This Commission Meeting was conducted utilizing Communications Media Technology in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order. Some Elected Officials and Staff members were present in the Commission Chambers while others were present via the Zoom application to respect the social distancing guidelines.

 

Elected Officials Present in Chambers:

Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor

Jonathan Davis, Commissioner-at-Large 1

Harold Smith, Commissioner, Ward 1

 

Elected Officials Present Electronically:

Tambra Varnadore, Vice Mayor, Commissioner, Ward 2

Tamara Cornwell, Commissioner-at-Large 2

Brian Williams, Commissioner, Ward 3 (Entered Meeting at 7:29 p.m.)

 

Staff Present in chambers:

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney

Mohammed Rayan, Public Works Deputy Director

Scott Tyler, Chief of Police

Penny Johnston, Executive Assistant

Vanessa Cochran, Assistant City Clerk

 

Staff Present Electronically:

Jeff Burton, CRA Director

Jim Freeman, City Clerk

Todd Williams, Information Technology (IT) Consultant

 

   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 Varnadore moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to                                            approve the October 5, 2020 Commission Agenda with the addition of White Cane Day Proclamation.

  

Mayor Bryant presented the White Cane Day Proclamation to Mr. Herman Hemple, and the National White Cane Day Awareness Walk is scheduled October 15, 2020. 

 

2.  PUBLIC COMMENT

     None

 

3. CONSENT AGENDA

    a. Resolution 2020-22 Budget Resolution

 

                Motion:  Commissioner Varnadore moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to                                              approve the consent agenda as presented by staff.

 

 

City Commission Meeting

October 5, 2020

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RECESS THE CITY       COMMISSION MEETING TO OPEN THE OCTOBER 5, 2020 CRA BOARD MEETING AT 7:09 P.M.                                      

 

RECONVENE                THE CITY COMMISSION MEETING AT 7:22 P.M.

 

4.   INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH MANATEE COUNTY – LINCOLN PARK POOL (M. BARNEBEY)

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney, informed the Board that Manatee County is preparing to take the Lincoln Park Interlocal Agreement to their Commission in November, and this will be the final step to move it forward.

 

                Motion:  Commissioner Cornwell moved, Commissioner Davis seconded, and the motion carried 4-0 to                                           approve the Interlocal Agreement regarding Lincoln Park Pool Project and authorize the                                                     Mayor/Presiding Officer to execute the Interlocal Agreement and all related documents,                                   including the deed to the County. 

 

STANDING   AGENDA   ITEMS:

 

5.  TRAFFIC UPDATE

Mayor Bryant announced that we are onboard with the Metropolitan Planning Organization and received the first notification from Moe Rayan, Public Works Director, for the traffic signal at Canal Road and US 301.  Also, we are moving forward with plans for the improvements at 23rd Street and US 41.

 

Commissioner Cornwell inquired about the time line for the traffic signal at Canal Road and US 301.  Mayor Bryant responded before December, and they are working on it now.

 

6.   PALMETTO POOL UPDATE

      No comments

    

7.   POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING UPDATE

      No comments

COMMENTS:

 

8.  DEPARTMENT HEADS COMMENTS

Mr. Rayan, Public Works Director, gave an update on several projects.  He stated that Ward 1 Phase 3 Project Survey and Field work was completed and will receive the engineers’ drawings to review by end of October.  The Chloramine House’s job started last week and completion done by mid or end of November.  Also, there were several intersections repaired, and pavement at 15th Street will be completed within two weeks.  Mr. Rayan acknowledged his team for installing 500 feet of 8 inch main lines on 23rd Avenue, and reported that on October 1st, the Public Works’ lobby opened to serve the public and is following Covid-19 guidelines.

 

Commissioner Cornwell asked Mr. Rayan if there was a water break reported. Mr. Rayan stated that it was not a water break, but a point repair at the intersection of 4th Street and 15th Avenue.

 

Jim Freeman, City Clerk, stated that the next Workshop and Commission Meetings will be on October 19th.  He also confirmed that on September 14th, the Board voted to cancel November 2nd meetings, and the next meetings are scheduled November 16th.

 

Mark Barnebey, City Attorney, communicated that the Florida Governor’s Executive Order that allowed electronically held meetings will expire on October 31st, and there will not be any more extensions.  He added that three Commissioners must be present to conduct business. 

City Commission Meeting

October 5, 2020

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9.    MAYORS REPORT

Mayor Bryant expressed that keep Manatee Beautiful partnered with the City, the First Baptist Church Serve Groups, and the Suncoast Aqua Ventures, a non-profit charity, to pick-up rubbish along the Desoto Bridge and Riverside Boat Ramp areas.  And, she expressed her appreciation for their service.  Also, Mayor Bryant reported that Wreathes Across America is still accepting funds for wreathes to be placed on veterans’ graves in the Manatee Memorial Park located in Ellenton.  She added that the Manatee Performing Arts Center will show Peanut Butter Falcon, a family based film, on November 14^th at 7:00 p.m. and requested the City’s assistance in setting up 4 locations across Manatee County.

 

10.  COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS

Commissioner Varnadore stated that she is excited about the Palmetto Pool opening especially for the youths to sign up for swimming teams, practices, and swimming lessons.  Also, maybe in the future, the CRA would offer free swimming lessons.  

 

Commissioner Cornwell stated that she is pleased about the Palmetto Pool opening.  And, she thanked Mr. Rayan and his staff for limited traffic issues during construction, and for their professionalism and kindness toward the people.

 

Commissioner Williams asked Mark Barnebey, City Attorney, about having to advertise for properties that the City leases.  Attorney Barnebey responded that the City normally advertises the leases.  Commissioner Williams inquired if the square footage and dollar amount will be included, or is it open for proposals.  Attorney Barnebey responded that it is open for proposals.

 

Mayor Bryant adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.