy.

 

3. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL

A.    Commission Minutes: September 23, October 7, and October 21

B.     Resolution 2019-34 Capital Lease Reimbursement

C.     2020 Commission Meeting Calendar and Holiday Schedule

D.    Blalock Walters Legal Invoices

 

Motion:     Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the November 4, 2019 Consent Agenda as recommended by staff with the removal of items B and C for discussion.

 

3.B. Resolution 2019-34 Capital Lease Reimbursement Discussion:

Commissioner Williams questioned the amount on the Resolution. Mr. Freeman asked to review it with Finance and bring back to the next meeting.

 

3.C. 2020 Commission Meeting Calendar and Holiday Schedule Discussion:

Commissioner Williams inquired as to why the March date was not the third Monday as the Code indicates. He recognized that Manatee County public school spring break begins that week but felt that it should not affect the normal routine. Commissioner Cornwell disagreed and opined it is better to skip that week if amenable so that staff can take time off with their kids if necessary.

 

Commissioner Williams then questioned the need to have a meeting the fourth Monday in August instead of the third. It was mentioned that normally the Commission who attend the Florida League of Cities Conference in August and return the third Sunday are not inclined to attend the Commission Meeting the next day.

 

Commissioner Cornwell expressed her opinion on having the first meeting in November the Monday before Election Day and questioned if the Commission was in favor of that. She then discussed the December 21^st date as proposed and inquired if the Commission wanted to have it that late in the month.

 

Mayor Bryant suggested that the Commission discuss and make a motion on each of the months in question [March, August, November and December] so that the calendar can be amended accordingly. She then asked for input from the other Commissioners.

 

Commissioner Smith discussed his opinions surrounding next year’s Multi-Cultural event in January and asked Mr. Burton where he was at on the event. Mr. Burton reminded Mr. Smith that the Multi-Cultural event is on tonight’s CRA Board agenda for discussion and hopefully approval.

Motion:           Commissioner Williams moved to switch the meeting date in March from March 23^rd to March 16^th. Motion dies for lack of second.

 

Commissioner Williams then discussed the August date again. Mayor Bryant asked the other Commissioners their opinions and if any knew if they were going to be attending the Florida League conference next year. Commissioner Smith questioned why this was on the agenda for approval because the Commission can change meetings any time and add new ones. He opined that worrying about this a year from now is unnecessary.

 

Motion:           Commissioner Williams moved to change the August 24 proposed day to August 17. Motion dies for lack of second.

 

Motion:           Commissioner Varnadore moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 4-1 to approve the 2020 Commission Meeting Schedule and Holiday Calendar as recommended by staff. Commissioner Williams voted no.

 

3.B. Resolution 2019-34 Capital Lease Reimbursement Discussion:

Mr. Freeman informed the Commission that he understood the funding on the Resolution that Commissioner Williams questioned. He stated that the amounts bolded ($143,000, $167,000, $74,300 and $242,000) should not be all bolded because the amount of $167,000 is the total for General Fund. The $143,000 is Police Department related which is also part of the General Fund. When adding together the $167,000 with the $74,300 and the $242,000 it equates to the total capital lease of $483,300.

 

Motion:           Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve item 3.B. Resolution 2019-34.

 

4. 706 13 Street West Property

Mr. Freeman reminded the Commission that the property was surplused in 2016. An invitation to negotiate was advertised in 2018 with one response in November of 2018. The Commission authorized staff to enter into discussion with Daniel and Leah Snyder for the sale of this property. The Snyder’s have agreed to purchase this parcel for $10,000 to be used for parking related to the adjacent parcel that they own to the west of this one. The Snyder’s have submitted a proposed plan for parking improvements on the parcel and the City Attorney has indicated that there will be a deed restriction on this parcel stating that it must be used for parking.

 

Motion:           Commissioner Davis moved, Commissioner Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve and authorize the Mayor to execute the purchase contract and deed for 706 13 Street West in the amount of $10,000 subject to final attorney review including deed restrictions designating the parcel being purchased must be used for parking.

 

Mayor Bryant recessed the City Commission meeting to open the November 4, 2019 CRA Board meeting.

 

Mayor Bryant reconvened the City Commission meeting.

