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

Mohammad 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

Mayor Bryant requested the Agenda be approved with the addition of the Special Function Permit for this Thursday (as handed out) as item 3.G. and the first read for Ordinance 2019-24 as item 4.A.

 

 

Motion:           Commissioner Davis moved, Commissioner Cornwell seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the December 16, 2019 Commission Agenda with the addition of item 3.G. and 4.A.

 

 

2. PUBLIC COMMENT

No comment.

 

 

3. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL

A.    Ratification of the General Employees' Pension Board Trustees

B.     Ratification of the Police Officers' Pension Board 5th Trustee

C.     Minutes Approval

D.    Concert in the Park Special Function Permit 2/8/2020

E.     Resolution 2019-49 Honor the Badge

F.      Resolution 2019-45 Carry Forward Encumbrances

G.    Special Function Permit Family Christmas Dinner 12/19/2019 ADDED

 

Motion:     Commissioner Davis moved, Commissioner Williams seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the December 16, 2019 Consent Agenda including the addition of item 3.G. Special Function Permit.

 

 

4. NOVEMBER CHECK REGISTER (Informational Only)

 

 

4. A. FIRST READ ORDINANCE 2019-24 PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC SAFETY (added)

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO, FLORIDA, RELATING TO UNLAWFUL ACTIVITY WITHIN PUBLIC ROADS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY; REVISING REGULATIONS RELATED TO SOLICITATION AND PERMITTING; AMENDING CHAPTER 19 AND CHAPTER 25 OF THE CITY OF PALMETTO CODE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Motion:           Commissioner Williams moved, Commissioner Smith seconded, and the motion carried 5-0 to approve the first read for Ordinance 2019-24 and authorize staff to advertise for a public hearing.

 

 

5. TRAFFIC UPDATE

 

 

6. PALMETTO POOL UPDATE

Mayor Bryant reminded the Commission that the County has cancelled the joint meeting for tomorrow that was to be had to discuss the pool. The County is working on adding the amenities into the design at this point to get the entire pool completed as presented in the Option 1 that has been presented to the Commission on December 2, 2019. This includes the alternate amenities.

 

 

7. POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING UPDATE

8. DEPARTMENT HEADS COMMENTS

Chief Tyler—discussed the holiday party that the Police Department had on Friday December 13^th. At the party, Dispatcher Kristin Hutton was recognized as the Civilian Employee of the Year and Corporal Chris Metzger was recognized as the Officer of the Year. He hopes to bring them forward for formal recognition at the next meeting.

 

He reminded Commission and staff of the Honor the Badge/Shop with a Cop that is happening tomorrow at Walmart at 4:00 p.m.

 

Mr. Freeman—the January Workshop meeting will include a discussion on the Police Department Construction Manager at Risk and the CSX Agreement will be brought back with, hopefully, answers to the Commissions questions from today. The financial advisor agreement for the Police Department will be presented at the 7:00 p.m.

 

Mr. Freeman wished everyone a Happy Holiday.

 

Attorney Barnebey—wished everyone a Happy Holiday.

 

 

9. MAYORS REPORT

Mayor Bryant recapped this weekend’s events that she attended. The pancake breakfast fundraiser for the Palmetto High Soccer Team was well attended. She also highlighted the lighted boat parade that she and Commissioner Williams attended to judge the decorated boats.

 

Mayor discussed the Wreaths across America event from Saturday. Mansion Memorial on Ellenton Gillette was designated for this program as the 101^st inducted cemetery; the first in Manatee County. Due to the short timeframe, the Cemetery could not raise enough funds and were able to receive a donation from the Sarasota Veterans Cemetery to complete the donations needed to supply wreaths for all veterans’ markers in Mansion Memorial. She commented that it was well attended and a beautiful day; donation forms were located on the desk in Chambers for anyone interested in donating for next year’s wreaths.

 

Due to the holidays and timing of the first Friday in January being January 3^rd, Mayor Bryant asked the Commission if they are okay with cancelling the Movie in the Park for January; the Commission agreed.

 

In regards to Celebration Center, Mr. Rayan stated that he and staff have inspected the facility and believe that, after the holidays, repairs can be made to allow the facility to be stable and rented again.

 

Mayor Bryant asked any staff and Commission that are available on December 23^rd to come to Mt. Carmel at 10:00 a.m. for their annual food and toy giveaway.

 

John Wright’s holiday lighting contest had a good turnout and will be judged soon, two Commissioners are on the judging panel.

 

 

10. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS

Commissioner Smith—wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Commissioner Davis—wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Commissioner Cornwell—wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Commissioner Williams—wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

Asked Mrs. Johnston how the toilet rebate program is coming along. Mrs. Johnston stated that she has had a good turnout so far. She has also been to the mobile home parks to educate them on the program and how it helps them even though they are on a master meter. She discussed the funding and that she has put in for next years’ grant.

 

Commissioner Varnadore—asked about the road closures on 14^th Avenue. Mr. Rayan stated that a reclaim water line is being put in and should be a half day process.

 

Mrs. Varnadore wished everyone a Happy Holiday.

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 7:21 p.m.