 

5. RESOLUTION 2019-42 CONNOR PARK GRANT BUDGET

 

Motion:           Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to adopt Resolution 2019-42, establishing grant funding for Connor Park and ratifying the City's acceptance of the agreement.

6. TRAFFIC UPDATE

 

 

7. PALMETTO POOL UPDATE

Mrs. LaRowe read a letter received from the Board of County Commission on the option of the pool as chosen by the County. The County has chosen option 1. The Commission requested a joint meeting with the County as soon as possible. A copy of the letter is made a part of the minutes.

 

 

8. POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING UPDATE

Chief Tyler reminded the Commission of the meeting on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. The architects will be here.

 

Commissioner Smith requested a copy of the minutes from the Committee meetings and a copy of the appraisal for the CSX land before the meeting.

 

Commissioner Varnadore may not be able to make it in time for the meeting.

 

 

9. DEPARTMENT HEADS COMMENTS

Mr. Freeman—discussed a new conduit application that may be coming forward regarding the Convention Center Hotel as well as an amended discussion with Manatee School for the Arts regarding a revised conduit debt application.

 

Chief Tyler—reviewed 4^th Street West and the no parking signs. He stated there are three located near the canvas business on the corner of 9^th Avenue and 4^th Street. The south side of the street does not have any no parking signs; a photo has been emailed to the Commission.

 

Attorney Barnebey—reminded the Commission that the City has been placed under a threat of litigation in regards to Lincoln Memorial Academy. He stated that the City is not involved with the Manatee County School Board and how they practice their legal decisions. He opined that there is no apparent violation of the law that the City has committed and encouraged any individual that has proof otherwise to contact his office so that the State Attorney’s Office can be involved.

 

 

10. MAYORS REPORT

Mayor Bryant announced the “50 Years on the Block” event at the Palmetto Library. This will be held on November 19^th.

 

Mayor attended the Historical Park Halloween in the Park event on Saturday, there was a great turnout.

 

There will be a derelict boat presentation at the Manasota League of Cities this Friday.

 

Mayor announced Friday’s Palmetto High football playoff at 7:30 p.m.

 

Continued Public Comment Discussion:

Junior Salazar, commented on the recent accusations involving Lincoln Memorial Academy. He echoed the comments from earlier and opined how much the school is needed for the community.

 

Due to the fact that the public comment period ended and Mr. Salazar came up to speak only because he started to speak during the CRA Board meeting, the Commission decided to vote on another member of the public coming to speak.

 

Motion:           Commissioner Smith moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 3-2 to allow Marlina Palmer to make a public comment. Commissioners Varnadore and Williams voted no.

 

Mearlina Palmer, resident, spoke regarding the Manatee School for the Arts Charter School and the conduit debt they have received versus, in her opinion, no help for the Lincoln Memorial Academy.

 

Attorney Barnebey made it clear that the City of Palmetto did not give, donate, or loan Manatee School for the Arts any money. The conduit debt they applied for that the City of Palmetto helped to process is available to Lincoln Memorial Academy as well, if they choose to apply and present before the City.

 

11. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS

Commissioner Williams—distributed a copy of the Madeira Beach Ordinance regarding live aboard vessels. He would like to discuss this at the next meeting. There will be a meeting at Longboat Key with the marine patrol and the WestCoast Inland Navigation District (WCIND) representatives. He asked the Chief if he is able, to send one or two of the officers to the meeting also.

 

Commissioner Cornwell—discussed social media for the City and would like more information on what that would entail especially in regards to Sunshine, public records, upkeep and IT.

 

Mrs. Cornwell asked Mr. Rayan to review the lighting in Lamp Post off of 14^th Avenue West by the Manatee County Fairgrounds. She would be interested to know the estimated cost for more lights.

 

Commissioner Davis—attended the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council meeting today and discussed the Housing and Urban Development mitigation grant for hurricane mitigation. It is available to cities and residents. He will forward the link to Mrs. LaRowe for distribution to the Commission.

 

Commissioner Smith—asked Mr. Rayan about his recent request of information for Palmetto Mobile Home Park lighting. Mr. Rayan was waiting for Mr. Tusing so that they could discuss it. Mr. Tusing returns November 12^th. Mr. Smith encouraged more information by the next meeting this month.

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.